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Business Case Studies

A case study is a record of research examining in detail the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time.

It is an in depth study of a particular situation. A case study is not intended to answer a question completely, but it can indicate a direction for further research. 

Case studies are a form of qualitative descriptive research that is used to look at individuals, a small group of participants, or a group as a whole, drawing conclusions only about that participant or group and only in that specific context. Researchers do not focus on the discovery of a universal truth, nor do they typically look for cause-effect relationships; instead, emphasis is placed on exploration and description. Researchers collect data about participants using participant and direct observations, interviews, and examinations of records.

Planning a Case Study

  • The first principle of the case study is the subject and relevance. In a case study, you are trying to isolate a small group, one individual case or one particular population.
  • The plan of a case study is important- be sure not to let your initial target subject grow too big. While you are collecting data, be sure it focusses on your subject.
  • Create a narrow topic and use it to filter all the sources you find.
  • Remember that a case study is a limited viewpoint of a situation, and that you are an observer.

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Sample Case Studies