CASE STUDY

What:  Case studies

 are written summaries or syntheses of real-life
cases
based upon data and research
 require you to isolate and think through the key
issues involved against both theory and the
larger comparative environment
 identify appropriate strategies for the resolution
of the 'case'
 weight the pros and cons of the remedial
options/strategies
 recommend and present a rationale for the best
resolution
Definition:

 Documented study of a specific real-life

situation or imagined scenario, used as
a training tool in business schools and
firms.
 Students are required to analyze the
prescribed cases and present their
interpretations or solutions, supported
by the line of reasoning employed and
assumptions made.
 Assumptions
1. Cases selected based on dimensions of a theory (pattern-matching) or on
diversity on a dependent phenomenon (explanation-building).

2. No generalization to a population beyond cases similar to those studied.

3. Conclusions should be phrased in terms of model elimination, not model

validation. Numerous alternative theories may be consistent with data
gathered from a case study.

4. Case study approaches have difficulty in terms of evaluation of low-

probability causal paths in a model as any given case selected for study
may fail to display such a path, even when it exists in the larger population
of potential cases.

Types:
Snapshot
 Objective study of research entity at one point
 Longitudinal
 Objective study of research entity at multiple point
 Pre – post
 The study of research entity at two point separated by
critical event
 Patchwork
 A set of multiple case studies of the same research entity
 Comparative
 A set of multiple case studies of the multiple research
entity for the purpose of cross unit comparison.
 Developing a Case
Study
1) All data about the case is gathered.

Data could result from a combination of methods, including

documentation (applications, histories, records, etc.),

questionnaires, interviews and observation.

2) Data is organized into an approach to highlight the focus of

the study.

In our example, data in the case would be organized in a

chronological order to portray how the client got into the program,

went through the program and did not receive effective services.
3) A case study narrative is developed.

The narrative is a highly readable story that integrates and summarizes

key information around the focus of the case study and should be

complete to the extent that it is the eyes and ears for an outside reader to

understand what happened regarding the case.

4) The narrative might be validated by review from program participants.

For example, the client for whom the program failed, would read the

narrative to ensure it fully depicted his or her experience and results.

5) Case studies might be cross-compared to isolate any themes or patterns.

For example, various case studies about program failures might be

compared to notice commonalities in these clients' experiences and how

they went through the program.

 Uses of Case Studies

 Useful in depicting a holistic portrayal of a client's experiences

and results regarding a program.

 Used to organize a wide range of information about a case and

then analyze the contents by seeking patterns and themes in

the data, and by further analysis through cross comparison

with other cases.

 A case can be individuals, programs, or any unit, depending on

what the program evaluators want to examine through in-depth

analysis and comparison.