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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.

Diagram 3: Case Structure

At this point it is clear that the case study, whether long or short, is a
complex unstructured problem, set to address specific issues, problems,
topics and areas and eliciting a level of analysis drawing on applied
theory and tools of analysis. So how does the user analyse a case
study? The answer is to systematise the process.