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What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

Published on May 8, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023.

A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research.

A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods , but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing , comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem .

When to do a case study, step 1: select a case, step 2: build a theoretical framework, step 3: collect your data, step 4: describe and analyze the case, other interesting articles.

A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.

Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation . They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research.

You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and illuminate different aspects of your research problem.

Case study examples
Research question	Case study
What are the ecological effects of wolf reintroduction?	Case study of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park
How do populist politicians use narratives about history to gain support?	Case studies of Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán and US president Donald Trump
How can teachers implement active learning strategies in mixed-level classrooms?	Case study of a local school that promotes active learning
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of wind farms for rural communities?	Case studies of three rural wind farm development projects in different parts of the country
How are viral marketing strategies changing the relationship between companies and consumers?	Case study of the iPhone X marketing campaign
How do experiences of work in the gig economy differ by gender, race and age?	Case studies of Deliveroo and Uber drivers in London

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Once you have developed your problem statement and research questions , you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to:

Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject
Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories
Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem
Open up new directions for future research

TipIf your research is more practical in nature and aims to simultaneously investigate an issue as you solve it, consider conducting action research instead.

Unlike quantitative or experimental research , a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample. In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem.

Example of an outlying case studyIn the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average. It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease.

However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience or phenomenon.

Example of a representative case studyIn the 1920s, two sociologists used Muncie, Indiana as a case study of a typical American city that supposedly exemplified the changing culture of the US at the time.

While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field. This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to:

Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation
Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated
Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that doesn’t fit with established assumptions

To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework . This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation.

There are many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews , observations , and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data.

Example of a mixed methods case studyFor a case study of a wind farm development in a rural area, you could collect quantitative data on employment rates and business revenue, collect qualitative data on local people’s perceptions and experiences, and analyze local and national media coverage of the development.

The aim is to gain as thorough an understanding as possible of the case and its context.

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In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject.

How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis , with separate sections or chapters for the methods , results and discussion .

Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyze its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis ).

In all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Normal distribution
Degrees of freedom
Null hypothesis
Discourse analysis
Control groups
Mixed methods research
Non-probability sampling
Quantitative research
Ecological validity

Research bias

Rosenthal effect
Implicit bias
Cognitive bias
Selection bias
Negativity bias
Status quo bias

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Home » Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

Table of Contents

A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination and analysis of a particular phenomenon or case, such as an individual, organization, community, event, or situation.

It is a qualitative research approach that aims to provide a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the case being studied. Case studies typically involve multiple sources of data, including interviews, observations, documents, and artifacts, which are analyzed using various techniques, such as content analysis, thematic analysis, and grounded theory. The findings of a case study are often used to develop theories, inform policy or practice, or generate new research questions.

Types of Case Study

Types and Methods of Case Study are as follows:

Single-Case Study

A single-case study is an in-depth analysis of a single case. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to understand a specific phenomenon in detail.

For Example , A researcher might conduct a single-case study on a particular individual to understand their experiences with a particular health condition or a specific organization to explore their management practices. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of a single-case study are often used to generate new research questions, develop theories, or inform policy or practice.

Multiple-Case Study

A multiple-case study involves the analysis of several cases that are similar in nature. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to identify similarities and differences between the cases.

For Example, a researcher might conduct a multiple-case study on several companies to explore the factors that contribute to their success or failure. The researcher collects data from each case, compares and contrasts the findings, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as comparative analysis or pattern-matching. The findings of a multiple-case study can be used to develop theories, inform policy or practice, or generate new research questions.

Exploratory Case Study

An exploratory case study is used to explore a new or understudied phenomenon. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to generate hypotheses or theories about the phenomenon.

For Example, a researcher might conduct an exploratory case study on a new technology to understand its potential impact on society. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as grounded theory or content analysis. The findings of an exploratory case study can be used to generate new research questions, develop theories, or inform policy or practice.

Descriptive Case Study

A descriptive case study is used to describe a particular phenomenon in detail. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to provide a comprehensive account of the phenomenon.

For Example, a researcher might conduct a descriptive case study on a particular community to understand its social and economic characteristics. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of a descriptive case study can be used to inform policy or practice or generate new research questions.

Instrumental Case Study

An instrumental case study is used to understand a particular phenomenon that is instrumental in achieving a particular goal. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to understand the role of the phenomenon in achieving the goal.

For Example, a researcher might conduct an instrumental case study on a particular policy to understand its impact on achieving a particular goal, such as reducing poverty. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of an instrumental case study can be used to inform policy or practice or generate new research questions.

Case Study Data Collection Methods

Here are some common data collection methods for case studies:

Interviews involve asking questions to individuals who have knowledge or experience relevant to the case study. Interviews can be structured (where the same questions are asked to all participants) or unstructured (where the interviewer follows up on the responses with further questions). Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.

Observations

Observations involve watching and recording the behavior and activities of individuals or groups relevant to the case study. Observations can be participant (where the researcher actively participates in the activities) or non-participant (where the researcher observes from a distance). Observations can be recorded using notes, audio or video recordings, or photographs.

Documents can be used as a source of information for case studies. Documents can include reports, memos, emails, letters, and other written materials related to the case study. Documents can be collected from the case study participants or from public sources.

Surveys involve asking a set of questions to a sample of individuals relevant to the case study. Surveys can be administered in person, over the phone, through mail or email, or online. Surveys can be used to gather information on attitudes, opinions, or behaviors related to the case study.

Artifacts are physical objects relevant to the case study. Artifacts can include tools, equipment, products, or other objects that provide insights into the case study phenomenon.

How to conduct Case Study Research

Conducting a case study research involves several steps that need to be followed to ensure the quality and rigor of the study. Here are the steps to conduct case study research:

Define the research questions: The first step in conducting a case study research is to define the research questions. The research questions should be specific, measurable, and relevant to the case study phenomenon under investigation.
Select the case: The next step is to select the case or cases to be studied. The case should be relevant to the research questions and should provide rich and diverse data that can be used to answer the research questions.
Collect data: Data can be collected using various methods, such as interviews, observations, documents, surveys, and artifacts. The data collection method should be selected based on the research questions and the nature of the case study phenomenon.
Analyze the data: The data collected from the case study should be analyzed using various techniques, such as content analysis, thematic analysis, or grounded theory. The analysis should be guided by the research questions and should aim to provide insights and conclusions relevant to the research questions.
Draw conclusions: The conclusions drawn from the case study should be based on the data analysis and should be relevant to the research questions. The conclusions should be supported by evidence and should be clearly stated.
Validate the findings: The findings of the case study should be validated by reviewing the data and the analysis with participants or other experts in the field. This helps to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.
Write the report: The final step is to write the report of the case study research. The report should provide a clear description of the case study phenomenon, the research questions, the data collection methods, the data analysis, the findings, and the conclusions. The report should be written in a clear and concise manner and should follow the guidelines for academic writing.

Examples of Case Study

Here are some examples of case study research:

The Hawthorne Studies : Conducted between 1924 and 1932, the Hawthorne Studies were a series of case studies conducted by Elton Mayo and his colleagues to examine the impact of work environment on employee productivity. The studies were conducted at the Hawthorne Works plant of the Western Electric Company in Chicago and included interviews, observations, and experiments.
The Stanford Prison Experiment: Conducted in 1971, the Stanford Prison Experiment was a case study conducted by Philip Zimbardo to examine the psychological effects of power and authority. The study involved simulating a prison environment and assigning participants to the role of guards or prisoners. The study was controversial due to the ethical issues it raised.
The Challenger Disaster: The Challenger Disaster was a case study conducted to examine the causes of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986. The study included interviews, observations, and analysis of data to identify the technical, organizational, and cultural factors that contributed to the disaster.
The Enron Scandal: The Enron Scandal was a case study conducted to examine the causes of the Enron Corporation’s bankruptcy in 2001. The study included interviews, analysis of financial data, and review of documents to identify the accounting practices, corporate culture, and ethical issues that led to the company’s downfall.
The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster : The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster was a case study conducted to examine the causes of the nuclear accident that occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan in 2011. The study included interviews, analysis of data, and review of documents to identify the technical, organizational, and cultural factors that contributed to the disaster.

Application of Case Study

Case studies have a wide range of applications across various fields and industries. Here are some examples:

Business and Management

Case studies are widely used in business and management to examine real-life situations and develop problem-solving skills. Case studies can help students and professionals to develop a deep understanding of business concepts, theories, and best practices.

Case studies are used in healthcare to examine patient care, treatment options, and outcomes. Case studies can help healthcare professionals to develop critical thinking skills, diagnose complex medical conditions, and develop effective treatment plans.

Case studies are used in education to examine teaching and learning practices. Case studies can help educators to develop effective teaching strategies, evaluate student progress, and identify areas for improvement.

Social Sciences

Case studies are widely used in social sciences to examine human behavior, social phenomena, and cultural practices. Case studies can help researchers to develop theories, test hypotheses, and gain insights into complex social issues.

Law and Ethics

Case studies are used in law and ethics to examine legal and ethical dilemmas. Case studies can help lawyers, policymakers, and ethical professionals to develop critical thinking skills, analyze complex cases, and make informed decisions.

Purpose of Case Study

The purpose of a case study is to provide a detailed analysis of a specific phenomenon, issue, or problem in its real-life context. A case study is a qualitative research method that involves the in-depth exploration and analysis of a particular case, which can be an individual, group, organization, event, or community.

The primary purpose of a case study is to generate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the case, including its history, context, and dynamics. Case studies can help researchers to identify and examine the underlying factors, processes, and mechanisms that contribute to the case and its outcomes. This can help to develop a more accurate and detailed understanding of the case, which can inform future research, practice, or policy.

Case studies can also serve other purposes, including:

Illustrating a theory or concept: Case studies can be used to illustrate and explain theoretical concepts and frameworks, providing concrete examples of how they can be applied in real-life situations.
Developing hypotheses: Case studies can help to generate hypotheses about the causal relationships between different factors and outcomes, which can be tested through further research.
Providing insight into complex issues: Case studies can provide insights into complex and multifaceted issues, which may be difficult to understand through other research methods.
Informing practice or policy: Case studies can be used to inform practice or policy by identifying best practices, lessons learned, or areas for improvement.

Advantages of Case Study Research

There are several advantages of case study research, including:

In-depth exploration: Case study research allows for a detailed exploration and analysis of a specific phenomenon, issue, or problem in its real-life context. This can provide a comprehensive understanding of the case and its dynamics, which may not be possible through other research methods.
Rich data: Case study research can generate rich and detailed data, including qualitative data such as interviews, observations, and documents. This can provide a nuanced understanding of the case and its complexity.
Holistic perspective: Case study research allows for a holistic perspective of the case, taking into account the various factors, processes, and mechanisms that contribute to the case and its outcomes. This can help to develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the case.
Theory development: Case study research can help to develop and refine theories and concepts by providing empirical evidence and concrete examples of how they can be applied in real-life situations.
Practical application: Case study research can inform practice or policy by identifying best practices, lessons learned, or areas for improvement.
Contextualization: Case study research takes into account the specific context in which the case is situated, which can help to understand how the case is influenced by the social, cultural, and historical factors of its environment.

