Case studies are about real-life situations found at the end of each chapter in your text Effective Leadership: Theory, Cases, and Applications. They involve an in-depth observation of a “case” such as an event, process, or person. Additionally, case study assignments usually ask you to go further, to analyze the set of circumstances in relation to theory on the topic and possibly make some suggestions to solve a problem. For example, in business courses, the task may be to examine a company’s marketing strategy, human resources policy or some other aspect of their business with which they are experiencing difficulties or which may be undergoing change. In “people oriented” professions such as teaching, nursing or human services, you may be asked about learning strategies; a client’s health or personal circumstances; or, how their healing or self-efficacy‟ are being assisted.
The first stage of any case study is to observe what is taking place. It is important to be as honest as you can and not make your observations “fit” the theories you have read about. These observations are your data and require careful consideration within the confines of the task. Case studies require you to demonstrate the skills of observation, analysis, problem solving, together with an understanding of ethics and professionalism. They should be written in formal, professional language. Describes the case, connects to appropriate theory, lists the relevant data, interprets the relevant data, discusses possible alternatives, and proposes a course of action.
The case study is attached to the order below. The following directives should be used to organize thoughts about a case. As you perform the analysis remain open to the fact that the interpretation of the facts may change and therefore you should constantly revisit your answers. All the below directives are to be addressed:
1. Define the Problem: Describe the type of case and what problem(s) or issue(s) should be the focus for your analysis. If the case is primarily describing a scenario, list the relevant questions to be answered.
2. List any outside concepts that can be applied: Write down any principles, frameworks or theories that can be applied to this case. Often these concepts will come from your reading…
3. List relevant qualitative data: Find evidence related to or based on the quality or character of something.
4. List relevant quantitative data: Find evidence related to or based on the amount or number of something.
5. Describe the results of your analysis: What evidence have you accumulated that supports one possible answers to your questions?
6. Describe alternative actions: List and prioritize possible recommendations or actions that come out of your analysis.
7. Describe your preferred action plan: Write a clear statement of what you would recommend as a possible, different outcome than what was described in the case.
8. Questions: Answer each of the questions related to the Case Study, each a paragraph. Begin each of your answers with a declarative statement that encompasses each specific question. Each answer should be one paragraph that answers the question as comprehensively as possible.
9. Reflect and Apply: Evaluate your relevant questionnaire results in relation to the Case Study. What do the results suggest about you and how would you apply those results to this Case Study or another unique leadership situation?
10. Faith Integration: Reflect and reply upon the faith message from this week’s announcement (or the spiritual concept of your choice). Is there a Case Study application? If so, discuss that application, and if not, discuss how you might apply the important component(s) of the message to another real-life scenario.
