Case Study Analysis Template and Structure
A reusable template for structuring a case study analysis with examples.
A structure for analyzing cases
A case study analysis examines a real or simulated situation, identifies the core problems, and proposes solutions grounded in evidence and theory. Using a template keeps your analysis focused and ensures you cover the parts instructors expect. The template below works for business, nursing, and social science cases alike.
A case analysis is not a summary. Your job is to diagnose what is going wrong and why, then argue for a specific course of action. The template moves you from understanding the situation to making a defensible recommendation.
Standard template sections
| Section | Purpose | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Background | set the scene | key facts and context |
| Problem identification | state the core issues | two to three main problems |
| Analysis | explain causes | apply theory or frameworks |
| Recommendations | propose solutions | specific, justified actions |
Open with a brief background, then state the core problems clearly. In the analysis, use a framework, like SWOT or a theory, to explain why the problems exist. Close with recommendations that address each problem and are justified by your analysis.
Apply the template
- 1Summarize the background briefly
Give only the facts needed to understand the case, not a full retelling.
- 2Identify the core problems
State two or three main issues, ranked by importance.
- 3Analyze the causes
Use a framework or theory to explain why the problems exist.
- 4Recommend solutions
Propose specific actions tied to each problem, with justification.
Keep the analysis focused
- do not retell the case, analyze it
- limit problems to the most important two or three
- tie every recommendation back to a specific problem
- justify recommendations with evidence or theory, not opinion
Why the template helps
The template helps because it separates description from analysis, which is where most case studies go wrong. Each section has one job, and together they build a clear argument from problem to solution. Instructors grade the strength of your reasoning, and the structure makes that reasoning visible.
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Diagnosis over description
A case study analysis succeeds through diagnosis, not description. The reader already has the facts of the case; what they want from you is judgment about what matters and why. Spending your words on diagnosis rather than retelling is the key to a strong analysis.
A framework helps structure the diagnosis. Whether you use SWOT, a theory, or a simple cause-and-effect map, the framework forces you to explain why the problems exist rather than just listing them. That explanation is the analysis, and it is what earns the marks.
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A habit worth keeping
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