An Australian case study assessment is marked on problem identification, framework selection, evidence-based analysis and a defended recommendation. Applying several frameworks superficially scores lower than applying one thoroughly, because the rubric rewards judgement rather than recall.
The Structure Markers Expect
- Problem identification. The actual problem, not the symptom. Falling sales is a symptom; a value proposition overtaken by a substitute is a problem.
- Analysis. One or two frameworks applied to the case evidence, with the working shown.
- Options. Two or three realistic alternatives with tradeoffs.
- Recommendation. One option, defended against the others.
- Implementation. Actions, owners, timeline, resources, measures.
- Risks. What could go wrong and the mitigation.
Framework tourism is the most common failure. Running SWOT, PESTLE, Porter and VRIO in a 2,000-word case demonstrates that you remember four models and analysed nothing. Choose the one that answers the question and say why the others fit less well — that sentence alone is often worth a band.
Choosing the Right Framework
- Industry attractiveness or competitive pressure → Porter's Five Forces
- Why this firm outperforms rivals → VRIO or the resource-based view
- Macro-environmental change → PESTLE
- Growth direction → Ansoff
- Internal-external position summary → SWOT, which is a summary tool and not an analysis on its own
- Change resistance → Lewin or Kotter
SWOT deserves a specific warning: Australian markers commonly note that a SWOT with no analysis behind it is a list. If you use it, it should summarise analysis you have already done elsewhere.
Using the Case Evidence
Every claim should trace to something in the case. "The firm has strong brand equity" is an assertion; "the case reports 68% unaided brand recall against a category average of 41%, indicating brand equity is a genuine resource under VRIO" is analysis.
Where the case does not supply a figure, state the assumption explicitly and proceed. Australian markers reward visible assumptions over invented certainty.
The Recommendation
Commit to one. Case assessments test decision-making under incomplete information, so presenting three options evenly and stopping is a failure to perform the task. State the recommendation, why it beats the alternatives, and the condition under which you would change your mind.
Format and Referencing
Most Australian case assessments are set as reports — numbered sections, executive summary, recommendations. Check the unit guide, because some are set as essays and the format criterion carries marks either way.
Cite the case itself as a source, and use external academic sources for the frameworks. Some units require prescribed readings to appear.
Where Marks Are Lost
- Summarising the case back — the marker wrote or selected it
- Multiple frameworks applied superficially
- Recommendations with no implementation detail
- Ignoring the word limit, which Australian units enforce
- Analysis that does not draw on case evidence
Frequently asked questions
How many frameworks should I use in a case study?
Usually one or two, applied thoroughly. Running several superficially demonstrates recall rather than judgement and scores lower under most Australian rubrics. Saying why you chose one framework over the alternatives is often worth a band on its own.
Is SWOT enough for a case analysis?
On its own, no. Australian markers commonly treat a SWOT with no underlying analysis as a list rather than an analysis. It works as a summary of work done using other frameworks, not as the analysis itself.
Should I recommend more than one option?
No. Case assessments test decision-making under incomplete information, so presenting options evenly and stopping is a failure to perform the task. Commit to one, defend it against the alternatives, and state the condition that would change your view.
Do I need to cite the case study itself?
Yes. The case is a source and should be cited in your required style, with external academic sources used for the frameworks. Some units additionally require prescribed readings to appear in the reference list.
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