 |
 |
Dear colleague,
You may be interested in this event in January. Please
disseminate to interested colleagues/networks.
HSRN
winter meeting: Cases for change - Organisational Case Study Methods
·
Where: Manchester Business School, Manchester University
·
When: Monday 7 January 2013
·
Times: 13.00-17.00
·
Free to attend
The purpose of this event is to bring together leading
researchers to:
·
Learn from current thinking in and outside
health on case study methods and design
·
Hear stimulating examples of current case study
research – from Bletchley Park to clinical genetic services
·
Identify future steps including a network for
case study researchers and possible further work on standards and methods
This event is for researchers to discuss methods and best
practice in carrying out organisational case study research in health
settings. We will draw on theory, experience and methods from leading
researchers, in health and other settings, to consider best practice and new
approaches in case study research.
Speakers and topics include:
Christopher Grey – historical case study of
Bletchley Park and the lens of organisational theory
Ewan Ferlie – management theory and practice of
case study research (eg non-spread of innovation and managed networks)
Justin Waring – ethnographic case studies on
quality and risk
Graham Martin – learning from case study of
clinical genetic services
Nick Emmel – case study research methods and
site selection
Sue Dopson (tbc) - qualitative case study research
methods in and outside health
Chaired by: Kieran Walshe, Manchester Business School
Background
Case studies are in-depth studies of organisations, which
can be used for descriptive or explanatory purposes. They are best suited to
answering `why’ or `how’ questions and to understand activity and
behaviour within a real-life context. There is no set methodology and the term
is often used loosely, but typically combines qualitative and quantitative data
collection with a strong observational component.
The classic primer on case study research by Yin attempts to
counter doubts about the robustness of methods, emphasising ways in which
internal and external validity can be enhanced. This includes the need
for explicit thinking on design, linking theory to methods in issues such as
case study sampling, pattern matching and forms of cross-case analysis.
The Yin approach seeks affirmation for case study research
within the conventional scientific paradigm. But others, such as
Flyvbjerg, argue that the case study approach should be celebrated in its own
right. The richness of the method lies in the ability to explore context
and dynamics within and across organisations. In this sense, parallels
can be drawn with other developments in social science methods, such as realist
evaluation.
But much depends on the skill of the investigator in testing
and challenging emerging findings through data in this way. Given the
breadth of methods, it can be difficult for funding bodies and others to
determine quality and appropriateness of design of individual studies.
Learning can be drawn from other disciplines and current thinking – from
organisational studies to business schools. This seminar should help to
identify common weaknesses and strengths and consider what more needs to be
done to generate best learning from case study research.
We hope you are able to attend.
NHS Confederation Research
Networks
DDI: 020 7799 8643
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.