Case Study Problem: Xenon Pastries faces a problem handling larger orders as Christmas Day approaches. With an estimated 15% increase in customer demand, this is the most significant increase in their daily orders since 2012. The management aims to maximize profit opportunities given the rise in customer demand.
ACA #1: Hire part-time workers to increase staff numbers and meet the overwhelming seasonal increase in customer orders. Currently, Xenon Pastries has a total of 9 workers who are responsible for the accommodation of orders, preparation, and delivery of products, and addressing customers’ inquiries and complaints. Hiring 2 – 3 part-time workers can increase productivity and meet the daily order volume.
Disadvantages
ACA #2: Increase the prices of Xenon pastries’ products to increase revenues . This option can maximize Xenon Pastries’ profit even if not all customers’ orders are accommodated.
Case Study Problem: Delta Motors has been manufacturing motorcycles for ten years. Recently, the business suffered a gradual shrink in its quarterly revenues due to the increasing popularity of traditional and newly-developed electric bikes. Delta Motors seeks a long-term strategy to attract potential customers to bounce back sales.
ACA #1: Develop a “regular installment payment” scheme to attract customers who wish to purchase motorcycles but have insufficient lump-sum money to acquire one. This payment scheme allows customers to pay an initial deposit and the remaining amount through smaller monthly payments.
ACA #2: Introduce new motorcycle models that can entice different types of customers. These models will feature popular designs and more efficient engines.
1. how many alternative courses of action (aca) can a case study have.
Sometimes your instructor or teacher will tell you the required number of ACA that must be included in your case study . However, there’s no “standard” limit to how many ACA you can indicate.
As mentioned earlier, the case study’s ACA aims to enumerate all possible solutions to the problem. It is not the stage where you state the “final” action you deem most appropriate to address the issue. The case study portion where you explicitly mention your “best” alternative is called the “Recommendation.”
To help you understand the point above, let’s return to our Delta Motors example. In our previous section, we have provided two ACA that can solve the problem, namely (1) developing a regular installment payment plan and (2) introducing a new motorcycle model.
Suppose that upon careful analysis and evaluation of these ACA, you came up with ACA #2 as the more fitting solution to the problem. When you write your case study’s recommendation, you must indicate the ACA you chose and your reasons for selecting it.
Here’s an example of the Recommendation of the case study:
Recommendation
Introducing new motorcycle models that feature popular designs and more efficient engines to entice different types of customers is the most promising alternative course of action that Delta Motors can implement to bounce back its quarterly revenues and keep up with the competitive market. This creates a strong impression on the public of the company’s dedication to promoting high-quality motorcycles that can withstand changes in consumer preferences and market trends. Furthermore, this action proves that the company is continuously evolving to offer a variety of alternative models to suit everyone’s tastes. With proper promotion, these models can rekindle the company’s popularity in the automotive and motorcycle industry.
Written by Jewel Kyle Fabula
in Career and Education , Juander How
Jewel Kyle Fabula is a Bachelor of Science in Economics student at the University of the Philippines Diliman. His passion for learning mathematics developed as he competed in some mathematics competitions during his Junior High School years. He loves cats, playing video games, and listening to music.
Browse all articles written by Jewel Kyle Fabula
All materials contained on this site are protected by the Republic of the Philippines copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, or broadcast without the prior written permission of filipiknow.net or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright, or other notice from copies of the content. Be warned that we have already reported and helped terminate several websites and YouTube channels for blatantly stealing our content. If you wish to use filipiknow.net content for commercial purposes, such as for content syndication, etc., please contact us at legal(at)filipiknow(dot)net
By publishing your document, the content will be optimally indexed by Google via AI and sorted into the right category for over 500 million ePaper readers on YUMPU.
This will ensure high visibility and many readers!
You can find your publication here:
Share your interactive ePaper on all platforms and on your website with our embed function
Guidelines for Writing a Case Study Analysis - Ashford Writing
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
3. Alternatives • Outline possible alternatives (not necessarily all of them) • Explain why alternatives were rejected • Constraints/reasons • Why are alternatives not possible at this time 4. Proposed Solution • Provide one specific and realistic solution • Explain why this solution was chosen • Support this solution with solid evidence • Concepts from class (text readings, discussions, lectures) • Outside research • Personal experience (anecdotes) 5. Recommendations • Determine and discuss specific strategies <strong>for</strong> accomplishing the proposed solution. • If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues • What should be done and who should do it Finalizing the <strong>Case</strong> After you have composed the first draft of your case study analysis, read through it to check <strong>for</strong> any gaps or inconsistencies in content or structure: Is your thesis statement clear and direct Have you provided solid evidence Is any component from the analysis missing When you make the necessary revisions, proofread and edit your analysis be<strong>for</strong>e submitting the final draft. (Refer to Proofreading and Editing Strategies and 20 Common <strong>Writing</strong> Errors to guide you at this stage.)
Extended embed settings
You have already flagged this document. Thank you, for helping us keep this platform clean. The editors will have a look at it as soon as possible.
Delete template.
Are you sure you want to delete your template?
This ePaper is currently not available for download. You can find similar magazines on this topic below under ‘Recommendations’.
Choose your language
Main languages
Further languages
Performing this action will revert the following features to their default settings:
Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.
Saved successfully!
Ooh no, something went wrong!
10015 Ivrea, Italy
(+39) 334 855 0474. | [email protected]
by John Cole | Aug 11, 2021 | Collateral , B2B Copywriting , Lead Generation , Case Studies | 0 comments
Case studies have long been one of the most popular and influential forms of marketing content.
In Eccolo Media’s annual B2B Technology Collateral Survey Report s (2008 to 2014), for example, technology buyers ranked case studies the second most influential content type – trailing only white papers – seven years in a row . 1 More recently, 60% of marketing influencers told Ascend2 that research and case studies are the content target audiences trust the most. 2
There’s really no surprise here. After all, case studies are short, quick reads. They’re familiar, easy to follow. They give technology buyers the information they need: solid evidence that they can succeed with your solution. And besides… everybody loves a good story.
