1. Describe the Situation/Problem (2 pages)

The reader needs to have a clear understanding of the situation for which a solution is sought. You can explicitly state the problem posed in the study. You can begin by sharing quotes from someone intimate with the situation. Or, you can present a question.

Here is an example:

The Kamloops community is considering building a major performance arts facility. Funding such a facility will involve committing to over $91 million dollars of additional debt for the community.

Both Kamloops City Council and the public are divided regarding support for the project. For example, at a hypothetical Council meeting, James Wilkens, a local taxpayer, asked, “With three stage theatres in our community already that are sometimes not being utilized, do we need and can we really afford more major debt? How will something like this affect some of our other needs like the replacement of the main fire station and buying more modern equipment? We taxpayers have a limit of what we can afford.”

In writing your case study, include:

• At least one managerial dilemma, such as one that might have been in your own case study readings.
• Some financial information either related to the managerial dilemma or that requires one or two solutions of its own.

2. Give Background Information (4 pages)

• Background information describes why there is a problem and includes facts and figures. Include graphs, charts, tables, photos, videos (if you are basing this on a real situation), and anything else that points to the problem.
• What is notincluded in this section is the author’s (your) opinion. Rather than telling the reader what to think, a good case study guides the reader through the issues of a situation, thereby enabling the reader to take a position that is based upon factual information. The reader may come to his or her own conclusion and may find fault in the logic presented in the case study. That’s okay because there is often more than one solution to a problem. The reader develops have his or her own perspective as he or she reads the case study.
• Prepare some questions for the reader to consider and answer (three questions minimum). Avoid questions that can be simply answered with a yesor a no. Require that the reader justify or explain his or her answer.

3. Provide a Follow-Up (2 pages)

• Describe the solution that you implemented and guide the reader through the thought processes leading up to it. You may include your opinions and speculations.
• Facts must be involved in the decision, but there is also room for subjective thinking. Here is an example:

“Taking into account A, B, and C, the City Council and taxpayer committee suggested solution X. In lieu of the current budget situation, they felt that this was the most prudent approach.”

• Briefly present the key elements used to derive the solution. Be clear about the goal of the solution.

Here are some helpful steps to follow before writing:

• Choose the case-study situation about which you will write.
• Gather as much information as possible about it.
• Analyze all of the elements surrounding it.
• Determine the final solution implemented (this may be left somewhat open-ended for further discussion).