The Process for Developing a Case Study and Cross-Case Analysis
• Generate topic ideas (brainstorm - use your experience - your interests - career oriented choices).
• Develop initial ideas (explore the Internet - library data bases).
• Select a topic (find the best fit between assignment and information/interest/experience obtained).
• Develop a research question/set of questions - e.g. Why did this strategy succeed? (answering this question this will guide data collection and helps interpret results).
• Data collection and analysis:
Decide on suitable sources and means to access these sources
Conduct interviews/observations, if appropriate
Collect published sources and record publication details (use APA format)
Review data and determine gaps that need to be filled
Determine case study structure (chronological or organized around key events/issues)
Interpret data in relation to the initial research question
• Develop an outline - Say what you are going to say - Say it - Say you have said it (i.e. Introduction - Main body - Summary and
conclusion).
• Develop a rough draft, revise, edit and proof - this is critical to producing a good quality document.
• A good case study should be:
Significant
Complete
Consider alternative perspectives
Display sufficient evidence
Be written in an engaging manner
Cross-Case Analysis
Once you have completed your cases you need to conduct a cross-case analysis. This requires comparing the two cases (or more) to determine point of similarity and points of difference. The objective is to determine the critical success factors (CSFs). What are the key factors that led to success? Understanding success also involves studying failure.
The following framework might be helpful. You should identify factors for comparison based on the characteristics of your own cases.
Such factors might be charismatic leadership, global growth, effective value chain network.
The CSFs are based on your judgment of the evidence you have collected, and should emerge as you work through this framework.
What are the key factors that have led to success. It will be beneficial to compare what factors are selected by your peers. Are there patterns here?