A case study is an explanatory narrative that presents a problem and lets the readers participate in the journey to the conclusion. The hero’s journey provides a metaphor for effectively and coherently structuring a case study.

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

2. 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)

3. 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.

4. 1.Context
• Information about the organization
• Climate of the organization or setting
• History or conditions influencing the
situation
• Current problems
or issues

5. 2.Plan
• Explanation of strategy
• Stakeholders involved
• Strategic adjustments or
changes
• Goals or outcomes
expected
• Quantitative and
qualitative

6. 3.Challenges Encountered
• Challenges that emerged
• Perspectives and
influence of various
stakeholders
• Adjustments, actions or
changes

7. 4.Outcomes
• Results (Just the facts)
• Accomplishments

8. 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