Title: Case study research: its relevance for practitioners and scientific investigations

Authors: Roberto Sarmiento; Garvan Whelan

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, Mexico ' Department of Accounting and MIS, Gulf University of Science and Technology, West Mishref, Kuwait

Abstract: Many articles have been written regarding the potential scientific and practical utility of the results/evidence obtained by means of case study research. In this paper, we propose to take a step back, in order to establish a few premises that are critical in the understanding of these topics. Firstly, we emphasise the importance of acknowledging the existence of two types of scientific hypotheses: universal-deterministic and probabilistic. Once this has been acknowledged and understood, we can then discuss the potential utility that case study research can have in the proposing and testing of scientific hypotheses, and the subsequent dissemination of knowledge amongst interested parties. We hope this paper can help ignite a much needed and detailed discussion about these themes and improve the standing of operations management as a practically relevant and valid empirical science.

Keywords: universal-deterministic hypotheses; probabilistic hypotheses; case study research; falsification; Karl Popper; research methodology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.126686

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2022 Vol.15 No.4, pp.365 - 373

Received: 18 Oct 2021
Accepted: 30 Oct 2021
Published online: 02 Nov 2022 *

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