A case study offers an opportunity to study a particular subject, e.g. one organisation, in depth, or a group of people, and usually involves gathering and analysing information; information that may be both qualitative and quantitative. Case studies can be used to formulate theories, or be:
1. Descriptive (e.g. where current practice is described in detail)
2. Illustrative (e.g. where the case studies illustrate new practices adopted by an organisation
3. Experimental (e.g. where difficulties in adopting new practices or procedures are examined)
4. Explanatory (e.g. where theories are used as a basis for understanding and explaining practices or procedures).