But the traditional case study format has its drawbacks. It’s not always the perfect fit for every company, objective, audience, or customer story. And there’s a sameness to traditional case studies that makes it easy for them to get lost in the marketing message crowd.
So today, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of a few “alternative” formats you may want to consider for your next success story project. Those I’ve chosen can all work well with technology-purchasing audiences. But before we explore the alternatives, let’s take a brief look at the pros and cons of the traditional case study.
We all know the traditional case study format. Four distinct sections under four well-known headings: Customer, Challenge (or Problem), Solution, and Results. They’re familiar to every B2B audience, easy to follow, easy to write.
So, what are the drawbacks of this tried-and-true formula?
Well, first of all, when you begin by describing the customer, it’s hard to get off to a compelling start. A good story provides some drama or intrigue right at the beginning to grab readers’ attention and pull them into the narrative. That drama comes from the customer’s challenge , not his background. Starting with a subject profile is not the best choice for some marketing objectives, like lead generation.
Second, the section headings offer no intrigue. They provide structure, but nothing to draw the attention of scanners. There’s no benefit. Besides, we’ve seen them all before.
Lastly, traditional case studies don’t appeal to trade journal editors. Editors want feature articles that resemble news stories, not academic papers or marketing pieces. If you want to get your case study placed in a trade magazine (or appeal to scanners or generate leads), you need a different format.
So, what are the alternatives to the traditional case study format? Here are five that can appeal to technology audiences.
The “feature story” case study format is probably the most popular alternative to the traditional one. The reason it’s so popular? It addresses all the deficiencies of the traditional case study format.
As you’ve undoubtedly guessed, this type of case study is written like a feature story in a newspaper or magazine. It can follow the same logical sequence as the traditional form, but the information is not grouped under the standard subheads. Instead, the feature story case study employs techniques journalists use to engage readers, like descriptive subheads and an engaging opening paragraph, or “lead.”
To create drama in the lead, writers will typically start with the challenge, rather than a customer description. Background on the customer can either be sprinkled into the narrative—as a fiction author fleshes out characters—or placed in a sidebar. Descriptive subheads help to both summarize the story and pique the interest of scanners.
The big advantage of the feature story format is its engaging narrative flow. When well written, feature stories are more enjoyable to read and hold our attention better than traditional case studies. This makes them better for lead generation purposes. That’s also why trade editors like them. They look and read like other feature articles they publish.
The downside of the feature story format is that it requires greater writing skill. The writer must know how to handle key elements, like the headline, lead, and subheads. Story elements must be woven together into a cohesive narrative that flows relentlessly to a satisfying ending. If the reader gets lost, your success story will be a failure.
What could be better than a compelling, captivating success story? How about two?
The “story-within-a-story” is a variation of the feature story format. Along with describing why the customer chose your solution and how well it solved their problem, this case study format also includes an example of how your customer uses your solution to provide a better product or service to its own customers.
In other words, it contains a second case study that focuses on one of your customer’s customers.
This format can work very well if your market is OEMs, system integrators, or other vendors who incorporate your solution into their own. It’s also great for getting customer approval for your case study project and buy-in on joint marketing ventures; your customer gains publicity for one of their own successes. And like other feature stories, the story-within-a-story is ideal for trade journal placement and lead generation.
But with double the upside, you also get double the downside. This type of case study is more complex to produce. It involves additional interviews and approval cycles with your customer’s customer. Plus, crafting story-within-a-story calls for even greater writing skill than the feature story. Your writer needs to make sure the second story nests comfortably within the first without upsetting the flow of the narrative.
If you want a case study that can be created quickly and easily, consider the Q&A .
As the name suggests, a Q&A case study consists of a list of questions and the customer’s answers to each. While not a great lead-gen tool, Q&As can be very useful as website, blog, and newsletter content for nurturing leads and keeping customers engaged.
There are several advantages to the Q&A. The form is simple and doesn’t require great writing skills, so they’re quick and easy to produce. The questions, however, must be well thought out.
Q&A case studies are very appealing to technical audiences. Normally distrustful of marketing collateral, techies tend to like Q&As conducted with engineers or other technicians in roles similar to their own. They like getting no-nonsense information directly from their peers.
The downside here is that success is largely dependent on the quality of your customer’s responses to your questions. You need to pay a lot of attention to selecting the right customer rep for your interview. And your interviewer must be prepared to draw good information out of that person. There’s very little you can do in the editing process.
If your audience would respond well to a Q&A case study, but you want something you can place in a trade journal or use in lead generation campaigns, a “first-person” case study may fit the bill.
Like the Q&A, a first-person case study tells the story of a customer’s success with your solution in the customer’s own words. But the form is less rigid, more like that of a feature article. First-person case studies gain credibility by letting the reader hear the story “straight from the horse’s mouth” – like an extended testimonial.
First-person case studies are most often used by coaches and consultants who work with individuals. But they can succeed with corporate prospects as well, especially technical audiences. They tend to work best when the protagonist – the storyteller – had a big personal stake in the outcome of the story (had much to lose if the problem was not resolved, made or championed the purchase decision, etc).
What’s more, these individuals will often be more than willing to shepherd your case study through their own corporate approval process. After all, having a success story publicly documented can give a boost to one’s career.
Among the drawbacks of the first-person case study are that they can take longer to prepare, and they are not good for trade journal publication, due to the first-person perspective. They also have a potentially shorter shelf life. If the featured individual leaves the company, the customer might want the story discontinued.
Finally, a word of warning regarding first-person case studies: Don’t ask customers to write them themselves. Most won’t have the necessary writing skills or experience—let alone the time—to pull the project off. To create a story in the customer’s own words, your writer will need to prepare for a longer interview process and draw the full story out of the subject… without putting words in his or her mouth.
