Page 6 - CL How to Read a Case Study

The primary source of information is the case study itself.

However, unless told otherwise gathering information from
alternative sources should be considered as an on-going

activity.

In his book “The Name of the Rose”
Umberto Ec,o 1982, wrote that the

bible was not meant to be read

rather, it was meant to be interpreted.

Case studies may be treated similarly.
They are generally written to reflect

real life situations and like life, do not

supply perfect information.

Instead, they require that the reader read between the lines,

make assumptions after re-ordering and combining the

information provided, and by drawing on experience
generate solutions. It is, therefore, through this combination

of stimuli, this marriage of theory, practice, and experience

that conclusions are generated.

These conclusions provide the key to good case solution

generation for it is they that provide the underpinning and

justification for the actions and solutions chosen.