Limitations of Case Study Research

There are several limitations of case study research, including:

Limited generalizability : Case studies are typically focused on a single case or a small number of cases, which limits the generalizability of the findings. The unique characteristics of the case may not be applicable to other contexts or populations, which may limit the external validity of the research.
Biased sampling: Case studies may rely on purposive or convenience sampling, which can introduce bias into the sample selection process. This may limit the representativeness of the sample and the generalizability of the findings.
Subjectivity: Case studies rely on the interpretation of the researcher, which can introduce subjectivity into the analysis. The researcher’s own biases, assumptions, and perspectives may influence the findings, which may limit the objectivity of the research.
Limited control: Case studies are typically conducted in naturalistic settings, which limits the control that the researcher has over the environment and the variables being studied. This may limit the ability to establish causal relationships between variables.
Time-consuming: Case studies can be time-consuming to conduct, as they typically involve a detailed exploration and analysis of a specific case. This may limit the feasibility of conducting multiple case studies or conducting case studies in a timely manner.
Resource-intensive: Case studies may require significant resources, including time, funding, and expertise. This may limit the ability of researchers to conduct case studies in resource-constrained settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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What is a Case Study? Definition, Research Methods, Sampling and Examples

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What is a Case Study?

A case study is defined as an in-depth analysis of a particular subject, often a real-world situation, individual, group, or organization.

It is a research method that involves the comprehensive examination of a specific instance to gain a better understanding of its complexities, dynamics, and context.

Case studies are commonly used in various fields such as business, psychology, medicine, and education to explore and illustrate phenomena, theories, or practical applications.

In a typical case study, researchers collect and analyze a rich array of qualitative and/or quantitative data, including interviews, observations, documents, and other relevant sources. The goal is to provide a nuanced and holistic perspective on the subject under investigation.

The information gathered here is used to generate insights, draw conclusions, and often to inform broader theories or practices within the respective field.

Case studies offer a valuable method for researchers to explore real-world phenomena in their natural settings, providing an opportunity to delve deeply into the intricacies of a particular case. They are particularly useful when studying complex, multifaceted situations where various factors interact.

Additionally, case studies can be instrumental in generating hypotheses, testing theories, and offering practical insights that can be applied to similar situations. Overall, the comprehensive nature of case studies makes them a powerful tool for gaining a thorough understanding of specific instances within the broader context of academic and professional inquiry.

Key Characteristics of Case Study

Case studies are characterized by several key features that distinguish them from other research methods. Here are some essential characteristics of case studies:

In-depth Exploration: Case studies involve a thorough and detailed examination of a specific case or instance. Researchers aim to explore the complexities and nuances of the subject under investigation, often using multiple data sources and methods to gather comprehensive information.
Contextual Analysis: Case studies emphasize the importance of understanding the context in which the case unfolds. Researchers seek to examine the unique circumstances, background, and environmental factors that contribute to the dynamics of the case. Contextual analysis is crucial for drawing meaningful conclusions and generalizing findings to similar situations.
Holistic Perspective: Rather than focusing on isolated variables, case studies take a holistic approach to studying a phenomenon. Researchers consider a wide range of factors and their interrelationships, aiming to capture the richness and complexity of the case. This holistic perspective helps in providing a more complete understanding of the subject.
Qualitative and/or Quantitative Data: Case studies can incorporate both qualitative and quantitative data, depending on the research question and objectives. Qualitative data often include interviews, observations, and document analysis, while quantitative data may involve statistical measures or numerical information. The combination of these data types enhances the depth and validity of the study.
Longitudinal or Retrospective Design: Case studies can be designed as longitudinal studies, where the researcher follows the case over an extended period, or retrospective studies, where the focus is on examining past events. This temporal dimension allows researchers to capture changes and developments within the case.
Unique and Unpredictable Nature: Each case study is unique, and the findings may not be easily generalized to other situations. The unpredictable nature of real-world cases adds a layer of authenticity to the study, making it an effective method for exploring complex and dynamic phenomena.
Theory Building or Testing: Case studies can serve different purposes, including theory building or theory testing. In some cases, researchers use case studies to develop new theories or refine existing ones. In others, they may test existing theories by applying them to real-world situations and assessing their explanatory power.

Understanding these key characteristics is essential for researchers and practitioners using case studies as a methodological approach, as it helps guide the design, implementation, and analysis of the study.

Key Components of a Case Study

A well-constructed case study typically consists of several key components that collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject under investigation. Here are the key components of a case study:

Provide an overview of the context and background information relevant to the case. This may include the history, industry, or setting in which the case is situated.
Clearly state the purpose and objectives of the case study. Define what the study aims to achieve and the questions it seeks to answer.
Clearly identify the subject of the case study. This could be an individual, a group, an organization, or a specific event.
Define the boundaries and scope of the case study. Specify what aspects will be included and excluded from the investigation.
Provide a brief review of relevant theories or concepts that will guide the analysis. This helps place the case study within the broader theoretical context.
Summarize existing literature related to the subject, highlighting key findings and gaps in knowledge. This establishes the context for the current case study.
Describe the research design chosen for the case study (e.g., exploratory, explanatory, descriptive). Justify why this design is appropriate for the research objectives.
Specify the methods used to gather data, whether through interviews, observations, document analysis, surveys, or a combination of these. Detail the procedures followed to ensure data validity and reliability.
Explain the criteria for selecting the case and any sampling considerations. Discuss why the chosen case is representative or relevant to the research questions.
Describe how the collected data will be coded and categorized. Discuss the analytical framework or approach used to identify patterns, themes, or trends.
If multiple data sources or methods are used, explain how they complement each other to enhance the credibility and validity of the findings.
Present the key findings in a clear and organized manner. Use tables, charts, or quotes from participants to illustrate the results.
Interpret the results in the context of the research objectives and theoretical framework. Discuss any unexpected findings and their implications.
Provide a thorough interpretation of the results, connecting them to the research questions and relevant literature.
Acknowledge the limitations of the study, such as constraints in data collection, sample size, or generalizability.
Highlight the contributions of the case study to the existing body of knowledge and identify potential avenues for future research.
Summarize the key findings and their significance in relation to the research objectives.
Conclude with a concise summary of the case study, its implications, and potential practical applications.
Provide a complete list of all the sources cited in the case study, following a consistent citation style.
Include any additional materials or supplementary information, such as interview transcripts, survey instruments, or supporting documents.

By including these key components, a case study becomes a comprehensive and well-rounded exploration of a specific subject, offering valuable insights and contributing to the body of knowledge in the respective field.

Sampling in a Case Study Research

Sampling in case study research involves selecting a subset of cases or individuals from a larger population to study in depth. Unlike quantitative research where random sampling is often employed, case study sampling is typically purposeful and driven by the specific objectives of the study. Here are some key considerations for sampling in case study research:

Criterion Sampling: Cases are selected based on specific criteria relevant to the research questions. For example, if studying successful business strategies, cases may be selected based on their demonstrated success.
Maximum Variation Sampling: Cases are chosen to represent a broad range of variations related to key characteristics. This approach helps capture diversity within the sample.
Selecting Cases with Rich Information: Researchers aim to choose cases that are information-rich and provide insights into the phenomenon under investigation. These cases should offer a depth of detail and variation relevant to the research objectives.
Single Case vs. Multiple Cases: Decide whether the study will focus on a single case (single-case study) or multiple cases (multiple-case study). The choice depends on the research objectives, the complexity of the phenomenon, and the depth of understanding required.
Emergent Nature of Sampling: In some case studies, the sampling strategy may evolve as the study progresses. This is known as theoretical sampling, where new cases are selected based on emerging findings and theoretical insights from earlier analysis.
Data Saturation: Sampling may continue until data saturation is achieved, meaning that collecting additional cases or data does not yield new insights or information. Saturation indicates that the researcher has adequately explored the phenomenon.
Defining Case Boundaries: Clearly define the boundaries of the case to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity. Consider what is included and excluded from the case study, and justify these decisions.
Practical Considerations: Assess the feasibility of accessing the selected cases. Consider factors such as availability, willingness to participate, and the practicality of data collection methods.
Informed Consent: Obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring that they understand the purpose of the study and the ways in which their information will be used. Protect the confidentiality and anonymity of participants as needed.
Pilot Testing the Sampling Strategy: Before conducting the full study, consider pilot testing the sampling strategy to identify potential challenges and refine the approach. This can help ensure the effectiveness of the sampling method.
Transparent Reporting: Clearly document the sampling process in the research methodology section. Provide a rationale for the chosen sampling strategy and discuss any adjustments made during the study.

Sampling in case study research is a critical step that influences the depth and richness of the study’s findings. By carefully selecting cases based on specific criteria and considering the unique characteristics of the phenomenon under investigation, researchers can enhance the relevance and validity of their case study.

Case Study Research Methods With Examples

Interviews:
Interviews involve engaging with participants to gather detailed information, opinions, and insights. In a case study, interviews are often semi-structured, allowing flexibility in questioning.
Example: A case study on workplace culture might involve conducting interviews with employees at different levels to understand their perceptions, experiences, and attitudes.
Observations:
Observations entail direct examination and recording of behavior, activities, or events in their natural setting. This method is valuable for understanding behaviors in context.
Example: A case study investigating customer interactions at a retail store may involve observing and documenting customer behavior, staff interactions, and overall dynamics.
Document Analysis:
Document analysis involves reviewing and interpreting written or recorded materials, such as reports, memos, emails, and other relevant documents.
Example: In a case study on organizational change, researchers may analyze internal documents, such as communication memos or strategic plans, to trace the evolution of the change process.
Surveys and Questionnaires:
Surveys and questionnaires collect structured data from a sample of participants. While less common in case studies, they can be used to supplement other methods.
Example: A case study on the impact of a health intervention might include a survey to gather quantitative data on participants’ health outcomes.
Focus Groups:
Focus groups involve a facilitated discussion among a group of participants to explore their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences.
Example: In a case study on community development, a focus group might be conducted with residents to discuss their views on recent initiatives and their impact.
Archival Research:
Archival research involves examining existing records, historical documents, or artifacts to gain insights into a particular phenomenon.
Example: A case study on the history of a landmark building may involve archival research, exploring construction records, historical photos, and maintenance logs.
Longitudinal Studies:
Longitudinal studies involve the collection of data over an extended period to observe changes and developments.
Example: A case study tracking the career progression of employees in a company may involve longitudinal interviews and document analysis over several years.
Cross-Case Analysis:
Cross-case analysis compares and contrasts multiple cases to identify patterns, similarities, and differences.
Example: A comparative case study of different educational institutions may involve analyzing common challenges and successful strategies across various cases.
Ethnography:
Ethnography involves immersive, in-depth exploration within a cultural or social setting to understand the behaviors and perspectives of participants.
Example: A case study using ethnographic methods might involve spending an extended period within a community to understand its social dynamics and cultural practices.
Experimental Designs (Rare):
While less common, experimental designs involve manipulating variables to observe their effects. In case studies, this might be applied in specific contexts.
Example: A case study exploring the impact of a new teaching method might involve implementing the method in one classroom while comparing it to a traditional method in another.

