Explore what a case study is and how this method is used in research, public sector, and private sector for in-depth analysis.
What is actually a case study? It is a method that occurs in many different types of research. It can be within academia but it is even more common for case studies to be conducted within the public and private sectors.
The method involves a thorough investigation of a single case. It could be an individual, group, organization, or event that is being studied. A simple example might be a company wanting to implement a change, such as introducing a new business system, and wanting to see the effects of that change.
With a case study, one can examine complex things in their real context, which is very valuable.
This is just a selection and case studies are used in many more areas than these.
Conducting a case study requires a well-planned and methodical approach. Here are the basic steps:
The first step is to identify and select an appropriate case to study. It could be an individual, group, organization, or event. The choice should be based on the objectives of the case study and the research questions. The case should be representative of the phenomenon being investigated and have the potential to provide insights and understanding.
Clarify the purpose of the study and formulate specific research questions. These questions should be open and investigative to allow for an in-depth analysis of the case.
Collect data through various methods such as interviews, observations, document analysis, and surveys. It is important to use multiple sources of data to obtain a diverse and comprehensive view of the case. Document all collected information carefully.
Analyze collected data to identify patterns, themes, and key insights related to the research questions. Use various analytical techniques such as thematic analysis or coding to systematize and interpret the information.
Present the results of the case study in a well-structured report. The report should include an introduction to the case, a description of the data collection and analysis methods, a presentation of the results, and a discussion that connects the results to the original research questions and the broader literature.
Conclude with a reflection on the study's limitations and potential biases. Also discuss the study's contribution to the understanding of the phenomenon under investigation and opportunities for future research.
By carefully following these steps, researchers can conduct case studies that provide valuable insight and in-depth understanding of complex issues in their real-world context.
I hope this article helps you in your work! When conducting case studies, interviews are one of the most important tools. At Klang.ai, we offer a tool that assists you through all the steps of the interview process. From scheduling interviews, transcription, to analysis.