Final Revision and Exam Technique » Case Study Analysis Techniques

Introduction to Case Study Analysis

Case study analysis is a crucial skill for iGCSE Business Studies. It involves examining real or fictional business scenarios to identify problems, analyse causes and suggest solutions. Think of it like being a business detective - you need to gather clues, piece together the story and solve the mystery!

Case studies test your ability to apply business knowledge to real situations. They're not just about memorising facts - they're about showing you can think like a business manager.

Key Definitions:

• Case Study: A detailed examination of a particular business situation or problem.
• Stakeholder: Any person or group affected by the business's decisions.
• SWOT Analysis: Examining Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
• Root Cause: The underlying reason why a problem exists.

The PEAR Method for Case Study Analysis

PEAR is a simple framework to help you tackle any case study systematically. It stands for Problem, Evidence, Analysis and Recommendation.

Breaking Down PEAR

This method ensures you don't miss important steps and helps structure your thinking clearly.

⚠ Problem

Identify what's wrong. Look for symptoms like falling sales, unhappy customers, or high staff turnover. Ask yourself: "What exactly is the issue here?"

📊 Evidence

Find proof from the case study. Use specific data, quotes, or facts. Numbers are particularly powerful evidence - profit margins, sales figures, or survey results.

🤔 Analysis

Explain why the problem exists. Consider causes and effects. Use business theory to explain what's happening. This is where you show your business knowledge.

Reading Techniques for Case Studies

How you read the case study can make or break your analysis. Don't just read it once and hope for the best!

The Three-Read Strategy

Professional analysts use this proven method to ensure they don't miss crucial details.

📖 First Read: The Overview

Read quickly to get the general story. Don't worry about details yet. Ask yourself: "What type of business is this?" and "What's the main situation?"

🔎 Second Read: The Details

Read more slowly, highlighting key information. Look for numbers, dates and specific problems. Make notes in the margins about important points.

✅ Third Read: The Questions

Read with the exam questions in mind. Look for information that directly answers what's being asked. This targeted reading saves precious exam time.

Identifying Stakeholders and Their Interests

Every business decision affects different groups of people. Understanding who these stakeholders are and what they want is crucial for good case study analysis.

Key Stakeholder Groups

Different stakeholders often have conflicting interests, which creates business dilemmas.

👥 Internal Stakeholders

Owners want profits, managers want success, employees want job security and fair pay. These groups work inside the business.

🛒 External Stakeholders

Customers want quality and value, suppliers want regular orders, communities want local jobs and environmental protection.

🏢 Government Stakeholders

Local councils want business rates, national government wants tax revenue and employment, regulators want compliance with laws.

Common Case Study Question Types

Knowing what examiners typically ask helps you prepare better answers. Most questions fall into predictable patterns.

Question Categories and Approach

Each question type requires a different approach and depth of answer.

❓ Identify/State Questions (2-4 marks)

These want factual answers from the case study. Look for specific information and quote it directly. No analysis needed - just accurate identification.

💡 Explain Questions (4-6 marks)

These need reasons and causes. Use business theory to explain why something happens. Start with the point, then explain the reasoning behind it.

⚖ Analyse Questions (6-10 marks)

These require deeper thinking about causes, effects and consequences. Consider multiple factors and how they interact with each other.

💯 Evaluate/Recommend Questions (10-12 marks)

These ask for judgements and recommendations. Weigh up pros and cons, consider alternatives and make a justified decision based on the evidence.

Time Management in Case Study Exams

Time pressure is real in business exams. You need a strategy to tackle case studies efficiently without rushing or running out of time.

The 60-Second Planning Rule

Spend one minute planning for every ten minutes of writing time. This planning time is never wasted - it prevents you from going off-track.

⏰ Time Allocation Strategy

For a 90-minute paper: 15 minutes reading and planning, 60 minutes writing answers, 15 minutes checking and improving. Stick to this timing religiously.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes! These are the most frequent errors students make in case study analysis.

The Big Five Mistakes

Avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly improve your marks.

❌ Generic Answers

Don't give textbook answers that could apply to any business. Use specific details from the case study to show you've read it carefully.

😴 Ignoring Context

A solution that works for a large corporation might not work for a small family business. Consider the business's size, industry and situation.

💰 Forgetting Costs

Every business decision has financial implications. Always consider whether the business can afford your recommendations and if they're profitable.

Structuring Your Case Study Answers

A well-structured answer is easier to mark and more likely to score full marks. Follow these proven formats for different question types.