These case study research methods offer a versatile toolkit for researchers to investigate and gain insights into complex phenomena across various disciplines. The choice of methods depends on the research questions, the nature of the case, and the desired depth of understanding.

Best Practices for a Case Study in 2024

Creating a high-quality case study involves adhering to best practices that ensure rigor, relevance, and credibility. Here are some key best practices for conducting and presenting a case study:

Clearly articulate the purpose and objectives of the case study. Define the research questions or problems you aim to address, ensuring a focused and purposeful approach.
Choose a case that aligns with the research objectives and provides the depth and richness needed for the study. Consider the uniqueness of the case and its relevance to the research questions.
Develop a robust research design that aligns with the nature of the case study (single-case or multiple-case) and integrates appropriate research methods. Ensure the chosen design is suitable for exploring the complexities of the phenomenon.
Use a variety of data sources to enhance the validity and reliability of the study. Combine methods such as interviews, observations, document analysis, and surveys to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case.
Clearly document and describe the procedures for data collection to enhance transparency. Include details on participant selection, sampling strategy, and data collection methods to facilitate replication and evaluation.
Implement measures to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. Triangulate information from different sources to cross-verify findings and strengthen the credibility of the study.
Clearly define the boundaries of the case to avoid scope creep and maintain focus. Specify what is included and excluded from the study, providing a clear framework for analysis.
Include perspectives from various stakeholders within the case to capture a holistic view. This might involve interviewing individuals at different organizational levels, customers, or community members, depending on the context.
Adhere to ethical principles in research, including obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and addressing any potential conflicts of interest.
Conduct a rigorous analysis of the data, using appropriate analytical techniques. Interpret the findings in the context of the research questions, theoretical framework, and relevant literature.
Offer detailed and rich descriptions of the case, including the context, key events, and participant perspectives. This helps readers understand the intricacies of the case and supports the generalization of findings.
Communicate findings in a clear and accessible manner. Avoid jargon and technical language that may hinder understanding. Use visuals, such as charts or graphs, to enhance clarity.
Seek feedback from colleagues or experts in the field through peer review. This helps ensure the rigor and credibility of the case study and provides valuable insights for improvement.
Connect the case study findings to existing theories or concepts, contributing to the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. Discuss practical implications and potential applications in relevant contexts.
Recognize that case study research is often an iterative process. Be open to revisiting and refining research questions, methods, or analysis as the study progresses. Practice reflexivity by acknowledging and addressing potential biases or preconceptions.

By incorporating these best practices, researchers can enhance the quality and impact of their case studies, making valuable contributions to the academic and practical understanding of complex phenomena.

Interested in learning more about the fields of product, research, and design? Search our articles here for helpful information spanning a wide range of topics!

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The Ultimate Guide to Qualitative Research - Part 1: The Basics

Introduction and overview
What is qualitative research?
What is qualitative data?
Examples of qualitative data
Qualitative vs. quantitative research
Mixed methods
Qualitative research preparation
Theoretical perspective
Theoretical framework
Literature reviews

Research question

Conceptual framework
Conceptual vs. theoretical framework

Data collection

Qualitative research methods
Focus groups
Observational research

What is a case study?

Applications for case study research, what is a good case study, process of case study design, benefits and limitations of case studies.

Ethnographical research
Ethical considerations
Confidentiality and privacy
Power dynamics
Reflexivity

Case studies

Case studies are essential to qualitative research , offering a lens through which researchers can investigate complex phenomena within their real-life contexts. This chapter explores the concept, purpose, applications, examples, and types of case studies and provides guidance on how to conduct case study research effectively.

Whereas quantitative methods look at phenomena at scale, case study research looks at a concept or phenomenon in considerable detail. While analyzing a single case can help understand one perspective regarding the object of research inquiry, analyzing multiple cases can help obtain a more holistic sense of the topic or issue. Let's provide a basic definition of a case study, then explore its characteristics and role in the qualitative research process.

Definition of a case study

A case study in qualitative research is a strategy of inquiry that involves an in-depth investigation of a phenomenon within its real-world context. It provides researchers with the opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding of intricate details that might not be as apparent or accessible through other methods of research. The specific case or cases being studied can be a single person, group, or organization – demarcating what constitutes a relevant case worth studying depends on the researcher and their research question .

Among qualitative research methods , a case study relies on multiple sources of evidence, such as documents, artifacts, interviews , or observations , to present a complete and nuanced understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. The objective is to illuminate the readers' understanding of the phenomenon beyond its abstract statistical or theoretical explanations.

Characteristics of case studies

Case studies typically possess a number of distinct characteristics that set them apart from other research methods. These characteristics include a focus on holistic description and explanation, flexibility in the design and data collection methods, reliance on multiple sources of evidence, and emphasis on the context in which the phenomenon occurs.

Furthermore, case studies can often involve a longitudinal examination of the case, meaning they study the case over a period of time. These characteristics allow case studies to yield comprehensive, in-depth, and richly contextualized insights about the phenomenon of interest.

The role of case studies in research

Case studies hold a unique position in the broader landscape of research methods aimed at theory development. They are instrumental when the primary research interest is to gain an intensive, detailed understanding of a phenomenon in its real-life context.

In addition, case studies can serve different purposes within research - they can be used for exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory purposes, depending on the research question and objectives. This flexibility and depth make case studies a valuable tool in the toolkit of qualitative researchers.

Remember, a well-conducted case study can offer a rich, insightful contribution to both academic and practical knowledge through theory development or theory verification, thus enhancing our understanding of complex phenomena in their real-world contexts.

What is the purpose of a case study?

Case study research aims for a more comprehensive understanding of phenomena, requiring various research methods to gather information for qualitative analysis . Ultimately, a case study can allow the researcher to gain insight into a particular object of inquiry and develop a theoretical framework relevant to the research inquiry.

Why use case studies in qualitative research?

Using case studies as a research strategy depends mainly on the nature of the research question and the researcher's access to the data.

Conducting case study research provides a level of detail and contextual richness that other research methods might not offer. They are beneficial when there's a need to understand complex social phenomena within their natural contexts.

The explanatory, exploratory, and descriptive roles of case studies

Case studies can take on various roles depending on the research objectives. They can be exploratory when the research aims to discover new phenomena or define new research questions; they are descriptive when the objective is to depict a phenomenon within its context in a detailed manner; and they can be explanatory if the goal is to understand specific relationships within the studied context. Thus, the versatility of case studies allows researchers to approach their topic from different angles, offering multiple ways to uncover and interpret the data .

The impact of case studies on knowledge development

Case studies play a significant role in knowledge development across various disciplines. Analysis of cases provides an avenue for researchers to explore phenomena within their context based on the collected data.

This can result in the production of rich, practical insights that can be instrumental in both theory-building and practice. Case studies allow researchers to delve into the intricacies and complexities of real-life situations, uncovering insights that might otherwise remain hidden.

Types of case studies

In qualitative research , a case study is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the nature of the research question and the specific objectives of the study, researchers might choose to use different types of case studies. These types differ in their focus, methodology, and the level of detail they provide about the phenomenon under investigation.

Understanding these types is crucial for selecting the most appropriate approach for your research project and effectively achieving your research goals. Let's briefly look at the main types of case studies.

Exploratory case studies

Exploratory case studies are typically conducted to develop a theory or framework around an understudied phenomenon. They can also serve as a precursor to a larger-scale research project. Exploratory case studies are useful when a researcher wants to identify the key issues or questions which can spur more extensive study or be used to develop propositions for further research. These case studies are characterized by flexibility, allowing researchers to explore various aspects of a phenomenon as they emerge, which can also form the foundation for subsequent studies.

Descriptive case studies

Descriptive case studies aim to provide a complete and accurate representation of a phenomenon or event within its context. These case studies are often based on an established theoretical framework, which guides how data is collected and analyzed. The researcher is concerned with describing the phenomenon in detail, as it occurs naturally, without trying to influence or manipulate it.

Explanatory case studies

Explanatory case studies are focused on explanation - they seek to clarify how or why certain phenomena occur. Often used in complex, real-life situations, they can be particularly valuable in clarifying causal relationships among concepts and understanding the interplay between different factors within a specific context.

Intrinsic, instrumental, and collective case studies

These three categories of case studies focus on the nature and purpose of the study. An intrinsic case study is conducted when a researcher has an inherent interest in the case itself. Instrumental case studies are employed when the case is used to provide insight into a particular issue or phenomenon. A collective case study, on the other hand, involves studying multiple cases simultaneously to investigate some general phenomena.

Each type of case study serves a different purpose and has its own strengths and challenges. The selection of the type should be guided by the research question and objectives, as well as the context and constraints of the research.

The flexibility, depth, and contextual richness offered by case studies make this approach an excellent research method for various fields of study. They enable researchers to investigate real-world phenomena within their specific contexts, capturing nuances that other research methods might miss. Across numerous fields, case studies provide valuable insights into complex issues.

Critical information systems research

Case studies provide a detailed understanding of the role and impact of information systems in different contexts. They offer a platform to explore how information systems are designed, implemented, and used and how they interact with various social, economic, and political factors. Case studies in this field often focus on examining the intricate relationship between technology, organizational processes, and user behavior, helping to uncover insights that can inform better system design and implementation.

Health research

Health research is another field where case studies are highly valuable. They offer a way to explore patient experiences, healthcare delivery processes, and the impact of various interventions in a real-world context.

Case studies can provide a deep understanding of a patient's journey, giving insights into the intricacies of disease progression, treatment effects, and the psychosocial aspects of health and illness.

Asthma research studies

Specifically within medical research, studies on asthma often employ case studies to explore the individual and environmental factors that influence asthma development, management, and outcomes. A case study can provide rich, detailed data about individual patients' experiences, from the triggers and symptoms they experience to the effectiveness of various management strategies. This can be crucial for developing patient-centered asthma care approaches.

Other fields

Apart from the fields mentioned, case studies are also extensively used in business and management research, education research, and political sciences, among many others. They provide an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of real-world situations, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of various phenomena.

Case studies, with their depth and contextual focus, offer unique insights across these varied fields. They allow researchers to illuminate the complexities of real-life situations, contributing to both theory and practice.

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Understanding the key elements of case study design is crucial for conducting rigorous and impactful case study research. A well-structured design guides the researcher through the process, ensuring that the study is methodologically sound and its findings are reliable and valid. The main elements of case study design include the research question , propositions, units of analysis, and the logic linking the data to the propositions.

