Struggling with Case Studies in MAHRM? Seeking Advice on Exam Approaches

Hello friends,

I am Maha and I am in my second semester of MAHRM. I need some help with writing a case study. We have no idea how to approach a case study, especially from an exam point of view. I am sure it must be taught in some other colleges, especially in MBA.

Could you kindly advise me on how to solve a case study?

I need your help, please! 😢

Maha

Hello Maha,

Solving a case study, unlike the other sorts of questions and answers, doesn't have any standard answers or solutions. Most of the time, case studies are of a factual nature or real-life scenarios. One needs to be able to see the broad objective of what one wants and what the hindrances are.

I hope I have provided the basic concept of what is what. For further information about case studies and how to solve them, please go through the following links:

- [How to Write Case Study](http://www.klariti.com/business-writing/How-To-Write-Case-Study.shtml)
- [Northwestern University](http://northwestern.edu) (*Link updated to site home*)
- [Northeastern University](http://neu.edu) (very elaborate and good one)

One can find a lot on the net. Views and comments are requested. Hope this solves your problem. If not, do get back. I would be glad to help you out.

Regards and Thanks,
Pradeep

Hi Maha,

For the case studies, we do not have any particular formats. However, some points should be taken into consideration. The first thing is to have a thorough knowledge of what the case is all about. Particularly, if the case involves problem analysis, it is essential to identify and analyze the root cause.

The second step is to identify the HR concepts that are related to the case. The third step involves using the HR concepts to provide a suitable solution for the case. Finally, some suggestions can also be given for that case.

With Regards,

Nila

Hey Maha,

Answering a case study is not a difficult task.

Unlike everybody who would tell you to read the case study a couple of times before answering the questions, I would advise you to read the questions first. This would give you a vague idea about what to look for in the case study.

Once you are done with reading the questions, read the case study a couple of times so that you are clear with the concept behind the case study. While reading the case study, highlight the points which you find are related to the questions, or important points like dates, monetary figures, and other numbers, etc. In general, these highlighted points should give you a rough framework for your answers.

Then proceed to answering the case study. While answering the case study, don't write about the facts of the case study at the very beginning (this is advised most of the time). On the other hand, I would advise you to write about your case analysis and then link it up to the facts, which would support your case analysis and give you a leverage. Make sure that all your points are covered.

If you wish to, you can jot down the points that come into your mind as and when you are reading the case study. This would ensure that you would not miss any points while writing your case analysis.

Hope the information is useful to you.

Regards,

Divya

Hi Maha,

I am sending some of the details about case studies. It's copied from some of the sites, but it's quite important info.

Check for the attachment also.

Case Study: Introduction and Definition

Writing@CSU Home Page | Writing Guides | Case Study

Case Study: Introduction and Definition

A case study refers to the collection and presentation of detailed information about a particular participant or small group, frequently including the accounts of the subjects themselves. A form of qualitative descriptive research, the case study looks intensely at an individual or small participant pool, drawing conclusions only about that participant or group and only in that specific context. Researchers do not focus on the discovery of a universal, generalizable truth, nor do they typically look for cause-effect relationships; instead, the emphasis is placed on exploration and description.

Case Studies: Types and Design Concerns

Under the more generalized category of case studies exist several subdivisions, each of which is custom-selected for use depending upon the goals and/or objectives of the investigator. These types of case studies include the following:

- Illustrative Case Studies

These are primarily descriptive studies. They typically utilize one or two instances of an event to show what a situation is like. Illustrative case studies serve primarily to make the unfamiliar familiar and to give readers a common language about the topic in question.

- Exploratory (or pilot) Case Studies

These are condensed case studies performed before implementing a large-scale investigation. Their basic function is to help identify questions and select types of measurement prior to the main investigation. The primary pitfall of this type of study is that initial findings may seem convincing enough to be released prematurely as conclusions.

- Cumulative Case Studies

These serve to aggregate information from several sites collected at different times. The idea behind these studies is the collection of past studies that will allow for greater generalization without additional cost or time being expended on new, possibly repetitive studies.

- Critical Instance Case Studies

These examine one or more sites for either the purpose of examining a situation of unique interest with little to no interest in generalizability, or to call into question or challenge a highly generalized or universal assertion. This method is useful for answering cause and effect questions.

Conducting Case Studies:

To obtain as complete a picture of the participant as possible, case study researchers can employ a variety of approaches and methods.

These methods and approaches are:

- Single or Multi-modal approach
- Participant Selection
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Composing the Report
- Issues of Validity and Reliability

You can use this guide as a template or you can use your own format.

Title - What? (no more than 3 lines):

The title describes the project or the focus of the case study. Use a headline style to catch people's attention.

Aims/Objectives - Why, Where? (approx 200 words):

Why was this project developed? Give some background on reasons for the project.

Where is it located and whether it is rural or urban?

What group is the focus of the project (youth, elderly, families, general community, etc.)?

The Project - How, Who, When? (approx 350 words):

- Funding - who provided funds and other resources?
- Stakeholders - who ran the project, who else was involved, and how did they contribute?
- Community participation - how did you involve the community and stakeholders in the project?
- Implementation - what were the steps in carrying out the project?
- Time frame - what was the time frame for the project and the short-term and long-term developments?

Results/Evaluation (approx. 200 words):

- How did you monitor/evaluate the project?
- What changes/benefits happened for the target group from the project? (short-term and long-term)
- Did the project achieve its aims/objectives?
- Were there any unexpected outcomes? What are they?

Sustainability (approx. 150 words):

- How will the project and its benefits continue into the future?
- Can the project be replicated with other groups and in other areas?

Lessons Learnt (approx. 200 words):

- What did you and other stakeholders learn from the project?
- What were the main challenges in implementing the project? How did you meet these challenges or difficulties?
- Did anything unexpected happen? How did you handle this?
- What would you do the same/differently if you implement such a project again?
- Any advice for others implementing a similar project?

Contacts/Links/Resources:

Please list any contacts, links, or resources that you found particularly useful in carrying out the project and which could be helpful to others.

Bye then.

Regards,
Prachi