Sometimes, it’s in a company’s interest to publish a case study before their customer has achieved any measurable results from their solution. This is called an “expected results” case study.
I wrote one of these recently. My client, an IT services company, had recently delivered Phase 1 of a three-phase project for a prestigious American university. We took an “expected results” approach for several reasons.
First, my client wanted to immediately leverage that success and the customer’s marquee name in their lead generation activities. But most of the measurable results of the project would not be realized until after the completion of Phase 3.
Second, Phase 1 had been the most critical phase of the project and held a very compelling story. It was a prime illustration of my client’s unique selling proposition and the reason the customer had chosen them for the job: the ability to deliver great results, on time and under budget, to an impossible deadline.
Third, while the customer had no problem with their name being used, the participation of a university representative in an interview was subject to a lengthy approval process. There was the possibility that customer participation and measurable results would never become available.
And finally, I would be interviewing members of my client’s technical staff, rather than the customer. Since staff members move quickly to other projects once a job is finished, my client wanted to document this project while it was still fresh in their minds.
Any of these circumstances would have been a good reason to proceed with an expected results story. Plus, there’s another great thing about this type of case study: it can be updated later, once the results are known.
The drawback of the expected results case study, of course, is that it has a weaker impact due to the lack of metrics. It forces you to make a case for your projected results. But if you have a compelling customer story and just lack hard results data, an expected results case study can let you leverage that story right away.
1. The traditional case study format (customer-challenge-solution-results) is still effective, but it can get lost in a crowd.
2. Traditional case studies are not always the best choice for every company, story, audience, or marketing objective.
3. Fortunately, you have a wide range of effective alternatives to the traditional case study format, including these five formats which work well with tech audiences:
If you’d like help interviewing a customer and crafting a case study in any of these formats, including the traditional one, email me at [email protected] .
1 Eccolo Media 2008-2014 B2B Technology Collateral Surveys , www.eccolomedia.com .
2 Content Marketing Engagement Survey Summary Report , Ascend2, June 2019.
(See our privacy policy )
OR Click here for more information.
Not ready to talk about a new copywriting project just yet contact me anyway to get your free copy of my latest special report:.
10 Common Mistakes That Kill White Paper ROI How to Avoid Them and Generate More Leads
And don’t forget to sign up for my FREE e-zine, Technical Response . Not only will you receive tips for better content marketing and lead generation. You’ll also receive a copy of my white paper, How to Plan a White Paper: A Proven 7-Step Process for Minimizing Headaches and Maximizing ROI , absolutely FREE. Subscribe now!
Table of Contents
The most effective way for learning to take place is to actually be in real situations, make decisions, deal with the consequences of those decisions, and learn from our real mistakes. Nothing will ever replace learning from experience. Cases (which involve real situations although names may be changed) allow us to "simulate" real life situations when we don’t have the luxury of having years of experience. Cases allow us (to some degree) to live with real situations, make decisions, and feel the consequences. Like scientists in a laboratory, students of management use case problems and experiential exercises as "laboratory" opportunities to experiment with real organizations in the classroom setting.
Cases attempt to reflect the various pressures and considerations managers confront in everyday organizational life. By using complex real world problems as a focus, cases are designed to challenge you to develop and practice skills that will be appropriate to the practical problems you will face in your career.
The case method is based on the learning principle that learning occurs most when people teach themselves, through their own struggles. You will gain greater understanding and improved skills in judgment when you work through a problem than if you listened passively to a lecture. Similarly, there will be greater learning if you "use" a theory than if you just heard about it. Therefore cases have two basic uses:
Like real situations cases center around an array of partially-ordered, ambiguous, seemingly contradictory and reasonably unstructured facts, opinions, inferences and bits of information, data, and incidents out of which you must provide order by selectively choosing which bits to use and which to ignore. In real life others won’t do this for us. As in real life situations, it is unlikely that any two people would assemble the data or make inferences identically. You will have to work within the limitations inherent in evidence and arrive at internally consistent interpretations. Experiencing the process of learning this way may be frustrating and confusing, but it is also practical and realistic.
Cases, as in real management situations, require you to work with the "as is" of reality, not the "should be" of theory. Like managers you will have to exercise judgment which can be improved by discussion and consultation with others. However, note that like the manager, you will seldom be sure before your decision is made and often after it is made, that you have made the right or "best" decision. Like any manager, you will approach cases under time pressure, on the basis of limited facts, and in the face of many unknowns. You will approach cases along with other people who like you have idiosyncrasies and limitations, and different opinions.
In summary, cases have a number of benefits:
Little can be learned from a case without preparing it carefully and discussing it with others. Cases are not designed to present you with a right answer which you can memorize in the hopes that you will remember it if you ever encounter a similar situation. Similarly you won’t gain much from listening to what others think is the right answer. The learning comes from actively participating in the search for solutions. Cases are the raw materials that permit simulation in the classroom of actual discussions carried on informally among managers.
Preparation : Cases require more preparation and active participation than most class activities. How much you get out of a case discussion depends heavily on how much effort you put into preparing it before class. Many students confronting cases for the first time are overwhelmed; they see so many factors that come into play. Facts are confusing and ambiguous and often incomplete. This guide is intended to help you walk through the critical steps.
Informal Discussion Groups: After preparing a case by yourself, it can really help to meet with a group of other students to talk about a case before class. This will give you a chance to test your ideas on others and learn about other perspectives about the case.
Participating in Class Discussions: The purpose of the class discussion is to test others ideas so that together students can reach a richer and deeper understanding of the case. The role of the discussion is to moderate and create an environment in which contributions of individual students build on one another to understand the problem more fully. The instructor’s role is not to answer. The instructor may highlight, synthesize the issues and help shape the discussion.
