Case Studies

A case study refers to an in-depth study of a person or issue to get a multifaceted view. Information is gathered from different sources, such as through observation and interviews. The collected data is reviewed and relevant theories are applied to recommend a course of action. While the case study method originated in the medical field as a study of a patient, many professional fields use the case study method to better understand a person, group, community, or event.

There are two types of case studies:

  • Problem-solving case studies are used to investigate a problem or situation and use analysis and theory to recommend a solution.
  • Descriptive case studies are used to understand a situation better. This type of case study looks closely at particular aspects of a situation, person, or group to identify what happened and why. Descriptive case studies are useful for guiding decision making in other cases with similar features.

Case studies offer some unique benefits. They provide in-depth information that otherwise might not be able to be phyiscally or ethically created. Case studies also provide a wealth of context to help understand a problem or situation. They allow participants to analyze concrete data, and then view it through a theoretical lens, and apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. Because the situation may resemble actual workplace problems, case studies support the transfer of knowledge.

For more information on effectively using theories in instruction, refer to Theories.

There are also cons to using case studies in training. An existing case study may not fit your training needs and developing a case study is a time-consuming process. It also takes participants more time to work with a case study than other instructional methods. To manage class time, make sure that participants clearly understand the objectives of the case study analysis, any outside resources they can use, your expecations of their final product, and the time limit. A rubric is the best assessment tool to measure the quality and completeness of participant work. As there is no one, correct answer, the results of the case study can be ambiguous. This can be a source of frustration to some participants.

There are two options for using a case study in the training environment. You can present one or more short scenarios that focus on a single aspect or problem. This is good if you have a short class or want to concentrate on one learning outcome. Or you can weave a case study of a complex situation throughout the course so the participants can use it to master several objectives. In any case, you need to orient participants to the points to note, provide questions for them to answer, and, in the end, ask for their takeaways from the activity.

Example

Here is an example to show how to use one case study throughout a course. The activity is designed to meet the following objectives:

  • Manage changes to construction projects
  • Manage stakeholder expectations of change

The instructor presents a project charter with limited background information and project requirements. The participants analyze the project charter and ask questions to get a better perspective on the project scope and objectives. Throughout the course, participants refer to the case study scenario to develop project planning components including a:

  • Scope statement
  • Communication plan
  • Project schedule
  • Risk identification and management
  • Stakeholder matrix

At some point during the activity, the instructor adds a change to the project to force participants to think through how they can manage project changes. By the end of the course, the participants have practiced applying all the topics they had learned to a “real-life” project.

Instructor-Led Training

You can ask participants to create a diagram to demonstrate their comprehension of complex case study scenario. While they record what they know, they will be able to identify information they are missing. Diagramming can also help them to visualize the sequence, organization, or hierarchy involved in the decision-making process. You will need to create and share a checklist or other assessment tool with criteria so participants will be aware of the purpose and expectations for their final product.

Web-Based Training

Independent study courses offer an opportunity to add an interesting twist to the case study analysis activity. Start with a compelling story and use avatar characters to create an emotional appeal. Add branching options so participants need to navigate realistic workplace situations. Each branching option allows participants to check their assumptions or find more information. Participants get to see the consequences of their choices as they work to achieve their desired outcomes, and if they don’t succeed the first time, they can back up or begin again to test different choices.

Web Conference Training

You can create small participant groups to analyze and discuss a case study. They can communicate synchronously or asynchronously using a web conferencing platform or other video or chat application. Assign participants roles in the case study analysis or let them decide within their group who will do what. Using collaborating writing applications, they can gather and organize their ideas, and create a final presentation to share with the whole class.