"The case method of analysis involves studying actual business situations, written as an in-depth presentation of a company, its market, and its strategic decisions, in order to improve a manager's or a student's problem-solving ability. Cases typically investigate a contemporary issue in a real-life context. There are multiple issues to consider and many 'correct' or viable alternatives to solve the case issues are presented." --Encyclopedia of Management. (4th ed.). Detroit: Gale, 1999. (p. 71)
Once you have selected a case study, the following resources will assist you in analyzing the case materials.
1. Use the company website for a starting point. Explore the history, annual reports, financials, news releases, etc.
2. Use Magazine and Journal Articles from ABI/Inform and the business databases below. Tips: Look for cover stories. Limit date range. Use Advanced Search tools.
3. Use Company Profiles from ProQuest Business Market Research Collection Tip: For older reports, select a date range.
4. Use Morningstar for information on financials - stocks, ratios, etc. Includes historical charts and timelines.
Sample citations (APA) from Morningstar:
Financial Statements. (2010, June 8). Apple, Inc. Retrieved from Morningstar Investment Research Center.
Gogia, S. (2010, October 19). International Business Machines Corp [Analyst report]. Retrieved from Morningstar Investment Research Center.
5. Use EdGAR for SEC filings and other government sites (see below).