Definitions:
- What is a case study? What is actions research? Quantitative and qualitative aspects of a case study. Fixed and flexible factors in empirical studies.
- When is case study a feasible research method? - Setting up a case study.
- Defining scope and goal of a case study. Setting up contracts between the researcher and the studied organization.
- Units of analysis, theoretical framework, research questions, propositions and hypotheses. - Legal, ethical and professional issues.
Data collection:
- Defining procedures for data collection. Questionnaire design. Interviews. Metrics collection. Archival data collection. Focus groups.
Data analysis and interpretation:
- Data filtering. Qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data interpretation in conjunction with the organization. Tools for data analysis.
Reporting:
- What should be reported in a case study? Issues of secrecy and publicity. Audience for different types of reports.
Validity issues:
- Analysis of validity and actions to improve the validity of a case study.
Report case study proposals.