In this paper, the definition and description of what a case study is, what are some reasons for using a case study, what are some disadvantages and advantages of this approach? Also included in this paper I will talk about what are some of the ways a researcher can acquire information that can is used for a case study. A case study can be defined as a descriptive account of the behavior, history, and other relevant factors concerning a particular individual (Cozby, Bates, 2012).
A case study is “a method of analysis and a specific research design for examining a problem” (University of Southern California, 2010). It can be used to analyze a person, place, event, or other subjects in order to help discover mitigating issues, misconceptions, failures, trends, or recommendations (USC, 2010). Case studies will be used to gain a better understanding of situations and topics to help others make better policies, procedures, and decisions (USC, 2010).
Qualitative research methods are complex meaningful analysis characterised by processes and meanings that are not experimentally examined or measured in terms of mathematical measurements (Lincoln, 2003; Sarantakos, 2005). Quantitative research however, relies and builds on mathematical procedures and methods, such as frequency, quality, amount and statistical procedure. This paper will compare and contrast both qualitative and quantitative research methods endeavouring to highlight differences and similarities between the two methods.
Cooper, D., & Schindler, P. (2012). Business research methods (Twelfth ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
In business and management research a regular investigation not only leads to solving business problems, but also contributes to management knowledge (Edmondson and McManus, 2016). There are different methods solutions as well as various ways of conducting them. Based on literature review, we can distinguish qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methodological approaches. Despite the fact that the quantitative method based their theory on previous observations and findings, where the second uses findings and observations to test the already existing theory, these two methodological approaches are not mutually exclusive.
Business researchers utilize various forms of approaches to analyze and obtain information and data, and two of the most popular approaches used are the qualitative research approach and quantitative research approach. Each approach can be beneficial or in some cases may cause inconclusive results depending on the type of research being conducted and what the nature of the study is. The following will assess two different peer reviewed articles: one which uses a qualitative approach and the other a quantitative approach. It
Research questions in case study design begin with ‘how and why’ (Yin, 2003) and determine the type of case study. The main function of the questions is to keep the researcher focused and on track (Zucker, 2001).The following questions fit the planned instrumental, and exploratory/descriptive single case study design:
Mixed research methodology has been defined as the class of research approach whereby researcher combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods, techniques, concepts and approaches into a single set of study (Jhoson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Historically, the researchers have been using either quantitative or qualitative research approach in order to carry out their research. And, the main reason was due to the presence and wide differences between the supporters and followers of the both philosophies.
This research will be adopting the mixed method approach, as it will assist in gathering both qualitative and quantitative methods to ascertain the authenticity of information used. Any weaknesses in either of the research methods will be complemented and compensated by the other’s strength.
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2014). Business research methods. (12th ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
When faced with a difficult situation or decision, it is often easier to break the situation down into parts and attack each part individually in order to develop the best solution. One such method in business research is the management-research question hierarchy. This hierarchy allows a researcher to move “through various levels of questions, each with a specific function within the overall business research process” (Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 108).
According to authors Cooper and Schindler, The Study & Business research is the tools and process that is needed to lower the risk that may occur in decision making in Management. A business research inquiry is systematic and provides information that will help direct managerial decisions. A crucial aspect of any business venture is decision making. When an owner of a business is aware of his marketplace surroundings, he will be able to make decisions that are firm and have the ability to stand by them. A business owner will need to have an understanding that is complete with external factors that could possibly affect the owner’s business services, the products and overall business along with his or her business internal factors. The best solution for this dilemma is Business research. Business analysis is the systematic process of pulling together market data that is relevant, which is examined and arranged to draw the conclusions that are pertinent to your company. Essential information in these reports are in reference to the trends of the market, customer groups, and competitors demand segments and all of the marketplace key players. (Academia, (2015).
Critically Analyzing the Main Issues in the Case Study Using Relevant Theories Related to Organization and Management
7.Kumar, R. (2011). Research Methodology: A step by step Guide for Beginner. Third edition. London: SAGE publications Asia- Pacific Pte Ltd. [online]Available at: http://books.google.com.hk/books?id=a3PwLukoFlMC&pg=PA94&dq=kerlinger+1986&hl=zh-CN&sa=X&ei=KHtkUYLIIei80QWWvYGoCg&ved=0CD0Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false [Accessed: 5th June, 2015]
A research decision involves the application of a design in which the research will be developed. During the application of this design, the worldview assumptions must be taken into consideration to enhance the study from different perspectives. Research design, which Creswell refers to as the plan or proposal to conduct research, “involves the intersection of philosophy, strategies of inquiry, and specific methods” (Creswell, 2009, p. 5). This study must imply the assumptions in which this research will make about how to obtain and gain knowledge and reality about this business phenomenon. Even though these philosophical worldviews remain for the most part unseen and form only one portion of the research design, they have great