The quality of the class discussion depends on the quality of the students’ preparation and participation in class. The class should be considered a team of colleagues that has been asked to work together to solve a challenging problem. This requires good team members to push ideas and support them. Good class also requires an emphasis on listening; others will raise ideas you hadn’t thought of and you should be prepared to change your mind and incorporate new ideas when you find them persuasive.
Try to have your ideas build on the comments of others. Don’t be afraid to be challenged or to be wrong. Sometimes students leave a class discussion discouraged because many issues and arguments that were raised that they had not considered before class. Remember that no case would be worth discussing if it were simple and straightforward enough for you to have figured it out on your own.
The classroom should be a place where you can test ideas and learn from each other. Finally enjoy yourself. There should be a lot of satisfaction in struggling with a complex problem and through your efforts, coming to a better understanding of it.
The checklist is presented as a framework for diagnosis, problem-solving, and managerial action taking. Note that few if any situations that you will experience will require that you consider every element listed here. Management is a dynamic, ongoing process that never takes place as sequentially or rationally as this list would imply. In most real-world situations, as opposed to case discussions in class, you already know a great deal about the people and prior experiences that are relevant. In addition, events never turn out exactly as you anticipate them.
Most cases require at least two readings, sometimes more; the first time through should involve familiarizing yourself with the basic situation; you may be given some guide questions to help you and you also might think about why the case was assigned now. There are some standard questions that you might keep in mind as you read the case:
Managers and students rarely have complete information and must rely on inferences. Be prepared to make creative assumptions; good analysis goes beyond identifying the relevant facts in the case. If some facts aren’t given, figure out what you can assume they are.
Rereading: After the first reading, try to formulate several plausible courses of action and explanation for the data in the case. Imagine yourself as various key people in the case and figure out why you (as the person in the case) might have acted as he/she did, or what you would do. Think about the consequences if you are wrong.
Using evidence and numbers: One of the most difficult problems in preparing a case is sorting through the mass of information and evidence. Often cases involve considerable background information of varying relevance to the decision at hand. Often cases involve conflict with different actors providing selective information and courses of action to support their claims. As in real life, you must decide what information is important and what isn’t and evaluate apparently conflicting evidence.
As in real life, you will be faced with a lot of information but perhaps not exactly the information you need. It is not uncommon to feel paralyzed by all the available information; it is difficult to identify the key information after the first reading. You should be slightly skeptical about the information presented or the interpretation placed on it by various actors in the case. You won’t have time to question all evidence in the case but if the evidence is critical, you might ask yourself what it really implies and whether it is as compelling as it seems.
As you read the case keep in mind:
What is the critical issue or problems to be solved? This is probably the most crucial part of the analysis and sometimes the hardest thing to do in the whole analysis. Perhaps the most common problem in case analysis (and in real life management) is that we fail to identify the real problem and hence solve the wrong problem. What we at first think is the real problem often isn’t the real problem .
To help in this stage here are some questions to ask in trying to identify the real problem:
Traps in this stage :
Once you have identified the key problem(s), try to find the causes here. Most critical here is avoiding solutions, and avoiding blaming or judging people. Also
In thinking about a context for generating alternatives, think about:
In considering the alternatives generated above you need to be clear on the criteria you will use to evaluate them. Some possible criteria include:
Remember that there is no one "elegant" solution; all solutions have costs and benefits ; identify pros and cons of each alternative; evaluate relative to goals; look at main and side effects you may have to make inferences and judgments; do this as long as you have good reasons for your inferences Choose alternative which best meets the criteria. The decision might not be accepted by those involved so you may have to choose a more acceptable one. You might want to rank order your alternatives according to how well they meet the criteria used. as you think about action, put yourself into the case; try to project living with the consequences
In thinking about implementation you want to think about these areas:
Action Plans : provide options for meeting specific objectives should include: a brief description of the plan, costs, benefits, drawbacks
Some simple models are helpful in thinking about implementation. One involves thinking about implementation as involving three stages:
Accept that cases and managerial situations involve:
Try to avoid:
Case teaching is a lab experience. It is low risk and participative. It does not provide "how to" or surefire techniques. Students sometimes express dissatisfaction with cases. "Information is ambiguous, redundant, irrelevant; the issue isn’t stated clearly; the instructor isn’t directive enough; we never know the "right" answer; the instructor should lecture more."
These comments are legitimate. But for the most part the difficulties associated with case teaching stem from real situations themselves. These are the same dilemmas you will face as managers.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
Following are the main Components/Parts of a Case Study;
Introduction, alternatives and decision criteria, recommendations and implementation plan, conclusion and references, citing sources.
Writing a case study is not a simple process as it can take several months to write it successfully. There are many stages you need to complete first and after that, you finally come at the stage of writing your case study like selecting the topic, a lot of research ( qualitative research, quantitative research or interview with subjects etc), etc. While writing a case study, bear in mind that all the case studies aren’t the same for sure and vary largely in size, type, and design. It is necessary for a writer to follow a proper case study format while writing it, no matter what.
If you are going to write your very first case study, you need to know that every case study has a specific format, as mentioned above. Students or businesses all over the globe must follow that format in order to make their case study successful. However, one may choose to be a little bit different but the basics remain the same for everyone. Here we are going to discuss different case study sections. The purpose of every section in case study format is different from other and comprise of several unique key elements.
You may also study: How To Write a Case Study
It will definitely assist you to write your own case study with the utmost ease. The sections that are included in the case study are executive summary, introduction, analysis, alternatives and decision criteria, recommendations and implementation plan, conclusions and references, citing sources.
Before moving towards a detailed view of the case study format , let us have a look at the case study benefits.
Have you ever think why case studies are developed? This is the question you must ask yourself before writing your very first case study. Knowing the answers and keeping all that stuff in mind will let you write a successful and worth-reading case study.
