Explanatory Case Study Assignment 1
Explanatory Case Study Assignment.
Keston Luke
School of Business, Liberty University
BUSI830
Author Note
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Keston Luke.
Email:
Explanatory Case Study Assignment 2
Abstract
Case studies are essential tools for understanding complex business issues, and reporting on case
studies is a crucial final step in the process of problem solving. In this paper, the author will
discuss the appropriate methodology for cases in correspondence to the appropriate audience. A
report should contain both visual and textual materials along with evidence that is necessary to
support the researcher’s conclusions. In addition, the researcher will design a multiple-case study
method that draws a single set of cross-case conclusions while including Lean Six Sigma in the
design, collect, and analysis stages.
Keywords: case study, data analysis, insights, concepts
Explanatory Case Study Assignment 3
Explanatory Case Study- Introduction
Case studies are a very powerful tool for exploring and investigating complex business
problems (Yin, 2018). They allow for a detailed examination of a specific issue, as it dissects and
probes an issue in ways that more quantitative methods cannot (Walliman, 2018). The corollary
of the previous statement is that case studies offer insight into problems and suggest possible
solutions. However, the light that is shed from a case study is as appropriate as the audience it is
shared with along with the type of reporting. The author will seek to discuss the final stage of
case studies, sharing or reporting the case study. Hence, not only the audience will be considered,
but also the methodology for presenting the case study. In addition, the author will investigate
the importance of striking a balance between providing sufficient supporting evidence to support
conclusions and not losing the interest of the reader through the dissemination of details. Finally,
the researcher will present a multiple-case case study that highlights Lean Six Sigma in its
design, collect and analysis stages.
Case Study Report Audience and Reporting Methodology
The means by which a case study is reported is depended not only on the purpose of the
study, but also the audience that the said study is being presented to (van Knippenberg, 2023).
For example, a business case study on continuous improvement may be intendent for an
audience of process engineers or operations managers. In the same breath, a case study
investigating a marketing campaign may be read by marking professionals or business
executives, as such, even the jargons may need to be simplified for readership. Regardless of the
audience, the case report should be reported and presented in a clear and concise manner (Yin,
2018). Thus, the report should be detailed enough to give the reader a thorough understanding of
the problem and its context, which avoids confusion through the excessive use of jargon that
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could be overwhelming (Walliman, 2018). Hence the report should provide enough evidence to
support conclusions, while avoiding irrelevant details that might distract a reader from the main
points. The reporting methodology for a case study should be consistent with the audience and
purpose of the study and the needs of the audience (Yin, 2018). For example, a case study may
be intended for a technical audience and will logically need more data and data analysis as
opposed to a broader audience that may need more narrative and qualitative information. In both
of the cases previously mentioned, there should be a clear and concise executive summary that
summarizes the findings and conclusions of the studies (Yin, 2018).
Visual and Textual Materials of a Case Study Report
The visual and textual materials that are present in a case study report should be designed
to support the purpose of the study and the needs of the audience (Field, 2013). In addition,
textual materials should be supported with visuals that are relevant and provide additional clarity
and support. Where efficiency is necessary, a researcher may oftentimes find that an infographic
is a very valuable research tool as it bridges the gape between text and visuals. Some of the
visual tools that can be used in a case study are Statistical Process control, Fish-bone diagram,
and Pareto Charts.
Reporting Evidence: Striking a Balance
Reporting evidence is an art and a science, tantamount to a balancing act and provides
enough evidence to support the findings and not overwhelming the reader with too much
information. The amount of evidence presented in a case study should also be appropriate for the
research question and the audience (Yin, 2018). Case study reports should provide enough
evidence to support the findings of the research, and not so much that it makes it difficult for the
reader to form a conclusion (Walliman, 2018). Evidence can be firsthand (for example from
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observation) but can also be second hand as in from quires and data analysis (Field, 2013). It Is
also paramount to provide a clear and concise description of the data collection and analysis
process that is used to support the validity and reliability of the research (Yin, 2018).
Multiple-Case Case Study with Lean Six Sigma:
A multiple-case case study is appropriate when one case is not enough to address a
complex business problem (Yin, 2018). It allows for problem solving through the analysis of
multiple cases within a single organization or industry (Field, 2013). The addition of the Lean
Six Sigma Design (Design, Collect and Analysis) can add structural supports to the multiple-case
case study approach so process improvements can be made continuously towards the chief end of
waste reduction. The cross-case analysis can bring out conclusions that can be applied to the
entire organization.
