Summary
Using case studies is the most appropriate research method when the purpose of the research requires holistic, in-depth investigation of a phenomenon or a situation from the perspective of all stakeholders involved. When context is vital to a research question then the investigation must allow for context, space and time to become part of the analysis of the situation. Although emergent design is a significant advantage of case study research, it is still possible to formulate a broad research design from the outset allowing the researcher a degree of control over the process. The role of the researcher is very much that of being a 'research instrument' interacting with the research community and allowing that community some degree of ownership of the research. Analysis is ongoing; although there will be a lot of work remaining after the fieldwork is over, it is impossible to conduct a viable case study without engaging in that analysis from the initial data collection. Case studies are not intended to produce generalizations, they are intended to allow for transfer ability of findings based on contextual applicability.