The research question is the foundation of any research study. A good research question guides the direction of the study and informs the selection of the case, the methods of collecting data, and the analysis techniques. A well-formulated research question in case study research is typically clear, focused, and complex enough to merit further detailed examination of the relevant case(s).

Propositions

Propositions, though not necessary in every case study, provide a direction by stating what we might expect to find in the data collected. They guide how data is collected and analyzed by helping researchers focus on specific aspects of the case. They are particularly important in explanatory case studies, which seek to understand the relationships among concepts within the studied phenomenon.

Units of analysis

The unit of analysis refers to the case, or the main entity or entities that are being analyzed in the study. In case study research, the unit of analysis can be an individual, a group, an organization, a decision, an event, or even a time period. It's crucial to clearly define the unit of analysis, as it shapes the qualitative data analysis process by allowing the researcher to analyze a particular case and synthesize analysis across multiple case studies to draw conclusions.

Argumentation

This refers to the inferential model that allows researchers to draw conclusions from the data. The researcher needs to ensure that there is a clear link between the data, the propositions (if any), and the conclusions drawn. This argumentation is what enables the researcher to make valid and credible inferences about the phenomenon under study.

Understanding and carefully considering these elements in the design phase of a case study can significantly enhance the quality of the research. It can help ensure that the study is methodologically sound and its findings contribute meaningful insights about the case.

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Conducting a case study involves several steps, from defining the research question and selecting the case to collecting and analyzing data . This section outlines these key stages, providing a practical guide on how to conduct case study research.

Defining the research question

The first step in case study research is defining a clear, focused research question. This question should guide the entire research process, from case selection to analysis. It's crucial to ensure that the research question is suitable for a case study approach. Typically, such questions are exploratory or descriptive in nature and focus on understanding a phenomenon within its real-life context.

Selecting and defining the case

The selection of the case should be based on the research question and the objectives of the study. It involves choosing a unique example or a set of examples that provide rich, in-depth data about the phenomenon under investigation. After selecting the case, it's crucial to define it clearly, setting the boundaries of the case, including the time period and the specific context.

Previous research can help guide the case study design. When considering a case study, an example of a case could be taken from previous case study research and used to define cases in a new research inquiry. Considering recently published examples can help understand how to select and define cases effectively.

Developing a detailed case study protocol

A case study protocol outlines the procedures and general rules to be followed during the case study. This includes the data collection methods to be used, the sources of data, and the procedures for analysis. Having a detailed case study protocol ensures consistency and reliability in the study.

The protocol should also consider how to work with the people involved in the research context to grant the research team access to collecting data. As mentioned in previous sections of this guide, establishing rapport is an essential component of qualitative research as it shapes the overall potential for collecting and analyzing data.

Collecting data

Gathering data in case study research often involves multiple sources of evidence, including documents, archival records, interviews, observations, and physical artifacts. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the case. The process for gathering data should be systematic and carefully documented to ensure the reliability and validity of the study.

Analyzing and interpreting data

The next step is analyzing the data. This involves organizing the data , categorizing it into themes or patterns , and interpreting these patterns to answer the research question. The analysis might also involve comparing the findings with prior research or theoretical propositions.

Writing the case study report

The final step is writing the case study report . This should provide a detailed description of the case, the data, the analysis process, and the findings. The report should be clear, organized, and carefully written to ensure that the reader can understand the case and the conclusions drawn from it.

Each of these steps is crucial in ensuring that the case study research is rigorous, reliable, and provides valuable insights about the case.

The type, depth, and quality of data in your study can significantly influence the validity and utility of the study. In case study research, data is usually collected from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the case. This section will outline the various methods of collecting data used in case study research and discuss considerations for ensuring the quality of the data.

Interviews are a common method of gathering data in case study research. They can provide rich, in-depth data about the perspectives, experiences, and interpretations of the individuals involved in the case. Interviews can be structured , semi-structured , or unstructured , depending on the research question and the degree of flexibility needed.

Observations

Observations involve the researcher observing the case in its natural setting, providing first-hand information about the case and its context. Observations can provide data that might not be revealed in interviews or documents, such as non-verbal cues or contextual information.

Documents and artifacts

Documents and archival records provide a valuable source of data in case study research. They can include reports, letters, memos, meeting minutes, email correspondence, and various public and private documents related to the case.

These records can provide historical context, corroborate evidence from other sources, and offer insights into the case that might not be apparent from interviews or observations.

Physical artifacts refer to any physical evidence related to the case, such as tools, products, or physical environments. These artifacts can provide tangible insights into the case, complementing the data gathered from other sources.

Ensuring the quality of data collection

Determining the quality of data in case study research requires careful planning and execution. It's crucial to ensure that the data is reliable, accurate, and relevant to the research question. This involves selecting appropriate methods of collecting data, properly training interviewers or observers, and systematically recording and storing the data. It also includes considering ethical issues related to collecting and handling data, such as obtaining informed consent and ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of the participants.

Data analysis

Analyzing case study research involves making sense of the rich, detailed data to answer the research question. This process can be challenging due to the volume and complexity of case study data. However, a systematic and rigorous approach to analysis can ensure that the findings are credible and meaningful. This section outlines the main steps and considerations in analyzing data in case study research.

Organizing the data

The first step in the analysis is organizing the data. This involves sorting the data into manageable sections, often according to the data source or the theme. This step can also involve transcribing interviews, digitizing physical artifacts, or organizing observational data.

Categorizing and coding the data

Once the data is organized, the next step is to categorize or code the data. This involves identifying common themes, patterns, or concepts in the data and assigning codes to relevant data segments. Coding can be done manually or with the help of software tools, and in either case, qualitative analysis software can greatly facilitate the entire coding process. Coding helps to reduce the data to a set of themes or categories that can be more easily analyzed.

Identifying patterns and themes

After coding the data, the researcher looks for patterns or themes in the coded data. This involves comparing and contrasting the codes and looking for relationships or patterns among them. The identified patterns and themes should help answer the research question.

Interpreting the data

Once patterns and themes have been identified, the next step is to interpret these findings. This involves explaining what the patterns or themes mean in the context of the research question and the case. This interpretation should be grounded in the data, but it can also involve drawing on theoretical concepts or prior research.

Verification of the data

The last step in the analysis is verification. This involves checking the accuracy and consistency of the analysis process and confirming that the findings are supported by the data. This can involve re-checking the original data, checking the consistency of codes, or seeking feedback from research participants or peers.

Like any research method , case study research has its strengths and limitations. Researchers must be aware of these, as they can influence the design, conduct, and interpretation of the study.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of case study research can also guide researchers in deciding whether this approach is suitable for their research question . This section outlines some of the key strengths and limitations of case study research.

Benefits include the following:

Rich, detailed data: One of the main strengths of case study research is that it can generate rich, detailed data about the case. This can provide a deep understanding of the case and its context, which can be valuable in exploring complex phenomena.
Flexibility: Case study research is flexible in terms of design , data collection , and analysis . A sufficient degree of flexibility allows the researcher to adapt the study according to the case and the emerging findings.
Real-world context: Case study research involves studying the case in its real-world context, which can provide valuable insights into the interplay between the case and its context.
Multiple sources of evidence: Case study research often involves collecting data from multiple sources , which can enhance the robustness and validity of the findings.

On the other hand, researchers should consider the following limitations:

Generalizability: A common criticism of case study research is that its findings might not be generalizable to other cases due to the specificity and uniqueness of each case.
Time and resource intensive: Case study research can be time and resource intensive due to the depth of the investigation and the amount of collected data.
Complexity of analysis: The rich, detailed data generated in case study research can make analyzing the data challenging.
Subjectivity: Given the nature of case study research, there may be a higher degree of subjectivity in interpreting the data , so researchers need to reflect on this and transparently convey to audiences how the research was conducted.

Being aware of these strengths and limitations can help researchers design and conduct case study research effectively and interpret and report the findings appropriately.

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Qualitative case study data analysis: an example from practice

Affiliation.

1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland.
PMID: 25976531
DOI: 10.7748/nr.22.5.8.e1307

Aim: To illustrate an approach to data analysis in qualitative case study methodology.

Background: There is often little detail in case study research about how data were analysed. However, it is important that comprehensive analysis procedures are used because there are often large sets of data from multiple sources of evidence. Furthermore, the ability to describe in detail how the analysis was conducted ensures rigour in reporting qualitative research.

Data sources: The research example used is a multiple case study that explored the role of the clinical skills laboratory in preparing students for the real world of practice. Data analysis was conducted using a framework guided by the four stages of analysis outlined by Morse ( 1994 ): comprehending, synthesising, theorising and recontextualising. The specific strategies for analysis in these stages centred on the work of Miles and Huberman ( 1994 ), which has been successfully used in case study research. The data were managed using NVivo software.

Review methods: Literature examining qualitative data analysis was reviewed and strategies illustrated by the case study example provided. Discussion Each stage of the analysis framework is described with illustration from the research example for the purpose of highlighting the benefits of a systematic approach to handling large data sets from multiple sources.

Conclusion: By providing an example of how each stage of the analysis was conducted, it is hoped that researchers will be able to consider the benefits of such an approach to their own case study analysis.

Implications for research/practice: This paper illustrates specific strategies that can be employed when conducting data analysis in case study research and other qualitative research designs.

Keywords: Case study data analysis; case study research methodology; clinical skills research; qualitative case study methodology; qualitative data analysis; qualitative research.

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Writing a Case Study

What is a case study?

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A Case study is:

An in-depth research design that primarily uses a qualitative methodology but sometimes includes quantitative methodology.
Used to examine an identifiable problem confirmed through research.
Used to investigate an individual, group of people, organization, or event.
Used to mostly answer "how" and "why" questions.

What are the different types of case studies?


Descriptive	This type of case study allows the researcher to:	How has the implementation and use of the instructional coaching intervention for elementary teachers impacted students’ attitudes toward reading?
Explanatory	This type of case study allows the researcher to:	Why do differences exist when implementing the same online reading curriculum in three elementary classrooms?
Exploratory	This type of case study allows the researcher to:	What are potential barriers to student’s reading success when middle school teachers implement the Ready Reader curriculum online?
Multiple Case Studies or Collective Case Study	This type of case study allows the researcher to:	How are individual school districts addressing student engagement in an online classroom?
Intrinsic	This type of case study allows the researcher to:	How does a student’s familial background influence a teacher’s ability to provide meaningful instruction?
Instrumental	This type of case study allows the researcher to:	How a rural school district’s integration of a reward system maximized student engagement?

Note: These are the primary case studies. As you continue to research and learn

about case studies you will begin to find a robust list of different types.

Who are your case study participants?


	This type of study is implemented to understand an individual by developing a detailed explanation of the individual’s lived experiences or perceptions.
	This type of study is implemented to explore a particular group of people’s perceptions.
	This type of study is implemented to explore the perspectives of people who work for or had interaction with a specific organization or company.
	This type of study is implemented to explore participant’s perceptions of an event.

What is triangulation ?

Validity and credibility are an essential part of the case study. Therefore, the researcher should include triangulation to ensure trustworthiness while accurately reflecting what the researcher seeks to investigate.

How to write a Case Study?

When developing a case study, there are different ways you could present the information, but remember to include the five parts for your case study.

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What Is a Case Study? How to Write, Examples, and Template

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Case study template, case study examples, types of case studies, what are the benefits of case studies , what are the limitations of case studies , case study vs. testimonial.

In today's marketplace, conveying your product's value through a compelling narrative is crucial to genuinely connecting with your customers.

Your business can use marketing analytics tools to understand what customers want to know about your product. Once you have this information, the next step is to showcase your product and its benefits to your target audience. This strategy involves a mix of data, analysis, and storytelling. Combining these elements allows you to create a narrative that engages your audience. So, how can you do this effectively?

What is a case study?

A case study is a powerful tool for showcasing a business's success in helping clients achieve their goals. It's a form of storytelling that details real-world scenarios where a business implemented its solutions to deliver positive results for a client.

In this article, we explore the concept of a case study , including its writing process, benefits, various types, challenges, and more.

Understanding how to write a case study is an invaluable skill. You'll need to embrace decision-making – from deciding which customers to feature to designing the best format to make them as engaging as possible. This can feel overwhelming in a hurry, so let's break it down.

Step 1: Reach out to the target persona

If you've been in business for a while, you have no shortage of happy customers. But w ith limited time and resources, you can't choose everyone. So, take some time beforehand to flesh out your target buyer personas.

Once you know precisely who you're targeting, go through your stable of happy customers to find a buyer representative of the audience you're trying to reach. The closer their problems, goals, and industries align, the more your case study will resonate.

What if you have more than one buyer persona? No problem. This is a common situation for companies because buyers comprise an entire committee. You might be marketing to procurement experts, executives, engineers, etc. Try to develop a case study tailored to each key persona. This might be a long-term goal, and that's fine. The better you can personalize the experience for each stakeholder, the easier it is to keep their attention.

Here are a few considerations to think about before research:

Products/services of yours the customer uses (and how familiar they are with them)
The customer's brand recognition in the industry
Whether the results they've achieved are specific and remarkable
Whether they've switched from a competitor's product/service
How closely aligned they are with your target audience

These items are just a jumping-off point as you develop your criteria. Once you have a list, run each customer through it to determine your top targets. Approach the ones on the top (your "dream" case study subjects) and work your way down as needed.

Who to interview

You should consider interviewing top-level managers or executives because those are high-profile positions. But consider how close they are to your product and its results.

Focusing on an office manager or engineer who uses your product daily would be better. Look for someone with a courtside view of the effects.

The ways to request customer participation in case studies can vary, but certain principles can improve your chances:

Make it easy for customers to work with you, respecting their valuable time. Be well-prepared and minimize their involvement.
Emphasize how customers will benefit through increased publicity, revenue opportunities, or recognition for their success.
Acknowledge their contributions and showcase their achievements.
Standardizing the request process with a script incorporating these principles can help your team consistently secure case study approvals and track performance.

Step 2: Prepare for the interview

Case study interviews are like school exams. The more prepared you are for them, the better they turn out. Preparing thoroughly also shows participants that you value their time. You don't waste precious minutes rehashing things you should have already known. You focus on getting the information you need as efficiently as possible.

You can conduct your case study interview in multiple formats, from exchanging emails to in-person interviews. This isn't a trivial decision. As you'll see in the chart below, each format has its unique advantages and disadvantages.


	Seeing each other's facial expressions puts everyone at ease and encourages case study participants to open up. It's a good format if you're simultaneously conferencing with several people from the customer's team.	Always be on guard for connection issues; not every customer knows the technology. Audio quality will probably be less good than on the phone. When multiple people are talking, pieces of conversation can be lost.
	It is a more personal than email because you can hear someone's tone. You can encourage them to continue if they get really excited about certain answers. Convenient and immediate. Dial a number and start interviewing without ever leaving the office.	It isn't as personal as a video chat or an in-person interview because you can't see the customer's face, and nonverbal cues might be missed. Don't get direct quotes like you would with email responses. The only way to preserve the interview is to remember to have it recorded.
	The most personal interview style. It feels like an informal conversation, making it easier to tell stories and switch seamlessly between topics. Humanizes the customer's experience and allows you to put a face to the incredible results.	Puts a lot of pressure on customers who are shy or introverted – especially if they're being recorded. Requires the most commitment for the participant – travel, dressing up, dealing with audiovisual equipment, etc.
	Gives customers the most flexibility with respect to scheduling. They can answer a few questions, see to their obligations, and return to them at their convenience. No coordination of schedules is needed. Each party can fulfill their obligations whenever they're able to.	There is less opportunity for customers to go “off script” and tell compelling anecdotes that your questions might have overlooked. Some of the study participant's personalities might be lost in their typed responses. It's harder to sense their enthusiasm or frustration.

You'll also have to consider who will ask and answer the questions during your case study interview. It's wise to consider this while considering the case study format. The number of participants factors into which format will work best. Pulling off an in-person interview becomes much harder if you're trying to juggle four or five people's busy schedules. Try a video conference instead.

Before interviewing your case study participant, it is crucial to identify the specific questions that need to be asked. It's essential to thoroughly evaluate your collaboration with the client and understand how your product's contributions impact the company.

Remember that structuring your case study is akin to crafting a compelling narrative. To achieve this, follow a structured approach:

Beginning of your story. Delve into the customer's challenge that ultimately led them to do business with you. What were their problems like? What drove them to make a decision finally? Why did they choose you?
The middle of the case study. Your audience also wants to know about the experience of working with you. Your customer has taken action to address their problems. What happened once you got on board?
An ending that makes you the hero. Describe the specific results your company produced for the customer. How has the customer's business (and life) changed once they implemented your solution?

Sample questions for the case study interview

If you're preparing for a case study interview, here are some sample case study research questions to help you get started:

What challenges led you to seek a solution?
When did you realize the need for immediate action? Was there a tipping point?
How did you decide on the criteria for choosing a B2B solution, and who was involved?
What set our product or service apart from others you considered?
How was your experience working with us post-purchase?
Were there any pleasant surprises or exceeded expectations during our collaboration?
How smoothly did your team integrate our solution into their workflows?
How long before you started seeing positive results?
How have you benefited from our products or services?
How do you measure the value our product or service provides?

Step 3: Conduct the interview

Preparing for case study interviews can be different from everyday conversations. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Create a comfortable atmosphere. Before diving into the discussion, talk about their business and personal interests. Ensure everyone is at ease, and address any questions or concerns.
Prioritize key questions. Lead with your most crucial questions to respect your customer's time. Interview lengths can vary, so starting with the essentials ensures you get the vital information.
Be flexible. Case study interviews don't have to be rigid. If your interviewee goes "off script," embrace it. Their spontaneous responses often provide valuable insights.
Record the interview. If not conducted via email, ask for permission to record the interview. This lets you focus on the conversation and capture valuable quotes without distractions.

Step 4: Figure out who will create the case study

When creating written case studies for your business, deciding who should handle the writing depends on cost, perspective, and revisions.

Outsourcing might be pricier, but it ensures a professionally crafted outcome. On the other hand, in-house writing has its considerations, including understanding your customers and products.

Technical expertise and equipment are needed for video case studies, which often leads companies to consider outsourcing due to production and editing costs.

Tip: When outsourcing work, it's essential to clearly understand pricing details to avoid surprises and unexpected charges during payment.

Step 5: Utilize storytelling

Understanding and applying storytelling elements can make your case studies unforgettable, offering a competitive edge.

Narrative Arc - The Framework Bank - Medium

Source: The Framework Bank

Every great study follows a narrative arc (also called a "story arc"). This arc represents how a character faces challenges, struggles against raising stakes, and encounters a formidable obstacle before the tension resolves.

In a case study narrative, consider:

Exposition. Provide background information about the company, revealing their "old life" before becoming your customer.
Inciting incident. Highlight the problem that drove the customer to seek a solution, creating a sense of urgency.
Obstacles (rising action). Describe the customer's journey in researching and evaluating solutions, building tension as they explore options.
Midpoint. Explain what made the business choose your product or service and what set you apart.
Climax. Showcase the success achieved with your product.
Denouement. Describe the customer's transformed business and end with a call-to-action for the reader to take the next step.

Step 6: Design the case study

The adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" is familiar, but people tend to do just that quite often!

A poor layout can deter readers even if you have an outstanding case study. To create an engaging case study, follow these steps:

Craft a compelling title. Just like you wouldn't read a newspaper article without an eye-catching headline, the same goes for case studies. Start with a title that grabs attention.
Organize your content. Break down your content into different sections, such as challenges, results, etc. Each section can also include subsections. This case study approach divides the content into manageable portions, preventing readers from feeling overwhelmed by lengthy blocks of text.
Conciseness is key. Keep your case study as concise as possible. The most compelling case studies are precisely long enough to introduce the customer's challenge, experience with your solution, and outstanding results. Prioritize clarity and omit any sections that may detract from the main storyline.
Utilize visual elements. To break up text and maintain reader interest, incorporate visual elements like callout boxes, bulleted lists, and sidebars.
Include charts and images. Summarize results and simplify complex topics by including pictures and charts. Visual aids enhance the overall appeal of your case study.
Embrace white space. Avoid overwhelming walls of text to prevent reader fatigue. Opt for plenty of white space, use shorter paragraphs, and employ subsections to ensure easy readability and navigation.
Enhance video case studies. In video case studies, elements like music, fonts, and color grading are pivotal in setting the right tone. Choose music that complements your message and use it strategically throughout your story. Carefully select fonts to convey the desired style, and consider how lighting and color grading can influence the mood. These elements collectively help create the desired tone for your video case study.

Step 7: Edits and revisions

Once you've finished the interview and created your case study, the hardest part is over. Now's the time for editing and revision. This might feel frustrating for impatient B2B marketers, but it can turn good stories into great ones.

Ideally, you'll want to submit your case study through two different rounds of editing and revisions:

Internal review. Seek feedback from various team members to ensure your case study is captivating and error-free. Gather perspectives from marketing, sales, and those in close contact with customers for well-rounded insights. Use patterns from this feedback to guide revisions and apply lessons to future case studies.
Customer feedback. Share the case study with customers to make them feel valued and ensure accuracy. Let them review quotes and data points, as they are the "heroes" of the story, and their logos will be prominently featured. This step maintains positive customer relationships.

Case study mistakes to avoid

Ensure easy access to case studies on your website.
Spotlight the customer, not just your business.
Tailor each case study to a specific audience.
Avoid excessive industry jargon in your content.

Step 8: Publishing

Take a moment to proofread your case study one more time carefully. Even if you're reasonably confident you've caught all the errors, it's always a good idea to check. Your case study will be a valuable marketing tool for years, so it's worth the investment to ensure it's flawless. Once done, your case study is all set to go!

Consider sharing a copy of the completed case study with your customer as a thoughtful gesture. They'll likely appreciate it; some may want to keep it for their records. After all, your case study wouldn't have been possible without their help, and they deserve to see the final product.

Where you publish your case study depends on its role in your overall marketing strategy. If you want to reach as many people as possible with your case study, consider publishing it on your website and social media platforms.

Tip: Some companies prefer to keep their case studies exclusive, making them available only to those who request them. This approach is often taken to control access to valuable information and to engage more deeply with potential customers who express specific interests. It can create a sense of exclusivity and encourage interested parties to engage directly with the company.

Step 9: Case study distribution

When sharing individual case studies, concentrate on reaching the audience with the most influence on purchasing decisions

Here are some common distribution channels to consider:

Sales teams. Share case studies to enhance customer interactions, retention , and upselling among your sales and customer success teams. Keep them updated on new studies and offer easily accessible formats like PDFs or landing page links.
Company website. Feature case studies on your website to establish authority and provide valuable information to potential buyers. Organize them by categories such as location, size, industry, challenges, and products or services used for effective presentation.
Events. Use live events like conferences and webinars to distribute printed case study copies, showcase video case studies at trade show booths, and conclude webinars with links to your case study library. This creative approach blends personal interactions with compelling content.
Industry journalists. Engage relevant industry journalists to gain media coverage by identifying suitable publications and journalists covering related topics. Building relationships is vital, and platforms like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) can facilitate connections, especially if your competitors have received coverage before.

Want to learn more about Marketing Analytics Software? Explore Marketing Analytics products.

It can seem daunting to transform the information you've gathered into a cohesive narrative. We’ve created a versatile case study template that can serve as a solid starting point for your case study.

With this template, your business can explore any solutions offered to satisfied customers, covering their background, the factors that led them to choose your services, and their outcomes.

The template boasts a straightforward design, featuring distinct sections that guide you in effectively narrating your and your customer's story. However, remember that limitless ways to showcase your business's accomplishments exist.

To assist you in this process, here's a breakdown of the recommended sections to include in a case study:

Title. Keep it concise. Create a brief yet engaging project title summarizing your work with your subject. Consider your title like a newspaper headline; do it well, and readers will want to learn more.
Subtitle . Use this section to elaborate on the achievement briefly. Make it creative and catchy to engage your audience.
Executive summary. Use this as an overview of the story, followed by 2-3 bullet points highlighting key success metrics.
Challenges and objectives. This section describes the customer's challenges before adopting your product or service, along with the goals or objectives they sought to achieve.
How product/service helped. A paragraph explaining how your product or service addressed their problem.
Testimonials. Incorporate short quotes or statements from the individuals involved in the case study, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
Supporting visuals. Include one or two impactful visuals, such as graphs, infographics, or highlighted metrics, that reinforce the narrative.
Call to action (CTA). If you do your job well, your audience will read (or watch) your case studies from beginning to end. They are interested in everything you've said. Now, what's the next step they should take to continue their relationship with you? Give people a simple action they can complete.

Case studies are proven marketing strategies in a wide variety of B2B industries. Here are just a few examples of a case study:

Amazon Web Services, Inc. provides companies with cloud computing platforms and APIs on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis. This case study example illustrates the benefits Thomson Reuters experienced using AWS.
LinkedIn Marketing Solutions combines captivating visuals with measurable results in the case study created for BlackRock. This case study illustrates how LinkedIn has contributed to the growth of BlackRock's brand awareness over the years.
Salesforce , a sales and marketing automation SaaS solutions provider, seamlessly integrates written and visual elements to convey its success stories with Pepe Jeans. This case study effectively demonstrates how Pepe Jeans is captivating online shoppers with immersive and context-driven e-commerce experiences through Salesforce.
HubSpot offers a combination of sales and marketing tools. Their case study demonstrates the effectiveness of its all-in-one solutions. These typically focus on a particular client's journey and how HubSpot helped them achieve significant results.

There are two different types of case studies that businesses might utilize:

Written case studies

Written case studies offer readers a clear visual representation of data, which helps them quickly identify and focus on the information that matters most.

Printed versions of case studies find their place at events like trade shows, where they serve as valuable sales collateral to engage prospective clients. Even in the digital age, many businesses provide case studies in PDF format or as web-based landing pages, improving accessibility for their audience.

Note: Landing pages , in particular, offer the flexibility to incorporate rich multimedia content, including images, charts, and videos. This flexibility in design makes landing pages an attractive choice for presenting detailed content to the audience.

Written case study advantages

Here are several significant advantages to leveraging case studies for your company:

Hyperlink accessibility. Whether in PDF or landing page format, written case studies allow for embedded hyperlinks, offering prospects easy access to additional information and contact forms.
Flexible engagement. Unlike video case studies, which may demand in-person arrangements, written case studies can be conducted via phone or video streaming, reducing customer commitment and simplifying scheduling.
Efficient scanning . Well-structured written case studies with a scannable format cater to time-strapped professionals. Charts and callout boxes with key statistics enhance the ease of information retrieval.
Printable for offline use. Written case studies can be effortlessly printed and distributed at trade shows, sales meetings, and live events. This tangible format accommodates those who prefer physical materials and provides versatility in outreach, unlike video content, which is less portable.

Written case study disadvantages

Here are some drawbacks associated with the use of case studies:

Reduced emotional impact. Written content lacks the emotional punch of live video testimonials, which engage more senses and emotions, making a stronger connection.
Consider time investment. Creating a compelling case study involves editing, proofreading, and design collaboration, with multiple revisions commonly required before publication.
Challenges in maintaining attention. Attention spans are short in today's ad-saturated world. Using graphics, infographics, and videos more often is more powerful to incite the right emotions in customers.

Video case studies

Video case studies are the latest marketing trend. Unlike in the past, when video production was costly, today's tools make it more accessible for users to create and edit their videos. However, specific technical requirements still apply.

Like written case studies, video case studies delve into a specific customer's challenges and how your business provides solutions. Yet, the video offers a more profound connection by showcasing the person who faced and conquered the problem.

Video case studies can boost brand exposure when shared on platforms like YouTube. For example, Slack's engaging case study video with Sandwich Video illustrates how Slack transformed its workflow and adds humor, which can be challenging in written case studies focused on factual evidence.

Source : YouTube

This video case study has garnered nearly a million views on YouTube.

Video case study advantages

Here are some of the top advantages of video case studies. While video testimonials take more time, the payoff can be worth it.

Humanization and authenticity. Video case studies connect viewers with real people, adding authenticity and fostering a stronger emotional connection.
Engaging multiple senses. They engage both auditory and visual senses, enhancing credibility and emotional impact. Charts, statistics, and images can also be incorporated.
Broad distribution. Videos can be shared on websites, YouTube, social media, and more, reaching diverse audiences and boosting engagement, especially on social platforms.

Video case study disadvantages

Before fully committing to video testimonials, consider the following:

Technical expertise and equipment. Video production requires technical know-how and equipment, which can be costly. Skilled video editing is essential to maintain a professional image. While technology advances, producing amateurish videos may harm your brand's perception.
Viewer convenience. Some prospects prefer written formats due to faster reading and ease of navigation. Video typically requires sound, which can be inconvenient for viewers in specific settings. Many people may not have headphones readily available to watch your content.
Demand on case study participants. On-camera interviews can be time-consuming and location-dependent, making scheduling challenging for case study participants. Additionally, being on screen for a global audience may create insecurities and performance pressure.
Comfort on camera. Not everyone feels at ease on camera. Nervousness or a different on-screen persona can impact the effectiveness of the testimonial, and discovering this late in the process can be problematic.

Written or video case studies: Which is right for you?

Now that you know the pros and cons of each, how do you choose which is right for you?

One of the most significant factors in doing video case studies can be the technical expertise and equipment required for a high level of production quality. Whether you have the budget to do this in-house or hire a production company can be one of the major deciding factors.

Still, written or video doesn't have to be an either-or decision. Some B2B companies are using both formats. They can complement each other nicely, minimizing the downsides mentioned above and reaching your potential customers where they prefer.

Let's say you're selling IT network security. What you offer is invaluable but complicated. You could create a short (three- or four-minute) video case study to get attention and touch on the significant benefits of your services. This whets the viewer's appetite for more information, which they could find in a written case study that supplements the video.

Should you decide to test the water in video case studies, test their effectiveness among your target audience. See how well they work for your company and sales team. And, just like a written case study, you can always find ways to improve your process as you continue exploring video case studies.

Case studies offer several distinctive advantages, making them an ideal tool for businesses to market their products to customers. However, their benefits extend beyond these qualities.

Here's an overview of all the advantages of case studies:

Valuable sales support

Case studies serve as a valuable resource for your sales endeavors. Buyers frequently require additional information before finalizing a purchase decision. These studies provide concrete evidence of your product or service's effectiveness, assisting your sales representatives in closing deals more efficiently, especially with customers with lingering uncertainties.

Validating your value

Case studies serve as evidence of your product or service's worth or value proposition , playing a role in building trust with potential customers. By showcasing successful partnerships, you make it easier for prospects to place trust in your offerings. This effect is particularly notable when the featured customer holds a reputable status.

Unique and engaging content

By working closely with your customer success teams, you can uncover various customer stories that resonate with different prospects. Case studies allow marketers to shape product features and benefits into compelling narratives.

Each case study's distinctiveness, mirroring the uniqueness of every customer's journey, makes them a valuable source of relatable and engaging content. Storytelling possesses the unique ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, a dimension that statistics alone often cannot achieve.

Spotlighting valuable customers

Case studies provide a valuable platform for showcasing your esteemed customers. Featuring them in these studies offers a chance to give them visibility and express your gratitude for the partnership, which can enhance customer loyalty . Depending on the company you are writing about, it can also demonstrate the caliber of your business.

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It's important to consider limitations when designing and interpreting the results of case studies. Here's an overview of the limitations of case studies:

Challenges in replication

Case studies often focus on specific individuals, organizations, or situations, making generalizing their findings to broader populations or contexts challenging.

Time-intensive process

Case studies require a significant time investment. The extensive data collection process and the need for comprehensive analysis can be demanding, especially for researchers who are new to this method.

Potential for errors

Case studies can be influenced by memory and judgment, potentially leading to inaccuracies. Depending on human memory to reconstruct a case's history may result in variations and potential inconsistencies in how individuals recall past events. Additionally, bias may emerge, as individuals tend to prioritize what they consider most significant, which could limit their consideration of alternative perspectives.

Challenges in verification

Confirming results through additional research can present difficulties. This complexity arises from the need for detailed and extensive data in the initial creation of a case study. Consequently, this process requires significant effort and a substantial amount of time.

While looking at case studies, you may have noticed a quote. This type of quote is considered a testimonial, a key element of case studies.

If a customer's quote proves that your brand does what it says it will or performs as expected, you may wonder: 'Aren't customer testimonials and case studies the same thing?' Not exactly.

