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Discussion 1/Week 1
Advanced Business Research Methods (Liberty
University)
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Discussion: Case Study and Consulting
Maria Franco Cortes
Liberty University
BUSI 710-B04 LUO
Dr. Darlene
Casstevens January 21,
2021
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Case Study and Consulting are the two primary types of research used by DBA students.
These two approaches focus on different variables, and they have unique characteristics and
components. Therefore, there are specific factors that will make a good problem for each of these
research methods. According to the book Real Word Research, an author should select a topic
based on interest, time, and resources. Authors should also avoid topics that are too ambitious,
trivial, intractable, and unethical (Robson & McCartan, 2016, p. 50).
When identifying a problem, it is crucial to understand that it is a complicated process. In
consulting, a good problem is formulated by having different definitions of the problem situation
and developing an emphasizing the strengths or advantage of each problem definition while
minimizing disadvantages. Also, it is essential to bridge theory and practice so researchers can
understand and improve practices. New practices are available in order to structure a problem.
For example, Richard J. Ormerod (2017) explains how the Soft OR method is an exercise about
beliefs, interpretation, and communication with some piece of logic along the way. "The method
can be thought of as rational in the sense that it is rational to discuss issues prior to detailed
investigation, evaluation, and action (Ormerod, 2017)."
On the other hand, "Case Studies" is simple: "detailed analyses, usually focusing on a
particular problem of an individual, group, or organization (Kristine and John,2019)" This
method should be problem-focused or question-driven as investigators can employ any
quantitative or qualitative method of analysis (Alpi & Evans, 2019)." There are types of case
studies, such as social groups studies, community studies, individual case studies, individual
case studies, studies of events, and cross-national comparative studies. However, there is always
the necessity to follow a framework for research design. For example, starting with a tight
theoretical view may blind the importance of certain features of the case or cause
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misinterpretation of the evidence. Opposite to this, as Eisenhardt argues in 1989 that "in
developing a theory from a case study research design, it is not only a better story that matters
but also healthier and measurable constructs (Ababacar, 2020)."
In conclusion, "early on in the research process the task of identifying and articulating a
suitable research problem often involves, amongst other skills, a high level of creativity and
critical thinking (Brown & Banerjee, 2019)." Therefore, to identify a good problem, it is vital to
understand every research method and its framework.
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References
Ababacar Sy Diop, K., & Liu, E. (2020). Categorization of case in case study research method:
new approach. Knowledge and Performance Management, 4(1), 1–14.
https://doi.org/10.21511/kpm.04(1).2020.01
Alpi, K. M., & Evans, J. J. (2019). Distinguishing case study as a research method from case
reports as a publication type. Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA, 107(1),
1–5. https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2019.615
Rich, M., Brown, A., & Banerjee, A. (2019). Addressing the Challenge of Building Research
Capabilities in Business Management Undergraduate Students: EJBRM. Electronic
Journal of Business Research Methods, 17(3), 130-142.
http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.34190/JBRM.17.3.003
Ormerod, R. J. (2017b). The logic and methods of OR consulting practice: towards a
foundational view. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 69(9), 1357–
1378. https://doi.org/10.1080/01605682.2017.1392407
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016b). Real World Research (4th ed.). Wiley.
