DEVELOPING AND USING CASE STUDIES The Hero’s Journey Approach Dr. Pamela Rutledge

What is a Case Study?

A case study is an explanatory narrative that presents a problem and lets the readers participate in the journey to the conclusion

COMPONENTS Clear explanation of the problem (Exposition)

Background information Goal articulation Presentation of potential solutions Actors (protagonists, antagonists)

Path chosen (Journey) Twists and turns on the trail Perspectives of different characters

Obstacles and challenges (Conflict) Outcomes (Climax and resolution) Postmortem (Transformation and lessons learned)

Case Study Format: Required ingredients: •  Introduction

•  Context, problem and goal

•  Plan •  Strategies and expectations of results relative

to goal •  Measures for success

•  Challenges •  The process of implementation

•  Outcomes •  Results (not explanation)

•  Conclusion •  Analysis of results relative to goal and

expectations. •  Explanations and recommendations for

future.

1. Context

•  Information about the organization • Climate of the organization or setting • History or conditions influencing the

situation • Current problems

or issues

2. Plan

• Explanation of strategy • Stakeholders involved • Strategic adjustments or changes • Goals or outcomes expected • Quantitative and

qualitative

3. Challenges Encountered

• Challenges that emerged • Perspectives and influence of various stakeholders • Adjustments, actions or changes

4. Outcomes

• Results (Just the facts) • Accomplishments

Conclusion

• Analysis of strategies and resulting outcomes • What happened and why? • What could have been done to further enhance

outcomes • How could this experience be adapted and/or

replicated •  Summarize principles and lessons learned