Developing Case Studies

DOE-HDBK-1116-98

The following steps and related examples illustrate the development of a comprehensive case

study.1 Where applicable, suggestions are made on how these steps relate to the development

of other types of case studies.

The focus of a case study will be determined by the learning objective(s). This step is the most

critical one, because not meeting the learning objective equates to wasted time. For example,

the following objectives may be found in a typical facility training program:

OPERATOR LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Given a situation involving a facility fire, assess the

facility conditions and determine a course of action that will place the facility in a safe

condition.

FIRE BRIGADE MEMBER LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Given a situation involving unusual

maintenance activities in the facility, identify potential personnel and/or facility safety

hazards and identify how these hazards could be prevented.

Based on these objectives, the focus of the case study can be written in the case study

introduction and look like this:

A CABLE TRAY FIRE AT A COMMERCIAL NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

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Successfully extinguishing a fire is difficult

This case study covers a cable tray fire

under ideal conditions; combining fire

at a commercial nuclear power plant.

An event description of operator

fighting efforts with a plant shutdown

requires forethought and planning.

actions necessary to fight the fire and

maintain control of the plant is

included.

For other types of case studies, the focus can be noted in the instructor's lesson plan stating the

purpose of the case study activity.

The complete case study used to explain the development steps can be found in Appendix B of this guide.