It is the best way to put the students or learners in an active learning mode. Instead of just testing their memory, case study challenges the students to test their learning via practice, which is usually the easiest approach. In short, case studies proffer students a great opportunity to analyze and resolve the real-world problem with a practical approach. It makes the interpretation as well as problem-solving tasks easy for the learners.
Executive summary for a case study is usually similar to the general summary. It is basically a short snapshot that shed the image of your entire case precisely, which consists of a page, most of the time. It doesn’t include too much detail about your case but focuses on key elements or main highlights of your case study. Reading the executive summary of your case study must give the reader an idea about the entire case study and its key elements. There are two approaches adopted to write case studies.
There are a few things which are necessary to include in your case study’s executive summary i.e. problem statement, recommendation, evidence and supporting arguments, and last but not the least conclusion.
All these things comprise to form a perfect executive summary, which let the reader walk through the entire case study, just by reading it.
The introduction section of the case study is somehow different from the introduction section of research paper . What is this section intended to have? It is usually here to formulate the stage for your entire case study. It must not only introduce the report of your case but also should state the key problem being faced and discussed thoroughly in a clear and accurate tone.
One thing which is worth-mentioning here is that case study is not like a scientific research report, which is only read by the experts or scientists. It must be written in such a way that a layperson could read and understand it well. Reading the introduction section of case study must let the user know about full case study i.e. what it is about, what are the key areas discussed in this and how the reader will get benefit from it etc. It must not be short enough to miss the necessary details. On the other hand, it must not be long enough that it becomes boring.
Don’t include irrelevant or unnecessary details in it. Just be precise and accurate, and try to include the following:
The next section of the case study, when it comes to case study format is analysis. It is usually a detailed section of your case study and it is supposed to examine the problem (which is identified in the previous section) in detail.
When it comes to the right way to structure the analysis section, make sure to ask from your instructor about this, whether there is any format to follow specifically when writing it i.e. SWOT or PEST etc? If your instructor tells you to write it generally, here are a few important things you need to know.
This section of the case study format addresses two key areas. The first one is alternatives and the second one is the decision criteria.
As the name suggests, alternatives must mention all the potential ways the identified problem can be addressed. It let the reader think about the different directions (which are successful as well) to solve the problem. Knowing all the alternatives or the available options to solve the problem, the reader can definitely identify the best possible solution to the problem, as per knowledge and thinking criteria.
One thing which is worth mentioning here is that all the presented solutions to the problems in the alternatives portion must be mutually exclusive. Why is it important to present the mutually exclusive alternatives? What are basically mutually exclusive alternatives?
Mutually exclusive alternatives refer to the situation in which selecting one alternative eliminate all others. There is a specific and a single solution to the identified problem. Mutually exclusive alternatives prevent a scenario in which it becomes essential to implement several available alternatives. When the alternatives will be mutually exclusive, it means that choosing one will eliminate the chances of selection of all others and thus, one alternative will be implemented.
The second thing which needs to be stated here in this portion is decision criteria. It means that you must state precisely your decisive factor i.e. key requirements one need to meet successfully for solving the problem. It is the most important thing here in this portion and you must state it in easy to read and simple words so that the reader could understand it well.
In this section of the case study format , the reader is well aware of all the recommendations for sure. So, there is no need to introduce the reader to the basics of the recommendations again. Rather, you are supposed to let the reader know the specifics of recommendation for solving the identified problem. In this regard, the reader will automatically get all the aspects of the recommended solution to the problem and will see how it will take you to the path of success i.e. towards the path of resolving the problem. For executing the recommendation in a successful manner, here you need to proffer the reader a well thought-out and a comprehensive implementation plan so that the reader could execute the recommended solution, making sure the success.
The recommendations and implementation plan is supposed to include a few things must, which are the following:
A detailed overview of what your recommendation entails, which are necessary steps to follow to implement this successfully and also, the required expertise or a list of equipment needed.
When it comes to the implementation plan, here are a few things which are essential to state here:
This is the portion of your case study where you are going to make a final ending note for your reader in a few easy to understand yet powerful statements. These statements must emphasize the proposed recommendations. As per common observation, a few instructors don’t suggest you to include this portion of conclusion in your case study but it is helpful in providing a strong endnote to your case study.
There are a few things which are essential to add in this conclusion section, which are the following:
However, the conclusion is the most important section of your case study as you are going to give your entire case an end note, so here are a few things you must keep in your mind while writing this portion.
As per universal rule, you must cite any idea, though, or expression that is not yours and is presented by someone else. These citations are must to include at the end of your case study. The plagiarism policies or academic misconduct policies vary from one institute to another so you must familiarize yourself with the ones of your institute. Other than this, try your level best to make your case study written in a perfect manner and make sure to cite all of the following:
If you are going to write the citation for the very first time, you need to know that these aren’t written generally. Rather, there is a specific format to follow while writing them. There are a few citations styles which are used by the students universally but before finalizing, you must ask your instructor to suggest you the best one.
A few most commonly used citation styles are the following:
There are a few characteristics your case study must possess, which are the following:
The first and foremost thing is that each and every section or part of your case study must be logical. Any guesses or estimations must not be included in your case study as everything is supposed to be logical and authentic. However, you can choose to write your observation generally in your case study but it must not state any sort of assumptions made from that.
The next thing is that your case study must not miss any data or findings. It should be all inclusive i.e. you aren’t given the authority to choose data or findings to include or skip. You are liable to put everything in it. Otherwise, it could fail to be a successful case study.
The last thing to mention here is that your case study must be thorough. You aren’t just meant to write down all the observations during your research but rather, you must proffer the in-depth detail to every observation as well.
So, this is all about writing your case study as well as the right case study format to follow while writing it. Keep all the above-listed things in mind and start your writing process now.
Lots of Luck!
