Human Resources Case Study

This case study should be about a teacher and an HR policy issue. It should go into detail about a certain education employment issue and have proper research to support it.

A case study is an open-ended problem or dilemma. Readers should be able to propose various solutions to the matter or problem at hand.

The background summary should contain enough information to allow readers to analyze the facts and think in a creative manner about the situation.

However, there should not be so much information that there can be only one way to respond or that the conclusion is obvious without further discussion.

A case study should provide enough information to permit the reader to investigate and possibly resolve the matter. Ideally there should be multiple options for resolving the problem.

The three basic steps in writing a case study involve research, analysis and writing.

Research:

There are many brief cases in the course text book. Reading these will help you become familiar with the concept and basic style of presenting a story.

Once you have determined the topic or subject matter you should read additional articles and relevant reports. You are encouraged to write about real human resources issues that you have experienced or about which you have some familiarity and interest.

If you are writing about a problem involving recruitment of school nurses you may also want to research the help wanted ads of print and on-line media. If you are writing about the problem of funding quality professional development programs you may want to research the budgeting process of your school. You may also find it helpful to interview other professionals as part of your research. If you do, please properly cite these in the bibliography of your case. (When you interview other people avoid questions that will lead to yes or no responses in order to get more information.)

You may find that as you develop your case/story that there are several issues that need to be explored. If so, try to limit the number of issues so that the reader can stay focused and so that you will not be overwhelmed by the research and organization required.

Analysis:

You should include enough information to make the situation understandable to the readers. What is important and what is useful to the readers’ understanding is often a judgment call. One way to assess whether you need to include more or less data or information is to ask a few colleagues to read the case as you develop it. Determine whether there is enough information for them to understand the problem and come up with more than one method of resolving the situation.

Writing:

The first step is to describe the problem or issue that is the focus of the story. It is helpful to outline the problem like a detective story where there has been a crime and the detective is evaluating clues that will help the reader put the pieces together. Organize your presentation:

Introduce the problem

Describe the background and circumstances: school system, mission, philosophy, program

Include pertinent data, policies, rules, practices, exceptions

Describe the people involved; job title, experience, relationship/role, observers, participants

Conclusion – ending with questions will encourage the readers to think about the problem.