RSS02.A3 Pluralist case study designs for qualitative research

The aim of this course is to provide the necessary understanding on how to design qualitative case study research in pluralistic ways. Pluralism in research is essential as it allows new paths for scientific discovery and advancement. In fact, a key strength of qualitative case study research is its capacity to adapt to the purposes and needs of a research.

In this course, we will begin by first exploring in detail well accepted templates of qualitative case study research both in the field of management and in the social sciences more broadly. In particular, we will discuss positivistic, interpretivist and critical realist case study templates. Participants will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each of these case study design templates. We will then move beyond templates and will understand the many ways in which researchers can engage with specific methodological decisions within each case study design template:

• case selection strategies
• treatment of time
• treatment of context
• theorizing outputs, and recombine them in pluralistic ways also known as ‘bricolage’ approach.

The aim of this course is for participants to appreciate the many ways in which rigorous/trustworthy qualitative case study research can be conducted. At the end of this course participants will be able to develop a bricolage approach that suits their qualitative case study research needs best. The structure of each session during the course will combine two parts. The first part being more discussion based and the second part being more practical.

Part I: For the discussion-based part of the course, all lecture material will be uploaded, and in class we will discuss that material. Participants are expected to have read these readings before coming to the session, so that we can engage in a rich class driven dialogue.

Part II: In the practical session, in light of our discussion, participants will work and reflect on their individual research. This reflection will be done individually, after which you will have the opportunity to discuss it in groups and get constructive feedback from the class.

Detailed program