Page 38 - Case Lab Summary

scrutinised. For example, whatever the case study its structure, such

as shown in diagram 3, is common to all business case writing.
Combining Davis’s characteristics with the structural elements in

Diagram 3 should in theory allow the development of a good case
study – long or short - that stands out, bears repeated use and helps

achieve the objectives of the course it is designed for.

However, as Diagram 3 indicates, the structural elements that the

case user (student) has to address when developing a solution to the

questions set in the case assessment is far from clear. For one thing,
the information supplied in the case is often non-linear thereby

making it difficult to interpret.

In Diagram 3, Davis’ factors are assumed to be embedded in the case

study where the case study provides enough information on a
business issue(s) from which conclusions may be drawn. However,

the case also has a lot of ‘noise’ which camouflages the critical

factors. Added to this is that some information is probably missing,
some is disguised and some is non-linear in aspect. Nevertheless, a

good deal may be inferred from what is available.