Case study Strategy

Case study remains one of the most essential forms of social enquiry because it’s aim is to capture the details of a single group, community or a single event which are relevant to the purpose of the study, within a real life context. According to Yin (2003:13) case study as a research method is described as “an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon with its real-life context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident.” McMillan and Schumacher (2001) maintained that a case study seeks to examine a case over time in great depth with

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the use of multiple sources of data as could be found in the setting. Subsequently, the researcher then collates all the evidences collected in order to arrive at responses that will be well suited to the research question(s). Consequently, the researcher from all that has been gleaned from the multiple sources of evidence, may gain a more elaborate understanding of why the instance happened as it did, and what other critical areas could possibly be looked at more elaborately in future research.

Oates, (2006:142) noted that case studies have the following characteristics

 Focus on depth rather than breadth: As much detail as possible is gathered for

one instance or case of the research environment under investigation.

 Natural setting: The case is analysed and evaluated not in an artificial

environment but in its natural environment.

 Holistic study: The research aim is not to isolate factors, but to focus on the

interrelated, interconnected and complex nature of processes and relationships.

 Multiple sources of methods: the researcher utilizes a wide range of data

sources.

Brewerton and Milward (2001) on the other hand put forward a number of criteria that define a case study as valid as follows:

Significance- the case study subject matter is of public and theoretical interest

Completeness- a sense of understanding the whole case is communicated

Consideration of alternative perspectives-drawing on the work of other researchers or

appointed adversaries to the research team

Sufficient evidence is provided-to enable the reader to make his or her own judgement as

to the research findings

Sensitivity and respect is shown- for disclosures recounted in the research report and for

the role of participants in the research process.

Some methodologists have advanced different types of case study. Yin (2003) for instance maintained that Case study may be exploratory, descriptive or explanatory.

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Jensen & Rodgers (2001) on the other hand classified case study as snapshot,longitudinal,

pre-post, patchwork or comparative while Merriam opined that case study can be

particularistic, descriptive or heuristic. This research work according to Yin’s typology is an exploratory study given the “how” and “why” type nature of the research questions.

Also, Babbie and Mouton (2001:281) identified six different types of case studies namely: individual, community, social group, studies of events, roles and relationships, studies of countries and nations as well as studies of organisations and institutions. The current research in line with Babbie and Mouton’s typology is an example of studies of organisation as this study was centred on Polytechnics in Nigeria. Gulsecen & Kubat, (2006) noted that the role of case study method in research becomes abundantly prominent when issues with regard to education are raised. Case study was considered appropriate in this case because the current research work has an educational setting: Polytechnics in Nigeria as its focus.

However, case study is not without limitations. Rowley (2002) assert that case study has been viewed as lacking in rigour and objectivity when compared with other social science research methods. This he maintained accounts for why case study researchers must be cautious while articulating research design and during the process of implementation. Also, Anderson and Arsenault (1998), opined that when another researcher carries out a similar study, possibilities abound that different conclusions could be reached so it becomes difficult to generalise on the basis of a single case. While the current research work involved two Polytechnics in Nigeria, the researcher, in agreement with the Rowley (2002) and Arsenault (1998), avoided making sweeping generalisations and therefore limits the findings to the two case study institutions.

In summary, the research work adopted the case study research strategy for the following reasons:

 This research work poses “why”, “what” and “how” questions and case study was ideal for answering the questions.

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 Case study allowed the use of multiple means for data collection and since this

research work utilises multiple means of data collection, case study is considered appropriate.

 Case study afforded the researcher the opportunity to study the phenomenon

in its natural setting and meaningful theory could be created from the observation of actual reality.

 The current study focuses on contemporary events and the case study strategy

was considered appropriate because it enabled greater insights gained in the context.

 The researcher was afforded a greater depth of inquiry using the case study research approach.