This is part 4 of a 5 part series on using case study research methods in information systems research

This essay provides an overview and review of Darke, Shanks & Broadbent’s (1998) article titled “Successfully completing case study research: combining rigour, relevance and pragmatism” published in the Information Systems Journal in 1998. In this paper, Darke, Shanks & Broadbent (hereafter known as ‘the authors’) provide an excellent overview of using case studies in information system research.  In providing this overview, the authors have touched on every aspect of the use of case studies and provided guidance on how to prepare for, perform and present research to ensure rigor and relevance.

Unlike papers that attempt to show the case study as a means to perform information systems research, this paper provides a great deal of pragmatic advice in an easy to read and comprehend manner.  Compared to other papers like Lee (1989), Eisenhardt (1989), Gable (1994) and Kaplan & Duchon (1988), this paper is much more readable and informative, especially for students and practitioners new to the world of information systems research.   This paper would be an ideal ‘first step’ for any person moving into the world of using case studies in information systems research. Once the concepts of this paper are understood and mastered, it would seem much easier for the novice information system research to move on to the more involved articles mentioned previously.

The main contribution of this paper is found in the five frequently asked questions that the authors constantly hear about case study research (Darke, et al., 1998).  These five questions are summarized and briefly discussed in the following paragraphs.

The first frequently asked question has to do with the types of research that can be addressed using the case study approach.  The authors suggest, based on research from other authors, that the case study is best used in those circumstances where a phenomenon needs to be studied in its real-world environment in the context in which it exists (Benbasat, Goldstein, & Mead, 1987; Darke, et al., 1998; Yin, 2009).  In addition, the case study research approach is a better fit when the theory of a phenomenon is not fully formed nor understood (Benbasat, et al., 1987; Darke, et al., 1998; Yin, 2009).

The second frequently asked question revolves around the design and scope of a case study so that it can answer a research question in an appropriate manner.  The first step in designing a research project is to develop a valid and significant research question (Darke, et al., 1998). The second step in designing and scoping a case study project is to perform an in-depth literature review to understand existing theory and research. Lastly, the researcher needs to consider the usefulness and interest in their research topic to ensure that the project will be well received once complete.

The third question that the authors constantly receive has to do with obtaining the approval of an organization targeted for inclusion in the case study.  This approval and participation is key since the research may not be usable or achievable without the consent of the organization and people included in the research project.

The fourth question deals with the effective use of data collected during the case study research project.  The authors provide guidance on effectively collecting, storing and using data during (and after) a research project.  Suggestions and tips are given for collecting data during research and how to ensure that data is available for review after the research project is complete.

The fifth question is arguably the most important as it deals with writing up the research for others to consume. While the previous questions are important, the inability to clearly state reason and outcome of the research project in a meaningful way will cause any research project to flounder.  The authors suggest that any research project should be written up well but the since the case study shows real-world phenomenon in a real-world setting, the researcher must go to great lengths to show that the research was designed and performed in a rigorous manner.

As mentioned, the authors provide a great deal of background information about the use of case studies.  This background includes the various approaches for case studies, why case study research should and shouldn’t be used and how data can be collected and utilized within the case study framework.   In addition, the authors provide a  great contribution by describing providing answers to commonly asked questions about the case study research approach.

References

• Benbasat, I., Goldstein, D. K., & Mead, M. (1987). The case research strategy in studies of information systems. MIS Q., 11(3), 369-386.
• Darke, P., Shanks, G., & Broadbent, M. (1998). Successfully completing case study research: combining rigour, relevance and pragmatism. Information Systems Journal, 8(4), 273-289.
• Eisenhardt, K. (1989). Building Theories from Case Study Research. The Academy of Management Review, 14(4), 532-550.
• Gable, G. G. (1994). Integrating case study and survey research methods: an example in information systems. European Journal of Information Systems, 3(2), 112-126.
• Kaplan, B., & Duchon, D. (1988). Combining qualitative and quantitative methods information systems research: a case study. Management Information Systems Quarterly, 12(4), 571-586.
• Lee, A. S. (1989). A scientific methodology for MIS case studies. MIS Q., 13(1), 33-50.
• Yin, R. K. (2009). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (Vol. 5): SAGE.