Testimonials are brief endorsements designed to establish trust on a broad scale. In contrast, case studies are detailed narratives that offer a comprehensive understanding of how a product or service addresses a specific problem, targeting a more focused audience.

Crafting case studies requires more resources and a structured approach than testimonials. Your selection between the two depends on your marketing objectives and the complexity of your product or service.

Case in point!

Case studies are among a company's most effective tools. You're well on your way to mastering them.

Today's buyers are tackling much of the case study research methodology independently. Many are understandably skeptical before making a buying decision. By connecting them with multiple case studies, you can prove you've gotten the results you say you can. There's hardly a better way to boost your credibility and persuade them to consider your solution.

Case study formats and distribution methods might change as technology evolves. However, the fundamentals that make them effective—knowing how to choose subjects, conduct interviews, and structure everything to get attention—will serve you for as long as you're in business.

We covered a ton of concepts and resources, so go ahead and bookmark this page. You can refer to it whenever you have questions or need a refresher.

Dive into market research to uncover customer preferences and spending habits.

Kristen McCabe

Kristen’s is a former senior content marketing specialist at G2. Her global marketing experience extends from Australia to Chicago, with expertise in B2B and B2C industries. Specializing in content, conversions, and events, Kristen spends her time outside of work time acting, learning nature photography, and joining in the #instadog fun with her Pug/Jack Russell, Bella. (she/her/hers)

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15 Real-Life Case Study Examples & Best Practices

Written by: Oghale Olori

Case studies are more than just success stories.

They are powerful tools that demonstrate the practical value of your product or service. Case studies help attract attention to your products, build trust with potential customers and ultimately drive sales.

It’s no wonder that 73% of successful content marketers utilize case studies as part of their content strategy. Plus, buyers spend 54% of their time reviewing case studies before they make a buying decision.

To ensure you’re making the most of your case studies, we’ve put together 15 real-life case study examples to inspire you. These examples span a variety of industries and formats. We’ve also included best practices, design tips and templates to inspire you.

Let’s dive in!

What is a case study, 15 real-life case study examples, sales case study examples, saas case study examples, product case study examples, marketing case study examples, business case study examples, case study faqs.

A case study is a compelling narrative that showcases how your product or service has positively impacted a real business or individual.
Case studies delve into your customer's challenges, how your solution addressed them and the quantifiable results they achieved.
Your case study should have an attention-grabbing headline, great visuals and a relevant call to action. Other key elements include an introduction, problems and result section.
Visme provides easy-to-use tools, professionally designed templates and features for creating attractive and engaging case studies.

A case study is a real-life scenario where your company helped a person or business solve their unique challenges. It provides a detailed analysis of the positive outcomes achieved as a result of implementing your solution.

Case studies are an effective way to showcase the value of your product or service to potential customers without overt selling. By sharing how your company transformed a business, you can attract customers seeking similar solutions and results.

Case studies are not only about your company's capabilities; they are primarily about the benefits customers and clients have experienced from using your product.

Every great case study is made up of key elements. They are;

Attention-grabbing headline: Write a compelling headline that grabs attention and tells your reader what the case study is about. For example, "How a CRM System Helped a B2B Company Increase Revenue by 225%.
Introduction/Executive Summary: Include a brief overview of your case study, including your customer’s problem, the solution they implemented and the results they achieved.
Problem/Challenge: Case studies with solutions offer a powerful way to connect with potential customers. In this section, explain how your product or service specifically addressed your customer's challenges.
Solution: Explain how your product or service specifically addressed your customer's challenges.
Results/Achievements : Give a detailed account of the positive impact of your product. Quantify the benefits achieved using metrics such as increased sales, improved efficiency, reduced costs or enhanced customer satisfaction.
Graphics/Visuals: Include professional designs, high-quality photos and videos to make your case study more engaging and visually appealing.
Quotes/Testimonials: Incorporate written or video quotes from your clients to boost your credibility.
Relevant CTA: Insert a call to action (CTA) that encourages the reader to take action. For example, visiting your website or contacting you for more information. Your CTA can be a link to a landing page, a contact form or your social media handle and should be related to the product or service you highlighted in your case study.

Now that you understand what a case study is, let’s look at real-life case study examples. Among these, you'll find some simple case study examples that break down complex ideas into easily understandable solutions.

In this section, we’ll explore SaaS, marketing, sales, product and business case study examples with solutions. Take note of how these companies structured their case studies and included the key elements.

We’ve also included professionally designed case study templates to inspire you.

1. Georgia Tech Athletics Increase Season Ticket Sales by 80%

Georgia Tech Athletics, with its 8,000 football season ticket holders, sought for a way to increase efficiency and customer engagement.

Their initial sales process involved making multiple outbound phone calls per day with no real targeting or guidelines. Georgia Tech believed that targeting communications will enable them to reach more people in real time.

Salesloft improved Georgia Tech’s sales process with an inbound structure. This enabled sales reps to connect with their customers on a more targeted level. The use of dynamic fields and filters when importing lists ensured prospects received the right information, while communication with existing fans became faster with automation.

As a result, Georgia Tech Athletics recorded an 80% increase in season ticket sales as relationships with season ticket holders significantly improved. Employee engagement increased as employees became more energized to connect and communicate with fans.

Why Does This Case Study Work?

In this case study example , Salesloft utilized the key elements of a good case study. Their introduction gave an overview of their customers' challenges and the results they enjoyed after using them. After which they categorized the case study into three main sections: challenge, solution and result.

Salesloft utilized a case study video to increase engagement and invoke human connection.

Incorporating videos in your case study has a lot of benefits. Wyzol’s 2023 state of video marketing report showed a direct correlation between videos and an 87% increase in sales.

The beautiful thing is that creating videos for your case study doesn’t have to be daunting.

With an easy-to-use platform like Visme, you can create top-notch testimonial videos that will connect with your audience. Within the Visme editor, you can access over 1 million stock photos , video templates, animated graphics and more. These tools and resources will significantly improve the design and engagement of your case study.

Simplify content creation and brand management for your team

Collaborate on designs , mockups and wireframes with your non-design colleagues
Lock down your branding to maintain brand consistency throughout your designs
Why start from scratch? Save time with 1000s of professional branded templates

2. WeightWatchers Completely Revamped their Enterprise Sales Process with HubSpot

WeightWatchers, a 60-year-old wellness company, sought a CRM solution that increased the efficiency of their sales process. With their previous system, Weightwatchers had limited automation. They would copy-paste message templates from word documents or recreate one email for a batch of customers.

This required a huge effort from sales reps, account managers and leadership, as they were unable to track leads or pull customized reports for planning and growth.

WeightWatchers transformed their B2B sales strategy by leveraging HubSpot's robust marketing and sales workflows. They utilized HubSpot’s deal pipeline and automation features to streamline lead qualification. And the customized dashboard gave leadership valuable insights.

As a result, WeightWatchers generated seven figures in annual contract value and boosted recurring revenue. Hubspot’s impact resulted in 100% adoption across all sales, marketing, client success and operations teams.

Hubspot structured its case study into separate sections, demonstrating the specific benefits of their products to various aspects of the customer's business. Additionally, they integrated direct customer quotes in each section to boost credibility, resulting in a more compelling case study.

Getting insight from your customer about their challenges is one thing. But writing about their process and achievements in a concise and relatable way is another. If you find yourself constantly experiencing writer’s block, Visme’s AI writer is perfect for you.

Visme created this AI text generator tool to take your ideas and transform them into a great draft. So whether you need help writing your first draft or editing your final case study, Visme is ready for you.

3. Immi’s Ram Fam Helps to Drive Over $200k in Sales

Immi embarked on a mission to recreate healthier ramen recipes that were nutritious and delicious. After 2 years of tireless trials, Immi finally found the perfect ramen recipe. However, they envisioned a community of passionate ramen enthusiasts to fuel their business growth.

This vision propelled them to partner with Shopify Collabs. Shopify Collabs successfully cultivated and managed Immi’s Ramen community of ambassadors and creators.

As a result of their partnership, Immi’s community grew to more than 400 dedicated members, generating over $200,000 in total affiliate sales.

The power of data-driven headlines cannot be overemphasized. Chili Piper strategically incorporates quantifiable results in their headlines. This instantly sparks curiosity and interest in readers.

While not every customer success story may boast headline-grabbing figures, quantifying achievements in percentages is still effective. For example, you can highlight a 50% revenue increase with the implementation of your product.

Take a look at the beautiful case study template below. Just like in the example above, the figures in the headline instantly grab attention and entice your reader to click through.

Having a case study document is a key factor in boosting engagement. This makes it easy to promote your case study in multiple ways. With Visme, you can easily publish, download and share your case study with your customers in a variety of formats, including PDF, PPTX, JPG and more!

4. How WOW! is Saving Nearly 79% in Time and Cost With Visme

This case study discusses how Visme helped WOW! save time and money by providing user-friendly tools to create interactive and quality training materials for their employees. Find out what your team can do with Visme. Request a Demo

WOW!'s learning and development team creates high-quality training materials for new and existing employees. Previous tools and platforms they used had plain templates, little to no interactivity features, and limited flexibility—that is, until they discovered Visme.

Now, the learning and development team at WOW! use Visme to create engaging infographics, training videos, slide decks and other training materials.

This has directly reduced the company's turnover rate, saving them money spent on recruiting and training new employees. It has also saved them a significant amount of time, which they can now allocate to other important tasks.

Visme's customer testimonials spark an emotional connection with the reader, leaving a profound impact. Upon reading this case study, prospective customers will be blown away by the remarkable efficiency achieved by Visme's clients after switching from PowerPoint.

Visme’s interactivity feature was a game changer for WOW! and one of the primary reasons they chose Visme.

“Previously we were using PowerPoint, which is fine, but the interactivity you can get with Visme is so much more robust that we’ve all steered away from PowerPoint.” - Kendra, L&D team, Wow!

Visme’s interactive feature allowed them to animate their infographics, include clickable links on their PowerPoint designs and even embed polls and quizzes their employees could interact with.

By embedding the slide decks, infographics and other training materials WOW! created with Visme, potential customers get a taste of what they can create with the tool. This is much more effective than describing the features of Visme because it allows potential customers to see the tool in action.

To top it all off, this case study utilized relevant data and figures. For example, one part of the case study said, “In Visme, where Kendra’s team has access to hundreds of templates, a brand kit, and millions of design assets at their disposal, their team can create presentations in 80% less time.”

Who wouldn't want that?

Including relevant figures and graphics in your case study is a sure way to convince your potential customers why you’re a great fit for their brand. The case study template below is a great example of integrating relevant figures and data.

This colorful template begins with a captivating headline. But that is not the best part; this template extensively showcases the results their customer had using relevant figures.

The arrangement of the results makes it fun and attractive. Instead of just putting figures in a plain table, you can find interesting shapes in your Visme editor to take your case study to the next level.

