Case Study Research

Given the complexity of the phenomenon being studied, at a …rst level of en- quiry, we use case study research to de…ne the dynamics that describe down- stream value in the telecommunication capacity platforms. This understanding is used to develop models that describe the evolution of such value and also develop models that value the di¤erent dimensions of the ‡exibility to adapt to downstream stochastic processes. These models are subsequently used to test the symmetry of cost-based access prices. Based on the plausibility of the logic of the analysis, the …ndings are generalized as theoretical propositions. Their extrapolation from case to case is based on logical inference. Now case studies have been widely used in research for explanatory purposes, in respect of both theory building and theory testing (Thomas, 2004). Thomas observes that case studies can generate theoretical insights that are closely grounded in real experience, in contrast to speculative theorizing.

Yin (2003) de…nes a case study as an empirical inquiry into a contemporary phenomenon within its real–life context. Mitchell (1983) characterizes a case study as an examination of an event (or a series of events) which exhibits the op- eration of some identi…ed theoretical principal. Collis and Hussey (2003) de…ne a case study as an extensive examination of a single instance of a phenomenon of interest. Eisehardt (1989) argues that case studies utilize concepts that are validated by their close contact with empirical reality and are therefore capable of yielding theories that are versatile. Yin (2003) observes that case studies can be used to explain the presumed casual links in real-life interventions that are too complex for the survey methodology. Case studies have been an important research methodology in business (Ghauri and Gronhaug, 2002). In economics case studies have been used to investigate the structure of industries or the

economies of cities and regions (Yin, 2003). In such cases, the choice of case studies as a research tool is driven by the need to understand complex phenom- enon and provide in-depth understanding of the holistic nature and complexity of real-life events.

Citing Kaplan (1964), Ryan et al.(1992) illustrate the relevance of case studies with reference to the pattern model of explanation. In such a model, the system and its context form the basis of explanation. The relationship between the various parts the system and the system’s relationship with the larger system of which it is a part (its context) serve to explain the system. Ryan et al. observe that whereas the inductive model of explanation provide predictions of occurrences at the empirical level, based on more abstract general laws or theories, it does not provide an explanation of these occurrences. These statistical generalizations indicate statistical regularities which may or may not apply in speci…c circumstances. The explanations from the pattern model aid a fuller understanding of the world that we live in. Ryan et al. further observe that it is inappropriate to study individual parts of social systems taken out of context because these systems develop a characteristic wholeness or integrity. Accordingly, a holistic research methodology seeks to explain this holistic quality and locate particular social systems in their practical context.

A key criticism of case study research is that it provides little basis for sci- enti…c generalizations (Thomas, 2004). Arguing to the contrary, Yin (2003) observes that while case studies, like experiments, cannot be generalized to populations or universes, they can however be generalized to theoretical propo- sitions. Therefore a case study, like an experiment, does not represent a sample but rather provides a basis for analytical generalizations but not statistical generalizations. Arguing for case study research, Smith (1991) citing Worsley et al. (1970) writes, "the general validity of the analysis does not depend on whether the case being analysed is representative of other cases of its kind, but rather upon the plausibility of the logic of the analysis." On the same subject Ryan et al. citing Mitchell (1983), observe that "logical inference is epistemo-

logically quite independent of statistical inference." Mitchell (1983) argues that "the process of inference from case studies is only logical or causal and cannot be statistical and extrapolability from any one case study to similar situations in general is based only on logical inference. We infer that the features present in the case study will be related to a wider population not because the case is representative but because the logic of the analysis is unassailable."

Case study research gains more acceptance as a method of research given the view of some researchers that a considerable body of management research deviates from the complexity of reality and therefore leans towards being irrel- evant. Starkey and Madan (2001) examine the relevance gap in management research and argue that knowledge should inform action; and action becomes knowable if we better understand the underlying principles linking cause and e¤ect. The authors add that researchers should engage more with the com- plexities of practice and argue that the de…ning characteristic of management research should be its applied nature.

John and Duberly (2000) observe that the focus of management research has become narrower and narrower in search for causal relationships to the extent that the propositions being tested do not re‡ect the complexity of the real world. They conclude that the result can be propositions which apply in such narrow circumstances that they bear little relationship to reality and therefore have remote e¤ectiveness as a basis for understanding or controlling social phenomenon. Di Maggio (1995) decries management research whose thrust is the search for covering laws and which relies on a view of scienti…c progress as being a kind of a "R2 _sweepstake."