Research paper example, how to write a motivational statement, how to write a good psychology research proposal, how to write a mechanical engineering research paper, apa research paper parts and sections, how to research a topic, how to write a personal essay, research project outline example, research paper format, what is a dissertation paper, leave a comment cancel reply.
Please enter an answer in digits: four × 1 =
Looking for a Google Analytics alternative that offers better customization, improved product analytics , and more data accuracy?
We’ve carefully researched some of the best options available and distilled them to seven. Read on to see the list and why they stand out.
You may need a Google Analytics alternative because of:
7 Best Google Analytics alternatives by use case are:
Need an all-in-one alternative to Google Analytics that lets you not only collect but also act on customer data? Book a demo with Userpilot and we will guide you through this process!
Google Analytics is a web analytics platform that allows business to track their website or app performance.
Its core features include:
Despite its comprehensive features, Google Analytics may not be the best solution for your analytics needs, and here’s why:
Ready to explore Google Analytics alternatives? This section covers some of the best contenders on the market right now, along with their core features and pricing information.
Userpilot is an all-in-one product growth platform that helps teams improve user engagement and drive product adoption .
Userpilot’s key features include:
Userpilot offers three pricing plans :
Fathom Analytics is a privacy-focused web analytics tool designed as a simple and ethical alternative to traditional analytics platforms.
Fathom’s pricing starts at $15/month and allows you to track up to 50 sites.
Matomo (formerly Piwik) is an open-source analytics platform that offers both on-premise and cloud-hosted deployment options, making it a better Google Analytics alternative for companies seeking full data control.
The on-premise (self-hosted) option has no data limits, while the cloud version can restrict you, depending on your plan. However, regardless of the option you’re on, the interface is highly customizable and detailed.
Plausible markets itself as an “easy to use and privacy-friendly Google Analytics alternative,” and it’s not just marketing gibberish.
The platform’s script is 75 times lighter than Google Analytics, which translates to faster page load times.
Heap is a digital insights platform that captures and analyzes customer behavior across various platforms (web, mobile, and cloud applications).
Heap has a free version, but pricing for the paid plans is only available on request.
Adobe Analytics is part of the Adobe Experience Cloud, a comprehensive suite of enterprise-level marketing and analytics tools.
Custom pricing based on specific requirements and data volume.
Semrush is primarily known as a search engine optimization and digital marketing toolkit. However, it also offers analytics features to help you gauge website performance.
And that’s a wrap! If you’re seeking a comprehensive solution that not only collects valuable customer data but also empowers you to take action and drive engagement, consider Userpilot.
Ready to see how Userpilot makes a better Google Analytics alternative? Book a demo today to discuss with our team.
Leave a comment cancel reply.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
The fastest way to learn about Product Growth,Management & Trends.
The coolest way to learn about Product Growth, Management & Trends. Delivered fresh to your inbox, weekly.
The fastest way to learn about Product Growth, Management & Trends.
Aazar Ali Shad
How to leverage customer insights.
Stereotactic needle biopsy stands as a crucial method for diagnosing intracranial lesions unsuitable for surgical intervention. Nonetheless, the potential for sampling errors lead to innovative approaches to enhance diagnostic precision. This study contrasts the outcomes of patients undergoing fluorescein-assisted frameless stereotactic needle biopsy with those receiving traditional biopsies to evaluate the impact on diagnostic accuracy and safety. This study included patients with contrast-enhancing intracranial lesions, comprising a prospective group undergoing fluorescein-assisted biopsies and a retrospective group undergoing conventional biopsies at the same institution. We’ve collected data on demographics, procedural specifics, diagnostic outcomes, and postoperative events. A comparative analysis involved 43 patients who received fluorescein-assisted biopsies against 77 patients who underwent conventional biopsies. The average age was 60.5 years. The fluorescein group exhibited a 93% success rate in diagnosis, markedly higher than the 70.1% in the non-fluorescein group (OR = 5.67; 95%IC: 1.59–20.24; p < 0.01). The rate of complications was statistically similar across both cohorts. Despite its established value, stereotactic needle biopsy is susceptible to inaccuracies and complications. The application of fluorescence-based adjuncts like 5-ALA and fluorescein has been investigated to improve diagnostic fidelity and reduce risks. These technologies potentially minimize the necessity for multiple biopsies, decrease surgical duration, and provide immediate verification of tumor presence. Fluorescein-assisted stereotactic biopsy emerges as an effective, secure alternative to conventional methods.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Subscribe and save.
Price excludes VAT (USA) Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.
Instant access to the full article PDF.
Rent this article via DeepDyve
Institutional subscriptions
No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
Lobato RD, Rivas JJ, Cabello A, Roger R (1982) Stereotactic biopsy of Brain lesions visualized with computed tomography. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 45(4–5):426–430. https://doi.org/10.1159/000101637
Article CAS Google Scholar
Braga HM, Dellaretti MA, Faria MP, Almeida JCD, Nascimento LMD (2023) Accuracy comparison between Frameless Biopsy and Frame-based biopsy: a retrospective study of a Case Series. Arq Bras Neurocir Braz Neurosurg 42(03):e233–e238. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1775556
Article Google Scholar
Parney IF, Berger MS (2012) Principles of brain tumor surgery. Handbook of clinical neurology, vol 104. Elsevier, pp 187–213. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-52138-5.00015-3
Dellaretti M, Reyns N, Touzet G et al (2012) Stereotactic biopsy for Brainstem tumors: comparison of Transcerebellar with Transfrontal Approach. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 90(2):79–83. https://doi.org/10.1159/000335502
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Jackson RJ, Fuller GN, Abi-Said D et al Limitations of stereotactic biopsy in the initial management of gliomas. Published online 2001.
