MalikFAssignment1

docx

School

Southern New Hampshire University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

830

Subject

Business

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by fmalik89

BUSI830 Project1 1 School of Business, Liberty University Faizan Malik Introduction to Case Studies Assignment By submitting this assignment, I attest this submission represents my own work, and not that of another student, scholar, or internet source. I understand I am responsible for knowing and correctly utilizing referencing and bibliographical guidelines. I have not submitted this work for any other class.

BUSI830 Project1 2 Abstract Advancements in research have evolved over time, yielding distinct attributes and standards that shape our daily lives. Case studies have provided a dynamic approach for researchers to explore complex phenomena, shedding light not only on the subject at hand but also how it exists and interacts with its natural environment. Case studies also carry their own unique applications, prerequisites, designs, evaluations, and limitations, each of which is further enhanced by established protocols that provide researchers with a framework for their studies. Despite the associated benefits of case studies, researchers must navigate the challenge of defining case boundaries and acknowledging inherent limitations.

BUSI830 Project1 3 Introduction For as nearly as long as man has been on Earth, he has been curious and has wanted to obtain a deeper understanding of all happenings. With this curious nature, naturally the advancements in the field of research itself have yielded significant progress over centuries and have subsequently garnered unique attributes and standards that are carried today. Case studies, in particular, have provided researchers with a dynamic approach to understand the intricacies of various phenomena, from which they can gain further insight not only into the case being studied but it’s surrounding world as well. To understand their benefits, it is imperative to distinguish the use cases and requirements for case studies. A true understanding is needed to then expand on case studies further, including various design techniques and measures to ensure quality. Finally, to truly comprehend the benefit of case studies, researchers must also acknowledge the limitations that exist and the impact they may have on studies. The Case for a Case Study Although there is no fixed formula to determine whether a researcher should pursue a case study, Yin (2018) outlines three criteria that justify the use of case study methodology. First, researchers need to consider whether their primary research questions are framed as 'how' or 'why' questions, as these questions aim to uncover the mechanisms, processes, relationships, or causes underlying a specific phenomenon (Yin, 2018). The second criterion pertains to the variables of the study itself. Yin (2018) advises that case studies are appropriate when researchers have 'little or no control over behavioral events,' or when they face situations where manipulating variables or controlling the behavior of individuals or entities is challenging (Yin, 2018). Lastly, a case study should focus on contemporary phenomena rather than solely

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

BUSI830 Project1 4 historical ones. This emphasis on the present is attributed to the dynamic nature of contemporary events and the availability of richer data (Yin, 2018). Case Study Definition Over time, the rationale for conducting case studies has maintained consistency, while the conceptual definition has evolved. As outlined by Yin (2018), a contemporary understanding of case study research encompasses two main aspects pertaining to its scope and features. First, in terms of scope, case study research can be defined as “an empirical method that investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real-world context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context may not be clearly evident” (Yin, 2018). This emphasizes the need for researchers to delve deep into a specific case while considering the environment it's happening in. In terms of the features, Ebneyamini and Sadeghi (2018) explains that a case study “copes with the technically distinctive situation in which there will be many more variables of interest than data points, and as one result relies on multiple sources of evidence, with data needing to coverage in a triangulating fashion, and as another result benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions to guide data collection and analysis (Ebneyamini & Sadeghi, 2018). Case studies can be further categorized into three distinct subtypes: exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory. Exploratory case studies, as their designation suggests, focus on relatively less understood phenomena with the primary goal of uncovering insights, formulating hypotheses, and developing an initial grasp of a specific subject, rather than rigorously testing predefined hypotheses or theories (Swedberg, 2020). This contrasts with descriptive case studies, which prioritize a meticulous exploration of phenomena within their natural context, to provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of the case without necessarily generating new theories

BUSI830 Project1 5 (Atmowardoyo, 2018). Lastly, explanatory case studies establish the underlying relationships governing the phenomenon within a study, often involving the investigation of causal links and mechanisms (Yin, 2018). Case Study Research Design According to Yin (2018), there are five major components of research design: a case study’s questions, its propositions (if any), it’s case(s), the logic linking the data to the propositions, and the criteria for interpreting the findings. The first component relates to how the research questions for the study are formulated, similar to the “how” and “why” questions discussed earlier and focus on understanding the various mechanisms and relationships that exist or relate to a phenomenon. Goldschmidt and Matthews (2022) provide a framework emphasizes the importance of considering different dimensions when formulating research questions, including the domain of the study, the type of question (exploratory, descriptive, explanatory), the level of generality, and the intended outcomes of the research (Goldschmidt & Matthews, 2022). The next component involves propositions, which Yin (2018) describes as a framework for collecting and analyzing data, acting as the initial hypothesis to identify relationships that may exist within the study (Yin, 2018). The case or the phenomenon being studied impacts the overall relevance of the research being performed and proper selection is crucial, as it shapes the direction of the study. The final two components, the linking of logic and criteria for interpretation, are interconnected as the linking of logic involves connecting data with the underlying propositions and the criterion for interpretation provides standards for assessing the validity and significance of a study (Yin, 2018). Yin (2018) also describes the four basic types of research design: single case design, multiple case design, holistic case design, and embedded case design (Yin, 2018). For single and

