10 How to Research

How to Research for a Client Case Study

Researching for a client case study involves gathering and analyzing information from various sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of the client’s situation and industry. This chapter will cover academic research sources through a university library database, online sources, Google Scholar, market research, competitor analysis, and creating a budget and timeline for the case recommendation.

Academic Research Sources Through a University Library Database

University library databases are invaluable for accessing credible academic sources. These databases provide access to scholarly articles, books, journals, and other resources that are essential for thorough research.

Steps to Utilize University Library Databases:

1. Identify Relevant Databases: Use your university library’s catalog to find databases specific to your research topic. Examples include JSTOR, Business Source Complete, and ProQuest.
2. Search Using Keywords: Enter relevant keywords related to your case study. Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine your search.
3. Evaluate Sources: Assess the credibility and relevance of the sources. Look for peer-reviewed articles and publications from reputable academic publishers.
4. Access Full Texts: Use your university credentials to access full-text articles and download them for detailed review.

Online Sources

Online sources can supplement academic research by providing current information and industry insights. However, it’s crucial to evaluate the credibility of these sources.

Steps to Evaluate Online Sources:

1. Check Domain Extensions: Prefer sources with .edu, .gov, or .org extensions for reliable information.
2. Assess Author Credentials: Verify the qualifications and expertise of the authors.
3. Cross-Reference Information: Compare information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a powerful tool for finding scholarly articles, theses, books, and conference papers across various disciplines.

Steps to Use Google Scholar:

1. Search Using Keywords: Enter specific keywords related to your research topic.
2. Use Advanced Search: Utilize advanced search options to narrow down results by author, publication, or date.
3. Evaluate Citations: Check the “Cited by” count to gauge the impact and credibility of the sources.
4. Access Full Texts: Link your institution’s library to access full texts of restricted articles.

Market Research

Market research involves gathering information about the market conditions, customer preferences, and industry trends.

Steps to Conduct Market Research:

1. Define Objectives: Clearly outline the goals of your market research.
2. Collect Data: Use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather primary data. Utilize industry reports and market analysis tools for secondary data.
3. Analyze Data: Interpret the data to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges in the market.
4. Report Findings: Summarize the insights and implications for your case study.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis helps in understanding the competitive landscape and identifying strengths and weaknesses of competitors.

Steps to Conduct Competitor Analysis:

1. Identify Competitors: List direct and indirect competitors in the client’s industry.
2. Analyze Competitor Strategies: Examine competitors’ marketing, sales, and operational strategies.
3. Evaluate Market Position: Assess competitors’ market share, growth, and customer base.
4. Identify Opportunities: Determine areas where the client can differentiate and gain a competitive edge.

Creating a Budget and Timeline for the Case Recommendation

Developing a budget and timeline is essential for planning and implementing recommendations effectively.

Steps to Create a Budget:

1. Estimate Costs: Identify all potential costs associated with the recommendations, including personnel, materials, and overhead.
2. Allocate Resources: Distribute the budget across different activities and departments.
3. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review the budget and make adjustments as needed.

Steps to Create a Timeline:

1. Define Milestones: Outline key milestones and deliverables for the project.
2. Set Deadlines: Establish realistic deadlines for each milestone.
3. Track Progress: Use project management tools to monitor progress and ensure timely completion.

By following these steps, you can conduct thorough research and develop well-informed recommendations for your client case study. This approach ensures that your analysis is comprehensive, credible, and actionable.