A case study is a research strategy and an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon

(either a program, an event, an activity, a problem or an individual) within its real-life

context. Case studies are based on an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group or
event to explore the causes of underlying principles.

A case study is a descriptive and exploratory analysis of a person, group or event. Case studies are
analysis of persons, groups, events, decisions, periods, policies, institutions or other systems that
are studied holistically by one or more methods.

The purpose of case studies is to provide detailed reports on an event, an institution, a place, a person -
or pretty much anything.

Sample Outline for Case Study

I. Introduction: Overview of the type of substance abuse issue you are focusing
upon, its impact (on society and this agency) and your interest in this agency.
(Tip: Open with something shocking or startling which will grab your reader’s
attention. Look at some of the articles you have read to get ideas.)

 What is all about your study.

 Reason /purpose why you conduct this study.

II. Agency/Company

A. The agency/company you choose to examine and why

B. History of the agency/company
C. Current data on agency/company: size, number of personnel, service
area, mission, etc
D. Who you spoke to in the agency/company
E. Conclusion you came to after conducting your initial interviews
1. What is the challenge this agency/company?

III. Issue you discovered

A. Thought provoking discussion of the issue and what problems it causes

1. Challenges for society in general
2. Challenges for the agency/company
3. Challenges for those in the agency/company
4. Make a SWOT Analysis
IV. Your research

A. Summary or conclusion of the articles you examined which relate to the

issue you investigate
B. Findings of those articles
C. How you feel these findings relate to your agency/company and their
challenges
D.
V. findings - Thoughtful discussion of your conclusion(s) about how this issue should be
handled, based upon your findings and your follow-up interview

V. Conclusions

VII. References.