Conducting case study research in operations management

Abstract

AbstractRecently, there have been numerous calls for more empirical field‐based research to be conducted in operations management (OM). Knowledge of how operations systems work can be enhanced significantly through contact with the “real‐world” conditions that OM models seek to describe. Case study research is a primary means of exploring field conditions but is an unfamiliar methodology for many in OM. Moreover, the case study method is viewed with scepticism by those who consider it to be a weak form of research, one that lacks rigor and objectivity.Here, we offer an introduction to the case study method for OM researchers who may have little background in field based research. We provide an outline of the procedure and cite some excellent sources that cover case study design, data analysis and the philosophical rationale for the methodology. We also identify some recent examples of OM case studies that illustrate our points. We then contrast the various uses for case study research and their different design and theory requirements. An appendix provides a listing of case studies that have appeared in some OM journals in recent years, classifying the studies by their research purpose.However, regardless of their purposes, case study research need to be conducted in a manner that assures maximum measurement reliability and theory validity. We describe some of the steps that must be taken to ensure that a study is as rigorous as possible. We also argue that, properly conducted, a case study is a truly scientific research approach. We conclude by pointing out some areas of OM research where case studies might be particularly valuable.