BUSI830 Project1 6 multiple case designs, research select either a single or multiple case for their study, with single case design best suited for exploring unique cases whereas multiple case designs allow for an analysis of the variations that exist between and amongst cases (Sneed et al., 2020). In contrast, holistic and embedded case designs are geared toward the way the study is being performed, specifically on the case(s) within the study. Holistic case designs prioritize a thorough understanding of the case itself, often within well-defined boundaries, whereas embedded case designs concentrate on situating the case within its real-world context, often incorporating subsidiary case data to offer a more comprehensive perspective (Guetterman & Fetters, 2018). Case Study Design Tests and Tactics There are four common tests conducted by researchers to ensure the quality of their research, which include construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and reliability (Yin, 2018). Construct validity ensures that the hypothesis of the study accurately reflects the theoretical ideas they intend to represent, as so the study's outcomes and conclusions are firmly grounded in the theoretical framework they seek to address. To achieve this, Yin (2018) recommends researchers utilize multiple sources of evidence, as this allows for establishment of a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of the case, and to have key informants review draft case study report as a form of member checking (Yin, 2018). Internal validity pertains to establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between variables, demanding robust methodologies that confidently link different elements, much like building a sturdy bridge between two points of understanding. External Validity concerns the broader applicability of findings beyond the specific study context, mirroring the concept of a telescope revealing insights that reach beyond its immediate field of view. Reliability emphasizes the consistency and stability of research results over time and across different circumstances, much like a well-

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

BUSI830 Project1 7 calibrated instrument consistently providing accurate measurements. Together, these criteria create a holistic framework that ensures research is not only methodologically sound but also capable of yielding meaningful insights with relevance beyond the immediate study context. Internal validity relates to establishing causal connections between variables, requiring researchers to evaluate if the study's various design processes are sufficient to infer cause-and- effect relationships, whereas external validity focuses on the broader applicability of study findings, allowing researchers to determine if whether the findings from the study can be extended beyond the study (Andrade, 2018). To achieve optimal outcomes for internal validity, Yin (2018) recommends researchers perform pattern testing and explanation building, address rival explanations, and use logic model whereas for external validity, the recommendation is utilizing theories in single-case studies and replication login within multiple-case studies (Yin, 2018). Finally, often seen has the hallmark of research, is reliability which ensures results can be obtained regardless of the number of applications. To ensure this, Yin (2018) recommends researchers utilize case study protocols, develop case study databases, and maintain chains of evidence (Yin, 2018). Cases Not Readily Bound Yin (2018) also discusses the challenges researchers may encounter when attempting to define the boundaries of a case, in which a study may have single case or phenomena but the boundaries between the case being studied, and its surrounding context are not well-defined. This causes confusion when attempting to delineate where a specific case may begin or end, making the case itself come into question. In such situations, Yin (2018) recommended researchers acknowledge and address this potential blurriness when designing and conducting their case study research, as this can ensure positive outcomes and more reliable data (Yin, 2018). This is

BUSI830 Project1 8 echoed by Alpi and Evans (2019), who explain defining the boundaries of a case allows researchers to ensure the that the case is relevant to the research question being asked, and it is feasible to study in-depth, and prevent the researcher from collecting too much data, which can be time-consuming and costly (Alpi & Evans, 2019). To do so, Alpi and Evans (2019) recommend that researchers identify research questions while also considering the context of the case, identify key features of the case, and then set the limits on the case as needed (Alpi & Evans, 2019). Similarly, God has shown us that He sees a bigger picture than we may see on His earth. As told in Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” In this verse, Paul decries that the writings of the past were intended to teach valuable lessons to readers on how to serve to build endurance and provide encouragement to those who read them. Just as researchers strive to decipher the boundaries of cases, God's teachings provide a framework to understand life's complexities and challenges, offering enduring lessons and fostering hope in the grand tapestry of existence. Conclusion Case studies have become a vital aspect of modern research, allowing researchers to explore the various nuances and intricacies of single or multiple phenomena. To truly appreciate the merits of case studies, it is essential to discern their various applications and prerequisites, along with their designs, assessments, and limitations. By classifying case studies into various subcategories and having standardized protocols for design, researchers can begin with a comprehensive framework ensuring that a study's trajectory is well-founded and yields meaningful results. However, researchers must also ensure their results meet those standards

BUSI830 Project1 9 through the various quality controls such as construct, internal, external validity, and reliability. Even in instances of case studies with quality results, researchers are not immune to the limitations that exist and often are unable to distinguish their case from its surrounding contexts. These blurred boundaries echo a truth mirrored in God's teachings, inviting researchers to embrace the quest for clarity and knowledge, much like the illumination provided by divine guidance.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

BUSI830 Project1 10 References Alpi, K. M., & Evans, J. J. (2019). Distinguishing case study as a research method from case reports as a publication type. Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA, 107(1), 1. Atmowardoyo, H. (2018). Research methods in TEFL studies: Descriptive research, case study, error analysis, and R & D. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 9(1), 197-204. Ebneyamini, S., & Sadeghi Moghadam, M. R. (2018). Toward developing a framework for conducting case study research. International journal of qualitative methods, 17(1), 1609406918817954. Goldschmidt, G., & Matthews, B. (2022). Formulating design research questions: A framework. Design Studies, 78, 101062. Guetterman, T. C., & Fetters, M. D. (2018). Two methodological approaches to the integration of mixed methods and case study designs: A systematic review. American Behavioral Scientist, 62(7), 900-918. Sneed, S., Nguyen, C. H., & Eubank, C. L. (2020). An introduction to case study methodology: Single case and multiple case approaches. International Journal of Adult Education and Technology (IJAET), 11(4), 1-11. Swedberg, R. (2020). Exploratory research. The production of knowledge: Enhancing progress in social science, 17-41. The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/index.cfm (Original work published 1973)

BUSI830 Project1 11 Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods, (6 th edition). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. ISBN: 9781506336169.

MalikFAssignment1

Related Documents