APES Case Study Format
A case study analysis requires you to investigate a problem, examine the alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution using supporting evidence. Follow these directions when completing case studies for this course (not the ones on the unit sheet).
Use this template for Case Studies: Case Study Template
Preparing the Case Before you begin writing, follow these guidelines to help you prepare and understand the case study:
1. Read and examine the case thoroughly
How to Write the Case Study
1. Introduction/Background
2. Conclusion/ Alternatives / Proposed Solution
Use this template for Case Studies: Case Study Template
Preparing the Case Before you begin writing, follow these guidelines to help you prepare and understand the case study:
1. Read and examine the case thoroughly
- Take notes, highlight relevant facts, underline key problems.
- Identify two to five key problems
- Why do they exist?
- How do they impact the environment?
- Who is responsible for them?
- Review course readings, discussions, outside research, your experience.
- Consider strong supporting evidence, pros, and cons: is this solution realistic?
How to Write the Case Study
1. Introduction/Background
- Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most important issues/problems
- Identify the key problems and issues in the case study
- Demonstrate that you have researched the problems in this case study
2. Conclusion/ Alternatives / Proposed Solution
- Outline possible alternatives (not necessarily all of them)
- Explain why alternatives were rejected
- Constraints/reasons
- Why are alternatives not possible at this time?
- 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)
- Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solution.
- If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues
- What should be done and who should do it?