IS6000-Seminar 8 Research methods-Case Study-Action Research
1 IS6000 – Seminar 8 Research Methods – Case Study – Action Research –
Case study A case study is an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident Yin, 2003) The case study is the most common form of qualitative research method in is, as well as other disciplines
2 Case Study • A case study is an empirical inquiry that: – investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when – the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident (Yin, 2003) • The case study is the most common form of qualitative research method in IS, as well as other disciplines
When To Use the case study Method? The case study is preferred in eXamining contemporary events, especially when you dont want to manipulate people's behaviour Case studies rely on direct observation, and systematic interviewing You cannot control what people do in case studies. You are studying real life In case studies, we often ask how? and why? questions
3 When To Use the Case Study Method? • The case study is preferred in examining contemporary events, especially when you don’t want to manipulate people’s behaviour. • Case studies rely on direct observation, and systematic interviewing. • You cannot control what people do in case studies. You are studying real life. • In case studies, we often ask ‘how?’ and ‘why?’ questions
Case Study- Sample Research Questions How does it enhance decision making in senior executives? Why do junior staff refuse to use email? How can we improve IT literacy in dinosaurs? How can an Sme develop an effective e-business portal? How can we measure the success of this portal? Why did e Bay fail in China How can Wechat add value in the office?
4 Case Study – Sample Research Questions • How does IT enhance decision making in senior executives? • Why do junior staff refuse to use email? • How can we improve IT literacy in dinosaurs? • How can an SME develop an effective e-business portal? – How can we measure the success of this portal? • Why did eBay fail in China?! • How can Wechat add value in the office?
Conducting Case Studies 1 Preparation for Data Collection · The researcher should be able to ask good questions(interview technique) be a good listener be flexible and adaptable to circumstances have a firm grasp of the issues being studied be unbiased by preconceived notions for the specific context of the case study and organisatIon
5 Conducting Case Studies 1 • Preparation for Data Collection • The researcher should… – be able to ask good questions (interview technique) – be a good listener – be flexible and adaptable to circumstances – have a firm grasp of the issues being studied – be unbiased by preconceived notions • …for the specific context of the case study and organisation
Conducting Case studies 2 The researcher must be able to make intelligent decisions about the data being collected This will require knowledge about why the study is being done; what evidence is being sought; what variations can be anticipated what would constitute supportive or contrary evidence for any given proposition A Case Study could also include quantitative(survey) data - 'll look at this next week
6 Conducting Case Studies 2 • The researcher must be able to make intelligent decisions about the data being collected. • This will require knowledge about – why the study is being done; – what evidence is being sought; – what variations can be anticipated – what would constitute supportive or contrary evidence for any given proposition • A Case Study could also include quantitative (survey) data – we’ll look at this next week
Case Study protocol The protocol should include An overview of the case study project(project, substantive issues, relevant reading) Field procedures how to gain access to interviewees, planning for sufficient resources, providing for unanticipated events, etc. Case study questions about individuals, multiple cases, entire study, normative questions about policy recommendations and conclusions
7 Case Study Protocol • The protocol should include – An overview of the case study project (project, substantive issues, relevant reading) – Field procedures (how to gain access to interviewees, planning for sufficient resources, providing for unanticipated events, etc.) – Case study questions • about individuals, multiple cases, entire study, • normative questions about policy recommendations and conclusions
Sources of evidence for case studies There are six forms of evidence that could be collected Interviews Direct observations Participant observations Documentation Archival records Physical artifacts Colleting from multiple sources(triangulation) helps increase the reliability of that data
8 Sources of Evidence for Case Studies • There are six forms of evidence that could be collected – Interviews – Direct observations – Participant observations – Documentation – Archival records – Physical artifacts • Colleting from multiple sources (triangulation) helps increase the reliability of that data
Interviews Case study interviews are usually open-ended Focused interviews can still be open-ended but involve following specific questions derived from the case study protocol More structured questions A structured interview would involve the sampling procedures and the instruments used in surveys(see next week's class)
9 Interviews • Case study interviews are usually open-ended • Focused interviews can still be open-ended but involve following specific questions derived from the case study protocol • More structured questions • A structured interview would involve the sampling procedures and the instruments used in surveys (see next week’s class)
Direct observations By making a field visit to the case study'site', the investigator is creating the opportunity for direct observations You cant do a case study if you dont visit the research site! To increase the reliability of observational evidence, it is sensible to have two or more researchers, formally or casually Each person should have a clear responsibility Each person will remember different things
10 Direct Observations • By making a field visit to the case study ‘site’, the investigator is creating the opportunity for direct observations. – You can’t do a case study if you don’t visit the research site! • To increase the reliability of observational evidence, it is sensible to have two or more researchers, formally or casually. – Each person should have a clear responsibility • Each person will remember different things
