Quais as vantagens e desvantagens do uso de múltiplos casos em um único estudo?

A multi-case study involves analyzing two or more cases with commonalities and differences to compare and contrast them. Cases are selected based on criteria like typicality, diversity, or theory testing. The goal is to identify patterns, themes, and variations through cross-case analysis, enhancing validity and generalizability of findings across different contexts or settings.

A multi-case study is often a relevant technique and a method to describe the best possible applicable method in our research. At times it is useful in selecting the most appropriate methodology as it provides a clear comprehensive comparative analysis. usually, the cases are selected on various criteria such as advantages, disadvantages, applications, etc, hence giving a clear vision in opting out the best measure.

Case study research, as described by Gall et al. (1996), is "the in-depth study of instances of a phenomenon in its natural context and from the perspective of the participants involved in the phenomenon" (p.545). The case studies feature the phenomenon within the context and are based on the participants' opinions. The case study technique enables the researcher to investigate the problem in its environmental setting, providing an understanding of participants' behaviors and ideas in the context of larger forces working within and beyond the organization or the environment.

Mr. Yin (1994) noted that multiple cases improve the results by duplicating the patterns, enhancing the findings' robustness. Literal replication (where the examples are meant to corroborate each other) and theoretical replication (where the cases are designed to cover diverse theoretical situations) are two techniques for establishing replication logic. Because case studies rely on analytical rather than statistical generalizations, using replication logic, as Yin (1984) described, gave the findings external confirmation. Each instance helped to validate or refute the findings reached by the others. Case studies include a range of data-collecting methods such as interviews, questionnaires, observation, and archives.

Using multiple cases in a study offers the advantage of delving into the complexity and richness of the phenomenon, capturing various dimensions and perspectives. By comparing different cases, researchers can deepen their understanding, uncover underlying mechanisms, and enhance credibility. Multiple cases provide more evidence to support findings, test hypotheses, and increase the research's applicability across different contexts.

Utilizing multiple cases in a study can present challenges such as increased time, resources, and effort requirements for researchers and participants. Data collection, analysis, and synthesis become more complex in multi-case studies, especially with diverse or distant cases. Ethical considerations like confidentiality, consent, and logistics may also arise. Researchers may face dilemmas in selecting cases, balancing analysis depth and breadth, and presenting findings cohesively.

El diseño de un estudio de caso múltiple también dependerá del método de abordaje usado. Si decides trabajar a partir de un enfoque cualitativo, debes estar preparado para una inmersión en el contexto del fenómeno de estudio, es allí donde surgirán otras preguntas que te ayudarán a guiar el proceso de investigación. En este sentido, el estudio de caso múltiple se diseña a partir de preguntas apriorísticas que surgen de ideas iniciales de lo que puede estar sucediendo con el fenómeno de estudio, lo que conduce a objetivos apriorísticos no determinativos, un marco referencial que incluye el contexto, la recolección de la información, la interpretación de la información, presentación de los hallazgos y reflexiones finales.

Designing and executing a multi-case study involves tailoring the approach to the research question, purpose, and context. Key steps include defining the research question, reviewing literature and theory, selecting case study design, planning data collection and analysis, executing data collection and analysis, and reporting findings. Researchers must clarify study goals, address literature gaps, determine case selection criteria, outline data sources and collection methods, analyze data across cases, present findings, discuss implications, recognize study limitations, and propose future research directions.

Multi-case studies are a versatile research approach utilized across disciplines and industries. For example, in the realm of Indian IT cybersecurity firms, a multi-case study by Sharma and Reddy (2021) examined the cybersecurity measures and incident response strategies implemented by three leading cybersecurity firms in India. The study highlighted the varying approaches and best practices adopted by these firms to mitigate cyber threats and protect sensitive data, providing valuable insights for enhancing cybersecurity resilience in the Indian IT sector.

Examples of multi-case studies related to SMART goals in marketing campaigns. Each case is unique, yet related to topic: 1. Prabhat proptech (a startup): Build a community of 10000 property buyers- sellers in MMR, within 90 days of launch. 2. Growth Pattern (Venture Builders): organise Monthly startup meetups with min 40 participants from health, food and wellness domains. 3. Adiksha wellness decides to launch one 'lifestyle related illness prevention (weight management, diabetics, PCOD, gut health, etc) via 'assisted online cohorts' every 2 weeks targeting enrollment of over 100 participants. 4. A business coach targets to work with 8 SME (growth focused) clients every quarter helping them with strategic 'data driven' business decisions.

Veena Vohra from NMIMS, Mumbai, India, conducted a study using the multiple case study design to study contextual leadership behaviors in Indian organizations. The study used mixed methods to collect qualitative and quantitative data on senior Indian managerial leaders' contextual leadership behaviors. Based on social phenomenology, the methodology used interviews, company documents, industry reports, and analysts' reports. The study proposed a leadership model based on synthesis of leadership behavior across contexts in emerging markets. The study provides insights into designing and conducting cross-case analysis using matrices.

what is the best way of analysing the data , case by case and discussing the contrast and similraties in the discussion chapter