Sawin P (1998) Computed imaging-assisted stereotactic brain biopsy a risk analysis of 225 consecutive cases. Surg Neurol 49(6):640–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0090-3019(97)00435-7
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Woodworth G, McGirt MJ, Samdani A, Garonzik I, Olivi A, Weingart JD (2005) Accuracy of frameless and frame-based image-guided stereotactic brain biopsy in the diagnosis of glioma: comparison of biopsy and open resection specimen. Neurol Res 27(4):358–362. https://doi.org/10.1179/016164105X40057
Xu R, Rösler J, Teich W et al (2022) Correlation of Tumor Pathology with Fluorescein Uptake and MRI contrast-enhancement in stereotactic biopsies. J Clin Med 11(12):3330. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11123330
Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Falco J, Cavallo C, Vetrano IG et al (2019) Fluorescein Application in Cranial and spinal tumors enhancing at Preoperative MRI and operated with a dedicated filter on the Surgical microscope: preliminary results in 279 patients enrolled in the FLUOCERTUM prospective study. Front Surg 6:49. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2019.00049
Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Belykh E, Shaffer KV, Lin C, Byvaltsev VA, Preul MC, Chen L (2020) Blood-brain barrier, blood-brain tumor barrier, and fluorescence-guided neurosurgical oncology: delivering Optical labels to Brain tumors. Front Oncol 10:739 Published 2020 Jun 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.00739
Agha RA, Sohrabi C, Mathew G, Franchi T, Kerwan A, O’Neill N, for the PROCESS Group (2020). The PROCESS 2020 Guideline: updating Consensus Preferred reporting of CasE series in surgery (PROCESS) guidelines. Int J Surg ;60 (article in press).
Sun GW, Shook TL, Kay GL (1996) Inappropriate use of bivariable analysis to screen risk factors for use in multivariable analysis. J Clin Epidemiol 49(8):907–916. https://doi.org/10.1016/0895-4356(96)00025-x
Shooman D, Belli A, Grundy PL (2010) Image-guided frameless stereotactic biopsy without intraoperative neuropathological examination: clinical article. J Neurosurg 113(2):170–178. https://doi.org/10.3171/2009.12.JNS09573
Von Campe G, Moschopulos M, Hefti M (2012) 5-Aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence as immediate intraoperative indicator to improve the safety of malignant or high-grade brain tumor diagnosis in frameless stereotactic biopsies. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 154(4):585–588. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-012-1290-8
Rey-Dios R, Hattab EM, Cohen-Gadol AA (2014) Use of intraoperative fluorescein sodium fluorescence to improve the accuracy of tissue diagnosis during stereotactic needle biopsy of high-grade gliomas. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 156(6):1071–1075. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-014-2097-6
Widhalm G, Minchev G, Woehrer A et al (2012) Strong 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced fluorescence is a novel intraoperative marker for representative tissue samples in stereotactic brain tumor biopsies. Neurosurg Rev 35(3):381–391. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143-012-0374-5
Moriuchi S, Yamada K, Dehara M et al (2011) Use of 5-aminolevulinic acid for the confirmation of deep-seated brain tumors during stereotactic biopsy: report of 2 cases. J Neurosurg 115(2):278–280. https://doi.org/10.3171/2011.4.JNS102137
Hefti M, Siegner A, Looser H, Von C (2008) 5-aminolevulinic acid induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in high-grade glioma surgery. Swiss Med Wkly Published Online March 22. https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2008.12077
Hansen RW, Pedersen CB, Halle B et al (2020) Comparison of 5-aminolevulinic acid and sodium fluorescein for intraoperative tumor visualization in patients with high-grade gliomas: a single-center retrospective study. J Neurosurg JNS 133(5):1324–1331. https://doi.org/10.3171/2019.6.JNS191531
Singh DK, Khan KA, Singh AK et al (2023) Fluorescein sodium fluorescence: role in stereotactic brain biopsy. Br J Neurosurg 37(1):82–85. https://doi.org/10.1080/02688697.2021.2016615
Thien A, Han JX, Kumar K et al (2018) Investigation of the usefulness of fluorescein sodium fluorescence in stereotactic brain biopsy. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 160(2):317–324. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-017-3429-0
Catapano G, Sgulò FG, Seneca V, Iorio G, De Notaris M, Di Nuzzo G (2019) Fluorescein-assisted stereotactic needle biopsy of brain tumors: a single-center experience and systematic review. Neurosurg Rev 42(2):309–318. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143-018-0947-z
Download references
No funding was received for this research.
Authors and affiliations.
Santa Casa de BH e Faculdade Santa Casa BH, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
Marcos Dellaretti, Franklin Bernardes Faraj de Lima, Pedro Henrique Velasco Pondé de Sena, Hian Penna Gavazza Figueiredo, João Pedro Santos Albuquerque & Júlio César de Almeida
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
Fernando Cotrim Gomes, Barbara Caroline Dias Faria & Júlio César de Almeida
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
M.D, F.B.F.J., P.H.V.P.S., J.C.A., H.P.G.F., J.P.S.A. participated on the surgical procedures, F.B.F.J., H.P.G.F., F.C.G. and B.C.D.F. analyzed the data, M.D., F.B.F.J., H.P.G.F wrote the main text, all authors reviewed the manuscript.
Correspondence to Marcos Dellaretti .
Ethical approval.
All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (Nr.: 4540520503854).
Informed consent was obtained from individual participants included in the study.
The authors declare no competing interests.
Publisher’s note.
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
Reprints and permissions
Dellaretti, M., de Lima, F.B.F., de Sena, P.H.V.P. et al. Efficacy, safety, and impact of fluorescein in frameless stereotactic needle biopsies – a case series. Neurosurg Rev 47 , 523 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143-024-02758-6
Download citation
Received : 07 April 2024
Revised : 27 June 2024
Accepted : 23 August 2024
Published : 03 September 2024
DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143-024-02758-6
Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:
Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.
Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Explore alternative solutions. As noted, case analysis scenarios rarely have only one correct answer. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the process of analyzing the case and diagnosing core problems, while based on evidence, is a subjective process open to various avenues of interpretation. ... Multiple case studies can be used in ...
Case study protocol is a formal document capturing the entire set of procedures involved in the collection of empirical material . It extends direction to researchers for gathering evidences, empirical material analysis, and case study reporting . This section includes a step-by-step guide that is used for the execution of the actual study.
In case studies, the unit of analysis is a case. Students provide a detailed account of a situation that usually focuses on a conflict or complexity that one might encounter in the workplace. ... Engage students in critical reflection since solving real world problems involve deciding between multiple alternatives; Helps students develop ...
Give students an opportunity to practice the case analysis methodology via an ungraded sample case study. Designate groups of five to seven students to discuss the case and the six steps in breakout sessions (in class or via Zoom). Ensure case analyses are weighted heavily as a grading component. We suggest 30-50 percent of the overall course ...
A case study analysis requires you to investigate a business problem, examine the alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution using supporting evidence. Preparing the Case. Before you begin writing, follow these guidelines to help you prepare and understand the case study: Read and Examine the Case Thoroughly
The analysis of the case study is one of the least developed aspects of the case study methodology. The researcher needs to rely on experience and the literature to present the evidence in various ways, using ... Alternative arguments for generalizing from data as applied to qualitative research. Educational Researcher, 22, 16-23. Crossref.
The weaknesses of your hypothesis and possible alternatives. Writing a Case Analysis. Writing a case analysis involves a structured approach that enables you to communicate your understanding and analytical skills effectively. Here's how you can craft your analysis to be insightful and comprehensive: Start with a Clear Definition or Position ...
The purpose of a paper in the social sciences designed around a case study is to thoroughly investigate a subject of analysis in order to reveal a new understanding about the research problem and, in so doing, contributing new knowledge to what is already known from previous studies. In applied social sciences disciplines [e.g., education, social work, public administration, etc.], case ...
Case studies play a significant role in knowledge development across various disciplines. Analysis of cases provides an avenue for researchers to explore phenomena within their context based on the collected data. Analysis of qualitative data from case study research can contribute to knowledge development.
Revised on November 20, 2023. A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research. A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods, but quantitative methods are ...
Beyond teaching specific subject matter, the case study method excels in instilling meta-skills in students. This article explains the importance of seven such skills: preparation, discernment ...
A case study analysis requires you to investigate a business problem, examine the alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution using supporting evidenc e. Preparing the Case. Before you begin writing, follow these guidelines to help you prepare and understand the case study: Read and examine the case thoroughly
Here are the steps on how to write the Alternative Courses of Action for your case study: 1. Analyze the Results of Your SWOT Analysis. Using the SWOT analysis, consider how the firm can use its strengths and opportunities to address its weaknesses, mitigate threats, and eventually solve the case study's problem.
Provide an in-depth analysis of each alternative based on the criteria chosen in step three. Decision tables using criteria as columns and alternatives as rows can ... Customer Value—A Case Study," Back to the Future: Revisiting the Foundations of Marketing from Society for Marketing Advances, West Palm Beach, FL (November 2, 2018).
A case study analysis must not merely summarize the case. It should identify key issues and. problems, outline and assess alternative courses of action, and draw appropriate. conclusions. The case ...
While each of these techniques is normally practiced on one or several cases (the diverse, most‐similar, and most‐different methods require at least two), all may employ additional cases—with the proviso that, at some point, they will no longer offer an opportunity for in‐depth analysis and will thus no longer be "case studies" in the usual sense (Gerring 2007, ch. 2).
Popular answers (1) Priyanka Korde. Tata Institute of Social Sciences. I have used Narrative Analysis within a Case Study approach in qualitative research. I had multiple cases of individuals and ...
Guidelines for Writing a Case Study Analysis - Ashford Writing. EN. ... Alternatives • Outline possible alternatives (not necessarily all of them) • Explain why alternatives were rejected • Constraints/reasons • Why are alternatives not possible at this time 4. Proposed Solution • Provide one specific and realistic solution ...
Traditional case studies are not always the best choice for every company, story, audience, or marketing objective. 3. Fortunately, you have a wide range of effective alternatives to the traditional case study format, including these five formats which work well with tech audiences: Feature story. Story-within-a-story.
A good introduction to case analysis, containing the following material: - Why We Use the Case Approach - Your Responsibilities - The Six Steps for Problem Analysis 1. Comprehend the Case Situation: Data Collection, identify relevant facts 2. Defining the Problem 3. Identify the causes of the problem 4. Generate Alternative Solutions 5. Decision 6. Taking Action - General Reminders / Check ...
Case study example. In 2011, an external investigation of the performance evaluation strategies of the Atlanta Public Schools System revealed that schools had been cheating to obtain high results. For this example case analysis, the student has identified the problems faced by the organisation, outlined factors that contributed to the problem ...
The sections that are included in the case study are executive summary, introduction, analysis, alternatives and decision criteria, recommendations and implementation plan, conclusions and references, citing sources. Before moving towards a detailed view of the case study format, let us have a look at the case study benefits. Value of Case Study.
Strategic Analysis Case Study for Strategic Management for the Spring Semester of 2021 for the 2020-2021 academic year. analysis alternatives alternative the Skip to document University
Market analysis: Tools like Market Explorer provide a broader view of market trends, and industry benchmarks, helping businesses make informed strategic decisions. Keyword gap analysis: Compare multiple domains to highlight the keyword opportunities that your competitors are targeting, but you aren't, including shared and unique keywords.
Fluorescein-assisted stereotactic biopsy emerges as an effective, secure alternative to conventional methods. Explore related subjects ... Study limitations. The data analysis is from a single center. ... Almeida JCD, Nascimento LMD (2023) Accuracy comparison between Frameless Biopsy and Frame-based biopsy: a retrospective study of a Case ...