Week 6: Case Analysis

This week the prof lead the discussion about case study. Why do we need case study in management? Why not just study the textbook? The reason is that the theory in text book is only theory, may not always be true. Unlike mathematics, 1+1 always equal 2, in management, the step taken to prevent a problem may not always have the same outcome, sometimes may be good outcome, other time may turn out bad. Case study is research strategy that will generate hypothesis. There are 3 methodology in doing case study:

1. exploratory -> fieldwork, and data collection may be undertaken prior to definition of the research questions and hypotheses. This type of study has been considered as a prelude to some social research. However, the framework of the study must be created ahead of time. Pilot projects are very useful in determining the final protocols that will be used. Survey questions may be dropped or added based on the outcome of the pilot study. Selecting cases is a difficult process, but the literature provides guidance in this area. It is recommended that the selection offers the opportunity to maximize what can be learned, knowing that time is limited. Hence the cases that are selected should be easy and willing subjects. A good instrumental case does not have to defend its typicality.

2. explanatory ->In very complex and multivariate cases, the analysis can make use of pattern-matching techniques. A study is conducted to examine the reason why some research findings get into practical use. Funded research project is used as the unit of analysis, where the topic was constant but the project varied. The utilization outcomes were explained by three rival theories: a knowledge-driven theory, a problem-solving theory, and a social-interaction theory.

3. descriptive ->Descriptive cases require that the investigator begin with a descriptive theory, or face the possibility that problems will occur during the project. This methodology is used to study special education, using a pattern-matching procedure. Several states were studied and the data about each state's activities were compared to another, with idealized theoretic patterns. Thus what is implied in this type of study is the formation of hypotheses of cause-effect relationships. Hence the descriptive theory must cover the depth and scope of the case under study. The selection of cases and the unit of analysis is developed in the same manner as the other types of case studies.

There are several different approaches in case study:
1. value chain or process flow analysis
2. value system analysis
3. competitive analysis
4. market analysis
5. policy analysis
6. financial analysis
7. organizational analysis

Each method will generate different hypothesis. e.g. value chain analysis definitely will generate hypothesis related to value chain
Better value chain will give better bargaining power in buying from suppliers and selling to buyers. If the product has high quality, it can be sold to buyers at higher price. If the company have a big order to the supplier they can get the supply at lower price.





In competitive strategy approach. The actions taken by the competitors will determine our actions. A same product of competitor will make the buyers have other alternatives hence the selling power is smaller