Reading a Case

One of the questions I often get asked is how to approach reading a case and what a typical case looks like. I want to discuss the common structure of a case and the information typically presented within it. While this structure may not apply to every case, most cases generally include the following components: an introduction, a background and history section, the main content, a summary, and appendices or exhibits.

In the introduction, you are introduced to the key characters in the case. This helps you determine your positioning and identify who you are really addressing and who is asking the questions. You may also find an overview of the main problems and high-level issues, as well as information about the client's business. This section provides important context and a general understanding of the organisation you will be discussing.

Next, the background and history section offers a deeper dive into the corporate culture and significant past and current events related to the business’s structure. This section enhances your understanding of the company’s culture, the audience you will engage with, and the potential options you may have when proposing solutions. It outlines the successes and failures that the organisation has experienced in the past, giving you insights into its history.

The main content section is often the longest part of the case. Here, you will find detailed financial information, operational logistics, and specific mission, vision, and goal statements. While the high-level version of these elements is typically addressed earlier, this section delves into more detail. It also discusses the stakeholders involved in the case, which is crucial for developing a thorough understanding of the issues at hand.

From this detailed analysis, you can gain a clearer understanding of the problem, the organisation, and the stakeholders, which in turn helps you formulate your plan and identify the necessary details needed to create a compelling and resonant narrative for your audience.

Following the main content, the summary encapsulates specific client questions related to the problem definition and aims to bring the key points together. This section should help you refocus on the problem statement from the client’s perspective. Importantly, it highlights the questions your client is asking, with expected answers often found here. While some questions might have been addressed in earlier sections, the most crucial ones are likely to appear in the summary.

Finally, the appendices provide additional resources such as financial statements, industry information, further details about the company, and various visuals to enhance your understanding and analysis of the case.

I often start by looking at the appendices to see what information is available. I usually take a quick glance at the financial statements to identify key figures and significant changes. This helps direct my focus as I read through the case, highlighting details that might be important. I advise teams to always scan the appendices before diving into the main case. Doing so provides context and guidance on what to focus on while reading, as well as the types of information that deserve attention.