Multiple-Case Case Study: an example using a Christian Worldview
When designing a multiple-case case study from a Christian worldview, it is critical to ensure
that the research is in alignment with the Christian values and is conducted with ethical
considerations in mind. This study will focus on a large non-profit organization that serves
economically challenged communities, with the aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness in
service delivery by the application of Lean Six Sigma Principles.
To begin the design phase, multiple cases will be used within the organization that represent
different service areas and levels of operational complexity. The cases will be selected from
consulting with stakeholders, with a balance between size and complexity to ensure they are
representative of the entire organization.
During the collection phase, data will be gathered through both quantitative and qualitative
means, including surveys, interviews, observations, and the analysis of documentation. To ensure
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a comprehensive understanding of the service delivery process, data will be collected from
multiple sources within each case.
In the analysis phase, Lean Six Sigma principles such as statistical analysis, root cause analysis,
and process mapping, will be used to identify common themes and patterns across the cases. This
analysis will be guided by the research question and the goals of identifying areas for
improvement.
The study will focus on cross-case findings that can be applied across the organization to the
chief ends of improving efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. The important of Lean
Six Sigma principles in organizational performance will be emphasized, along with the potential
for a Christian worldview to guide and inform research practices.
In all, the multiple-case case study will demonstrate the value of Lean Six Sigma in improving
organizational performance, provide a framework for applying these principles within a Christian
worldview, and emphasize the importance for ethical research practices and the potential to make
a positive impact on organizations and communities.
In summation, reporting the findings of a case study is a crucial step in the research process (Yin,
2018). It requires meticulous consideration of the target audience and the most appropriate
reporting methodology (Field, 2013). The report must have a balanced approach in presenting
evidence so that readers can draw their own conclusions. The use of visual and textual materials
is very important to convey the key findings of the research effectively (Yin, 2018). When
designing a multiple-case study, Lean Six Sigma principles can be incorporated into the design,
data collection, and analysis [phases to ensure accuracy and reliability. The approach allows for
conclusions to be drawn through a cross-case conclusions approach that is relevant to a single
large organization and other organizations at large (Walliman, 2018). In all, conducting and
Explanatory Case Study Assignment 7
reporting case studies should provide insights into complex business problems, and a well-
designed case study can be a powerful tool in solving business problems even before they arise.
Biblical integration
The Bible states “"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker
who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (English Standard Version,
2001, 2 Timothy 2:15). The previous verse points to the fact that a “worker” operates with tools
and these tools are truth, truth is standard, and there is no investigation that can come to truth
without the application of standards, and there is no wisdom without truth. The Bible states “The
one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him” (English
Standard Version, 2001, Proverbs 18:17). The previous verse points to the fact that a case will
need to be cross examined, it will need multiple eyes or multiple cases may need to be used to
come to a conclusion. In all, this is why the Bible invites the reader to reason, and to test all
things, and we cannot compare anything without a standard, and this is where the word of God
comes in, the Bible is more than just true, but is the standard for truth. While it is critical for the
researcher to test all things and to cross examine, it must also be noted that oftentimes the
information is not clear. The Bible states "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory
of kings is to search things out" (English Standard Version, 2001, Proverbs 25:2). The previous
verse points to the fact that “the king” (the researcher), will need to search out matters and apply
their God given ability to reason to come to a conclusion based on evidence.
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References
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com
Field, P. R. (2013). Revising a Formal Case Study Presentation as an Independent Research
Project. Journal of College Science Teaching, 43(2), 74–77.
Mitchell, A., & Rich, M. (2021). Teaching Research Methods and the Supervision of
Undergraduate Projects: Seeking Practical Improvements to a Complex
Process. Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods, 19(2), 104–116.
https://doi.org/10.34190/ejbrm.19.2.2513
Walliman, N. (2018). Research methods : the basics. Routledge.
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Designs and Methods (6th ed.).
SAGE.
van Knippenberg, D. (2023). The Problem of Research Method Informing Research Questions in
Leadership Research. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 30(1), 5–10.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15480518221130704
Miller, R., Nixon, G., Stokes, T., Smith, M., Pickering, J. W., Liepins, T., & Than, M. (2023).
The cost savings of the rural accelerated chest pain pathway for low-risk chest pain in
rural general practice: a cost minimisation analysis. Journal of Primary Health Care,
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