Lab Report
Literature Review
Reflective Writing
Case Study Report
Prepared by University of Guelph
Section D: Reviewing and Presenting
This section will provide you with advice to help you understand and meet your instructor's expectations for the case study report and presentation.
What will I learn?
By successfully completing the sections included in this guide, you will be able to
- review and assess your report according to instructor expectations, and
- identify and apply strategies for effective case study report presentations.
At this stage, you’ve done all the heavy lifting of your case study report. Now is the time to ensure that your hard work pays off—and paying attention to details is essential. As one instructor notes:
Very few business case study projects hit all of the required and outlined criteria (e.g., adherence to formatting guidelines, accuracy of course content integration, presentation of reasonable and distinct alternatives, polished written and presentation style). The best case study projects that I have seen not only hit all of the required and outlined criteria but also presented a highly rational, justified, and logical response with an actionable plan for the future, which was communicated in an enthusiastic and engaging manner.
In this part of the guide, we will provide practical strategies and advice to fine-tune your report and ensure that all instructor expectations have been met. We will also provide you with some suggestions to help you present your case assignment if you are required to do so.
Re-Read The Assignment Instructions
As we discussed in Section B: Planning and Researching, it is essential to read your assignment carefully and fully understand what you are being asked to do--before you start.
It’s also important to keep re-reading the instructions throughout the writing process. Use the instructions as a checklist for your assignment, helping you keep on top of requirements.
Worksheet 4: Checklist For Case Study Reports
You can modify this checklist to fit your own assignment requirements.
Worksheet: Checklist For Case Study Reports
Use this helpful worksheet for your Case Study Report.
Download PDF
Download the Checklist For Case Study Reports worksheet.
Preview: PDF Worksheet
Tip: You might find it helpful to take this checklist with your draft to the writing centre at your institution.
Seek Out Feedback
Even if you are confident about your assignment, it is always a good idea to get feedback if you can. If your instructor allows you to submit drafts or get feedback before the due date, take advantage of the opportunity. Not only does this feedback process usually result in a better final draft, it also helps you build a positive relationship with your instructor. The more comfortable you are interacting with your instructor, the more likely you are to participate in the course and ask questions—two keys to overall success in any course.
Tips For Connecting With Your Instructor
- Find out how and when your instructor prefers to be contacted. For example, some instructors prefer to be contacted through the course website or in office hours rather than by email.
- When contacting your instructor in writing, always use formal openings and closings, such as “Dear Professor Jones…” and “Thanks for your help…” Attention to details like these make a good impression on your readers and may make them more likely to help you.
- Take some time to prepare your questions before you ask them. What kind of answer or help are you looking for? Be as specific as possible. Avoid asking, “Is my report good?” Instead, it is usually best to ask about a smaller section of text. For example, “Would it be possible to get some feedback on my recommendations section? I was wondering if you thought it was detailed enough.”
- Important: Double-check the syllabus, assignment sheet, and course discussion board to make sure your questions are not already answered there.
- Give your instructor enough time to reply. Try to send your questions as far in advance as possible, and avoid sending questions the night before the due date.
- Remember, instructors are people too! Be respectful of their time and be sure to thank them for their help.
Not comfortable contacting the instructor? Make an appointment at the writing centre at your institution. Staff are trained to provide feedback and suggestions that help writers build on their existing strengths. If you are off-campus, ask if they provide online appointments.
What’s Next?
Once you have written a draft of your case study report, you will want to review it for both macro and micro writing issues. For more on how to revise effectively, see Section E: Revising Your Work
Case study report assignments commonly include a presentation component, as this allows instructors to assess your ability to:
- Communicate orally in front of an audience
- Speak about your work in a way that is engaging and easy to understand
- Work together with others in order to achieve a coherent, consistent, and integrated presentation
- Think on your feet and answer questions during the question-and-answer portion of the presentation
- Defend your group’s recommended course of action
7 Habits of Highly Effective Presenters
- Present without relying on notes or slides
- Give all group members equal presentation time
- Keep slides short and sweet: Avoid crowding slides with text (use no more than 3-4 points each)
- Practice with your slides (preferably in the actual presentation room)
- Cite borrowed material on the slide where it appears
- Listen carefully and look interested while other group members are speaking
- Stay within the allotted time
Tips For The Question-And-Answer Period
The following are tips for handling the question-and-answer period after your presentation.
- Have a strategy: Before the presentation, decide with the group on a strategy for answering questions. Usually it works best if one or two members handle the questions.
- Make connections: When possible (and appropriate), make connections to what other group members have said.
- Refer to course content and theory in your answers: This will help justify your recommendation and to demonstrate your understanding of course content.
- Never let them see you sweat: Stay calm and positive during the question and answer period. No matter what, do not get defensive or frustrated!
Worksheet 5: Planning Your Case Study Report Presentation
It is important to have a plan for your presentation. Plan your own case study presentation using the Planning for the Presentation Worksheet template.
Worksheet: Planning for the Presentation
Use this helpful worksheet for your Case Study Report.
Download PDF
Download the Planning for the Presentation worksheet, or take a look at an example of a filled out worksheet.
Self-Assessment Questions: Does this information need to be cited?
Key Takeaways
Now that you've completed this section, keep the following things in mind:
- Review your assignment instructions early and often. Turn your assignment sheet into a checklist of steps.
- Seek feedback from your instructor or your writing centre.
- Communicate with your group and assign clear roles well in advance of the case study report presentation.
- To reduce last-minute nervousness and reduce the need for notes, practice your presentation several times beforehand.
- Arrive extra early on the day of the presentation to set up, and if possible, visit the room a day or two before to do a practice run.
References
Munter, M., & Hamilton, L. (2014). Guide to managerial communication: Effective business writing and speaking (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson
University of Guelph. (2015). Worksheet: Checklist for Case Study Reports. (PDF).
University of Guelph. (2015). Worksheet: Planning for the Presentation. (PDF).
Next Section Overview
When you're ready, proceed to Section E: Revising Your Work .