Research Strategies for Small Business: A Case Study Approach

Abstract

CLAUDIO A. ROMANO is with the Department of Accounting and Business Law at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He is currently undertaking a large small business research project which is considering the role of formal planning and control systems in the growth of 50 small manufacturing firms. A mixed qualitative/quantitative methodological approach is used. In conducting small business research, researchers should be prepared to consider a much wider range of research processes. Current small business research favours the scientific mode of research, an approach which has disadvantaged researchers in obtaining intimate small business knowledge. The methodological structure stresses the need to adopt a mixed methodological approach in understanding small business. Although the suggestions prresented are not conclusive, they tend to imply an alternative approach which is lacking in the literature. A case study approach is advanced as an alternative.

From Facilitated to Independent Tourism Learning Networks: Connecting the Dots

“…Patton et al (2000) and Romano (1989) each endorse the longitudinal interpretive case method when studying learning in the small firm environment, as this approach gives the researcher time to develop case analyses that can consider the dynamic process of learning and development, within the social context of the small firm experience. Justification for the suitability of the longitudinal interpretive case study is further enhanced by Hill and McGowan's (1999) suggestion that small company research may be best done using a qualitative approach that includes participant observation, case studies, in-depth interviewing and the use of documentation (a view supported by Gibb, 1997 andRomano, 1989). A number of data collection techniques were applied to build 'thick description' (Geertz, 1973) of both the facilitated TLN and post-participants' learning interactions, in pursuit of a theoretical basis for addressing future events.…”

Mobile Customer Relationship Management: a communication perspective

“…The companies were selected based on the idea of theoretical sampling, in which the companies are selected to represent the 58 phenomenon of the study as well as possible. Nevertheless, the decisions as to how many cases and which particular cases are selected are left to the researcher (Romano 1989). In this study, a total of seven case companies were selected.…”

What Makes Online Grocers Work? A Case Study Analysis of Factors Contributing to Online Grocery Store Profitability

“…As it currently stands there are no precise guidelines for determining this number (Romano 1989;Patton 1990). According to Romano (1989), this decision is usually left up to the researcher while Lincoln and Guba (1985) contend that case sampling should continue until the point of redundancy.…”

“…As it currently stands there are no precise guidelines for determining this number (Romano 1989;Patton 1990). According to Romano (1989), this decision is usually left up to the researcher while Lincoln and Guba (1985) contend that case sampling should continue until the point of redundancy. Although there is no agreed upon method for determining the number of cases that need to be sampled in the theory building process, researchers, using their experience as a guide, have recommended between four and ten cases (Eisenhardt 1989;Perry 1998).…”

“…This was also evident by the company's stated business strategy (see Table 7). Table 7 Other Mediating/Moderating Factors for Peapod: -1999Peapod: 1989Peapod: -1991Peapod: 1992Peapod: -1996Peapod: -1999 1989-19911992 United States X X X United Kingdom Japan County/Parish Urban Suburban X X X Rural 54. Peapod's decision to begin using centralized distribution (i.e., warerooms) centers was undertaken to reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance volume scalability.…”