Separate evidence from assumptions
List the problem, decision-maker, constraints and relevant facts. Distinguish symptoms from possible causes. Apply a course framework only where it helps explain the case; do not replace analysis with a definition.
Compare realistic alternatives
Assess each option against the same criteria, such as cost, capacity, risk and implementation time. Explain trade-offs, choose an option and state how its results would be checked.
Example
Invented classroom business, not an archive submission or a claim about a real company.
- Case facts
- A fictional shop receives 30 pickup orders each afternoon but can prepare 24 before closing. Staffing cannot increase this month.
- Problem
- Daily demand exceeds stated preparation capacity by 6 orders. These facts do not establish why each order takes its current preparation time.
- Options
- Compare moving some pickups to the morning with a packing-process trial. The first requires customer agreement; the second requires measuring time and accuracy.
- Recommendation
- Propose a one-week packing trial before expansion. Track orders completed, errors and staff time; adopt it only if the evidence supports the capacity benefit.
Review your draft
Trace each recommendation to case evidence. State assumptions and missing information, assign an implementation owner, and explain what would make you reconsider the decision.
Further reading: Monash University: approaching a case study.
Past business case requests
Real historical request types, described without student text or files.
- Business case-study request — September 2021
- Business case-study request — September 2021
- Business case-study request — September 2021
- Business case-study request — September 2021
Common questions
Should I retell the whole case?
Summarize only what your analysis needs. Spend more space explaining the problem, comparing options and supporting your recommendation.
Can I add facts to make a solution work?
Label assumptions and test their implications. Do not present invented costs, customer behavior or performance figures as facts from the supplied case.