Case Studies in the Research Process Related to Management Sciences

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the article was to diagnose the impact of the use of case studies on the analysis of the research problem by verifying a set hypothesis. Design/methodology/approach: The verification was carried out through the performance of quantitative research by means of a questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was addressed to the theoreticians of management sciences. The survey questionnaire, used for carrying out the research, was distributed among the target group comprising: - 93 domestic universities, - 2307 domestic academics, - 272 foreign universities, - 21024 foreign academics. Findings: In conclusion, it should be pointed out that the usefulness of case studies is limited to a certain type of hypotheses being tested and is gradual, and that their application should be the second or third choice within the research strategy rather than the first. The conclusions from the analysis of the research results clearly confirm that: the case study provides an opportunity to analyse the research problem in depth. Moreover, qualitative methods in research processes should be supported by case studies. Research limitations/implications: It should be pointed out that case studies also have their limitations, e.g.: they are related to the research objectives to which case studies can be applied. Practical implications: The essence of the case study is determined by the use of exploratory methods that will allow an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under consideration. Neither the size nor the given characteristics of the object are relevant here since the research subject can be a single decision, process, cluster or the whole country. Social implications: Generalizations, which are among the most creative elements of case studies, require an ability to think synthetically, a lot of intellectual effort and a deep understanding of the problem being analysed; Originality/value: The conclusions of the literature analysis and own research unanimously confirm that: • He case study provides an opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the research problem, • Qualitative methods in research processes should be accompanied by case studies.