A case is a written and systematic record of human experience centered on a
problem or issue faced by a person or a group of persons or an organization. It
is a vehicle by which a dramatic chunk of reality is written and recorded as
faithfully as possible in terms of interactions of the people involved. A case
study has unique features. It must have life, meaning and value to its readers;
has a bit of history, a picture rather than a lecture about people acting,
reacting and interacting with each other and depicts motion through the use of
expressive tones, gestures, and other indications of live personalities in
action.
What The Case Writer Should
Posses
The case writer should have some special abilities such as the skill to inspire
confidence, skill in scientific processes of identifying, gathering,
organizing, interpreting and reporting data in such a manner as the true picture
of reality is portrayed. He must also be skilled in communicating the results
of his inquiry in such a manner as to make the case clear and readable as well
as intriguing and interesting to others. Constant alertness for information
that will lead one to select, pursue and discover significant case materials is
a must. Objectivity in handling case data is also important.
In preparing each case, the
writer must give careful thought to the objectives it is designed to serve, to
the contribution it can make to the study of management, to the most effective
manner in which it may be presented and to the criteria it should meet.
Guidelines In Writing A Case
The writing of a case is a literary activity, where
the facts are organized in such a way as to faithfully portray reality.
Concentrate on the focus or thrust by taking into account such factors as the
nature and quality of available data, the manifest and latent problems in the
case, the alternative courses of action, the decisions to be made, and the kind
of teaching objectives it expects to serve.
Five
Major Criteria in Case Writing
SIGNIFICANCE
It should have meaning by illustrating a situation that a manager might expect to meet in his particular field.
INFORMATIVENESS
It should help expand the individual’s reservoir of knowledge and vicarious experiences by the kind of problem and description of the evolution of the problem or the methods used to deal with the problems more systematically or the conflicts of divisions or of competing organizations of individuals.
It should have meaning by illustrating a situation that a manager might expect to meet in his particular field.
INFORMATIVENESS
It should help expand the individual’s reservoir of knowledge and vicarious experiences by the kind of problem and description of the evolution of the problem or the methods used to deal with the problems more systematically or the conflicts of divisions or of competing organizations of individuals.
ORIGINALITY
A case should be self-contained and unique.
EMOTIONALITY
A case should be reflective of emotional undercurrents which were present in the original situation. It must show intriguing situations that challenge the emotionality of the readers.
RESPONSIBILITY
To serve its real purpose, the case should contribute to the evolution of one’s growth, maturity and sense of social responsibility
Data
Gathering Techniques
The various steps in the preparation of a case
study are as follows:
·
Fieldwork
1.
Initiating
pre-arranged interview through telephone calls, personal visit to the residence
or office of the participant and/or introductory letters.
2.
Establishing
rapport and friendship with the person(s) who were in a position to provide
authoritative information about the case.
3.
Making
use of professional approaches.
a.
The
writer should project the image of a professional worker clothed with
professional ethics and behaviour by assuring the participants and parties of
the confidentiality of their persons and/or identities and that after the cases
are written, they will be shown copies of the case for their comment.
4.
Making
use of voice recorder with the permission of the subjects.
·
Writing the case
·
Analysis of the case
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