Applying Business Research Methods in practice: case studies

This week’s topics

Applying Business Research Methods in practice: case studies

1. Case analysis
2. Linking theory to practice
3. Evaluating evidence
4. Yin (2003) Case Study Research pt 8 Collecting Evidence
5. Yin (2003) Case Study Research pt 4 Theory and quality
6. Focus groups in practice: a case study of SMEs

What you will be able to do

• 2.1 Evaluate literature relevant to a research problem.
• 2.2 Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a research problem.
• 3.1 Critically evaluate appropriate research methodologies in terms of research objectives.
• 3.3 Justify a selected methodology in terms of research objectives.

Activity

Start with this week’s 3 videos, then: Case-study workshop: apply the unit’s concepts to a real or realistic case and evaluate the outcome.

Study materials

Videos

• Yin (2003) Case Study Research pt 8 Collecting Evidence · YouTube · Glenn Parry · 15 min · for registered students
• Yin (2003) Case Study Research pt 4 Theory and quality · YouTube · Glenn Parry · 6 min · for registered students
• Focus groups in practice: a case study of SMEs · YouTube · Mark Saunders on Research Methods · 8 min · for registered students

Further resources

• Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research · Reading · Arxiv, article · for registered students
• The Magenta Book: Central Government guidance on evaluation (HM Treasury, 2026 update) · PDF · GOV.UK, guidance; 160 pages · for registered students
• Workplace Dispute Resolution and the Management of Individual Conflict: Five Case Studies · PDF · Reading, article · for registered students