Case Study as a Research Strategy

Abstract

Research methodology refers to an overall approach to a problem, which can be put into practice in a research process; from the theoretical underpinning, to the collection and analysis of the data. Research methodology consists of components such as research philosophy, process, strategy, choice and techniques. Strategy provides overall direction including the process to conduct a research. Case studies, experiments, action research and ethnography are strategies that can be used in a research. A case study is an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real life context, especially when the boundaries between the phenomenon and its context are not clearly evident. Choosing the correct research strategy is very important for a doctoral study. Thus, Case study method was used for a doctoral study to explore the business development services (BDS) offered by the Sri Lankan Microfinance Institutions through the lenses of coproduction concept. Case study method addresses the research objectives and questions at hand and improves the reliability of the research process. Further case study method contributes to understand the complex relationships in BDS and addresses the call for improved methodological pluralism in BDS research. Keywords: