Assess the strengths and weaknesses of individual data collection methods. Formulate a data collection strategy that combines several data collection methods such as primary and secondary data and qualitative vs. quantitative data.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to satisfy the following outcomes:

• Module 1
  • Compare and contrast CSR to other research methods.
  • Describe the types of research questions that are best suited to CSR.
  • Explain the criteria for selecting the type of case study and the appropriate design.
  • Assess the validity and reliability of the research.
  • Develop a research protocol for collecting data.

• Module 2
  • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of individual data collection methods.
  • Formulate a data collection strategy that combines several data collection methods such as primary and secondary data and qualitative vs. quantitative data.
  • Create an evidence database to store, organize and manage case study data.
  • Develop a strategy for analyzing case study data.
  • Select an appropriate analytic technique to enhance internal and external validity.

• Module 3.
  • Create a simple action research proposal.
  • Articulate the action research cycle and describe how it may be employed in business research.
  • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of action research as compared to other business research methods.

• Module 4
  • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of an array of action research data collection methods.
  • Formulate and describe how to implement an action research data collection strategy.
  • Select appropriate analytic techniques to evaluate action research data.
  • Implement action research finding.

• Module 5
  • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of individual qualitative data analysis methods.
  • Formulate a data analysis strategy that produces meaningful and valid results from your qualitative data.
  • Perform thematic analysis on qualitative data.
  • Code data, relate codes to themes, and develop a resulting conceptual framework that describes how the thematic results are related.
  • Present a holistic view of qualitative data results using multiple means of rich description.

DOC 640 Module Overview

This module introduces the first of two applied research methodologies:  the case study.  In this module you will learn about what is involved in conducting a case study, what kinds of business problems, issues, and phenomena are best studies using the case study, and what is involved in planning this type of research.  In the process, you will find the answers to the following questions:

• Will CSR be useful to me for my Doctoral Study project?
• Can I use CSR in a setting that will be useful to me professionally?
• What is involved in completing a quality case study?

We will start with the basics and move into more complex issues. This module will cover the following topics:

• Case Study definitions, what is a case study?
• Types of case studies (exploratory, explanatory, descriptive).
• How to identify research question.
• How to design a case study and develop a research protocol.

Module 1 – Background

INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

The following readings are required for Module 1.  Optional readings can be found at the end of this section and while not required, may help you understand the material better and be useful to you if you choose to conduct a case study research method for your doctoral study.  All readings can be accessed in the Trident Online Library, unless linked to another source or otherwise noted.

The Case Study as a Research Method

This module begins with an overview of the case study method, how this method differs from other types of research, the types of topics that are well suited for case studies, and compares the main types of case studies used for research.

Module 1 – Case

INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Case Assignment

Find an example of case study research work for critical analysis.  The case study work may be a book, journal article, a dissertation, or technical report on a topic of interest.  You will make the best use of your time if you choose a study that relates to a topic you might be interested in studying in depth in your Doctoral Study project as proposed in the SLP.  In a 6-page essay, address the following questions:

1. Why is this classified as a case study? Is it a descriptive, explanatory, or exploratory study?
2. Identify the four key components of the research design:
3. What is the research question?
4. What propositions are suggested?

• What is the unit of analysis?

1. How is the data linked to the propositions?
2. Identify the theoretical framework for the study and assess the quality of the study in terms of validity and reliability.