New Directions in Case Study Methodology


Speakers


Abstract

The Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM) and the Department of Management of Technology and Innovation of RSM Erasmus University invite you to participate in a seminar on “New directions in case study methodology”.
 

Recently case study methodology has seen rapid developments, particularly in political science. Moreover, case studies are increasingly applied, particularly in the management and business area. Researchers from RSM Erasmus University have systematized these developments, and formulated them into a comprehensive framework, presented in a book by Jan Dul and Tony Hak, Case Study Methodology in Business Research (Butterworth-Heinemann, 2008). Some core ideas in these new developments in case study methodology are:

  • Case study research is an appropriate and sometimes preferable research strategy for theory testing.
  • Many propositions can be tested in single cases. Generalizability of the outcomes of such tests is achieved by conducting replication studies.
  • An important category of theories that can be tested in single cases consists of necessary condition propositions.
  • “For any research area one can find important necessary condition hypotheses”. (Goertz’s First Law, formulated in the book Necessary Conditions: Theory, methodology, and applications (Rowman & Littlefield, 2003), edited by Gary Goertz and Harvey Starr.)
These ideas will be presented in this seminar by Tony Hak and Jan Dul, and will be critically discussed by two leading case study researchers in political science and in management and business science: Gary Goertz (Professor of Political Science, University of Arizona, USA) and Chris Voss (Professor of Operations and Technology, London Business School, UK). The presentations will be followed by a discussion with the audience. The seminar will be opened by Ale Smidts (Professor of Marketing Management, RSM Erasmus University, and Director of ERIM), and chaired by Steef van de Velde (Professor of Operations Management and Technology). Discussions can be continued informally during a reception.

Program

 
13.30-14.00 Registration
14.00-14.15 Opening by Prof. Ale Smidts, Academic Director of Erasmus Research Institute of Management
14.15-15.00 A new framework for case study methodology. Dr. Tony Hak and Prof. Jan Dul, RSM Erasmus University
15.00-15.15 Break
15.15-15.45 Case study methodology for testing necessary condition propositions. Prof. Gary Goertz, University of Arizona, USA
15.45-16.15 Reflections on the theory-testing case study in business research. Prof. Chris Voss, London Business School, UK
16.15-17.00 General discussion
17.00-19.00 Reception offered by the Department of Management of Technology and Innovation, RSM Erasmus University
Download full seminar invitation
Registration and materials
This seminar is primarily aimed at researchers and PhD students in (Dutch) research schools in management and business science, organisation science, political science, public administration, and other social sciences, who are interested in case study research methodology. Participation is limited to 50 participants (first come, first serve). The registration fee is 25 €, which includes all materials including a copy of the book Case study methodology in business research by Jan Dul and Tony Hak.
If you want to attend the seminar, please send an email message to Carmen Meesters (cmeesters@rsm.nl) with your name, affiliation, and a very short description of your research area and your interest in case study research. You will receive an acknowledgement of registration, further information about the venue (at the Woudestein campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam) and payment instructions. At the seminar itself you will receive the free copy of the book. Your registration is final upon receipt of the registration fee. No refund can be given if you cancel your registration or do not attend.
We look forward to welcoming you in Rotterdam.
 
Contact information:
Prof. dr.ir. Jan DulDr. Tony HakCarmen Meesters
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