5. Lyte Reduces Customer Churn To Just 3% With Hubspot CRM

While Lyte was redefining the ticketing industry, it had no definite CRM system . Lyte utilized 12–15 different SaaS solutions across various departments, which led to a lack of alignment between teams, duplication of work and overlapping tasks.

Customer data was spread across these platforms, making it difficult to effectively track their customer journey. As a result, their churn rate increased along with customer dissatisfaction.

Through Fuelius , Lyte founded and implemented Hubspot CRM. Lyte's productivity skyrocketed after incorporating Hubspot's all-in-one CRM tool. With improved efficiency, better teamwork and stronger client relationships, sales figures soared.

The case study title page and executive summary act as compelling entry points for both existing and potential customers. This overview provides a clear understanding of the case study and also strategically incorporates key details like the client's industry, location and relevant background information.

Having a good summary of your case study can prompt your readers to engage further. You can achieve this with a simple but effective case study one-pager that highlights your customer’s problems, process and achievements, just like this case study did in the beginning.

Moreover, you can easily distribute your case study one-pager and use it as a lead magnet to draw prospective customers to your company.

Take a look at this case study one-pager template below.

This template includes key aspects of your case study, such as the introduction, key findings, conclusion and more, without overcrowding the page. The use of multiple shades of blue gives it a clean and dynamic layout.

Our favorite part of this template is where the age group is visualized.

With Visme’s data visualization tool , you can present your data in tables, graphs, progress bars, maps and so much more. All you need to do is choose your preferred data visualization widget, input or import your data and click enter!

6. How Workato Converts 75% of Their Qualified Leads

Workato wanted to improve their inbound leads and increase their conversion rate, which ranged from 40-55%.

At first, Workato searched for a simple scheduling tool. They soon discovered that they needed a tool that provided advanced routing capabilities based on zip code and other criteria. Luckily, they found and implemented Chili Piper.

As a result of implementing Chili Piper, Workato achieved a remarkable 75–80% conversion rate and improved show rates. This led to a substantial revenue boost, with a 10-15% increase in revenue attributed to Chili Piper's impact on lead conversion.

This case study example utilizes the power of video testimonials to drive the impact of their product.

Chili Piper incorporates screenshots and clips of their tool in use. This is a great strategy because it helps your viewers become familiar with how your product works, making onboarding new customers much easier.

In this case study example, we see the importance of efficient Workflow Management Systems (WMS). Without a WMS, you manually assign tasks to your team members and engage in multiple emails for regular updates on progress.

However, when crafting and designing your case study, you should prioritize having a good WMS.

Visme has an outstanding Workflow Management System feature that keeps you on top of all your projects and designs. This feature makes it much easier to assign roles, ensure accuracy across documents, and track progress and deadlines.

Visme’s WMS feature allows you to limit access to your entire document by assigning specific slides or pages to individual members of your team. At the end of the day, your team members are not overwhelmed or distracted by the whole document but can focus on their tasks.

7. Rush Order Helps Vogmask Scale-Up During a Pandemic

Vomask's reliance on third-party fulfillment companies became a challenge as demand for their masks grew. Seeking a reliable fulfillment partner, they found Rush Order and entrusted them with their entire inventory.

Vomask's partnership with Rush Order proved to be a lifesaver during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rush Order's agility, efficiency and commitment to customer satisfaction helped Vogmask navigate the unprecedented demand and maintain its reputation for quality and service.

Rush Order’s comprehensive support enabled Vogmask to scale up its order processing by a staggering 900% while maintaining a remarkable customer satisfaction rate of 92%.

Rush Order chose one event where their impact mattered the most to their customer and shared that story.

While pandemics don't happen every day, you can look through your customer’s journey and highlight a specific time or scenario where your product or service saved their business.

The story of Vogmask and Rush Order is compelling, but it simply is not enough. The case study format and design attract readers' attention and make them want to know more. Rush Order uses consistent colors throughout the case study, starting with the logo, bold square blocks, pictures, and even headers.

Take a look at this product case study template below.

Just like our example, this case study template utilizes bold colors and large squares to attract and maintain the reader’s attention. It provides enough room for you to write about your customers' backgrounds/introductions, challenges, goals and results.

The right combination of shapes and colors adds a level of professionalism to this case study template.

Fuji Xerox Australia Business Equipment Case Study

8. AMR Hair & Beauty leverages B2B functionality to boost sales by 200%

With limits on website customization, slow page loading and multiple website crashes during peak events, it wasn't long before AMR Hair & Beauty began looking for a new e-commerce solution.

Their existing platform lacked effective search and filtering options, a seamless checkout process and the data analytics capabilities needed for informed decision-making. This led to a significant number of abandoned carts.

Upon switching to Shopify Plus, AMR immediately saw improvements in page loading speed and average session duration. They added better search and filtering options for their wholesale customers and customized their checkout process.

Due to this, AMR witnessed a 200% increase in sales and a 77% rise in B2B average order value. AMR Hair & Beauty is now poised for further expansion and growth.

This case study example showcases the power of a concise and impactful narrative.

To make their case analysis more effective, Shopify focused on the most relevant aspects of the customer's journey. While there may have been other challenges the customer faced, they only included those that directly related to their solutions.

Take a look at this case study template below. It is perfect if you want to create a concise but effective case study. Without including unnecessary details, you can outline the challenges, solutions and results your customers experienced from using your product.

Don’t forget to include a strong CTA within your case study. By incorporating a link, sidebar pop-up or an exit pop-up into your case study, you can prompt your readers and prospective clients to connect with you.

9. How a Marketing Agency Uses Visme to Create Engaging Content With Infographics

SmartBox Dental , a marketing agency specializing in dental practices, sought ways to make dental advice more interesting and easier to read. However, they lacked the design skills to do so effectively.

Visme's wide range of templates and features made it easy for the team to create high-quality content quickly and efficiently. SmartBox Dental enjoyed creating infographics in as little as 10-15 minutes, compared to one hour before Visme was implemented.

By leveraging Visme, SmartBox Dental successfully transformed dental content into a more enjoyable and informative experience for their clients' patients. Therefore enhancing its reputation as a marketing partner that goes the extra mile to deliver value to its clients.

Visme creatively incorporates testimonials In this case study example.

By showcasing infographics and designs created by their clients, they leverage the power of social proof in a visually compelling way. This way, potential customers gain immediate insight into the creative possibilities Visme offers as a design tool.

This example effectively showcases a product's versatility and impact, and we can learn a lot about writing a case study from it. Instead of focusing on one tool or feature per customer, Visme took a more comprehensive approach.

Within each section of their case study, Visme explained how a particular tool or feature played a key role in solving the customer's challenges.

For example, this case study highlighted Visme’s collaboration tool . With Visme’s tool, the SmartBox Dental content team fostered teamwork, accountability and effective supervision.

Visme also achieved a versatile case study by including relevant quotes to showcase each tool or feature. Take a look at some examples;

Visme’s collaboration tool: “We really like the collaboration tool. Being able to see what a co-worker is working on and borrow their ideas or collaborate on a project to make sure we get the best end result really helps us out.”

Visme’s library of stock photos and animated characters: “I really love the images and the look those give to an infographic. I also really like the animated little guys and the animated pictures. That’s added a lot of fun to our designs.”

Visme’s interactivity feature: “You can add URLs and phone number links directly into the infographic so they can just click and call or go to another page on the website and I really like adding those hyperlinks in.”

You can ask your customers to talk about the different products or features that helped them achieve their business success and draw quotes from each one.

10. Jasper Grows Blog Organic Sessions 810% and Blog-Attributed User Signups 400X

Jasper, an AI writing tool, lacked a scalable content strategy to drive organic traffic and user growth. They needed help creating content that converted visitors into users. Especially when a looming domain migration threatened organic traffic.

To address these challenges, Jasper partnered with Omniscient Digital. Their goal was to turn their content into a growth channel and drive organic growth. Omniscient Digital developed a full content strategy for Jasper AI, which included a content audit, competitive analysis, and keyword discovery.

Through their collaboration, Jasper’s organic blog sessions increased by 810%, despite the domain migration. They also witnessed a 400X increase in blog-attributed signups. And more importantly, the content program contributed to over $4 million in annual recurring revenue.

The combination of storytelling and video testimonials within the case study example makes this a real winner. But there’s a twist to it. Omniscient segmented the video testimonials and placed them in different sections of the case study.

Video marketing , especially in case studies, works wonders. Research shows us that 42% of people prefer video testimonials because they show real customers with real success stories. So if you haven't thought of it before, incorporate video testimonials into your case study.

Take a look at this stunning video testimonial template. With its simple design, you can input the picture, name and quote of your customer within your case study in a fun and engaging way.

Try it yourself! Customize this template with your customer’s testimonial and add it to your case study!

11. How Meliá Became One of the Most Influential Hotel Chains on Social Media

Meliá Hotels needed help managing their growing social media customer service needs. Despite having over 500 social accounts, they lacked a unified response protocol and detailed reporting. This largely hindered efficiency and brand consistency.

Meliá partnered with Hootsuite to build an in-house social customer care team. Implementing Hootsuite's tools enabled Meliá to decrease response times from 24 hours to 12.4 hours while also leveraging smart automation.

In addition to that, Meliá resolved over 133,000 conversations, booking 330 inquiries per week through Hootsuite Inbox. They significantly improved brand consistency, response time and customer satisfaction.

The need for a good case study design cannot be over-emphasized.

As soon as anyone lands on this case study example, they are mesmerized by a beautiful case study design. This alone raises the interest of readers and keeps them engaged till the end.

If you’re currently saying to yourself, “ I can write great case studies, but I don’t have the time or skill to turn it into a beautiful document.” Say no more.

Visme’s amazing AI document generator can take your text and transform it into a stunning and professional document in minutes! Not only do you save time, but you also get inspired by the design.

With Visme’s document generator, you can create PDFs, case study presentations , infographics and more!

Take a look at this case study template below. Just like our case study example, it captures readers' attention with its beautiful design. Its dynamic blend of colors and fonts helps to segment each element of the case study beautifully.

12. Tea’s Me Cafe: Tamika Catchings is Brewing Glory

Tamika's journey began when she purchased Tea's Me Cafe in 2017, saving it from closure. She recognized the potential of the cafe as a community hub and hosted regular events centered on social issues and youth empowerment.

One of Tamika’s business goals was to automate her business. She sought to streamline business processes across various aspects of her business. One of the ways she achieves this goal is through Constant Contact.

Constant Contact became an integral part of Tamika's marketing strategy. They provided an automated and centralized platform for managing email newsletters, event registrations, social media scheduling and more.

This allowed Tamika and her team to collaborate efficiently and focus on engaging with their audience. They effectively utilized features like WooCommerce integration, text-to-join and the survey builder to grow their email list, segment their audience and gather valuable feedback.

The case study example utilizes the power of storytelling to form a connection with readers. Constant Contact takes a humble approach in this case study. They spotlight their customers' efforts as the reason for their achievements and growth, establishing trust and credibility.

This case study is also visually appealing, filled with high-quality photos of their customer. While this is a great way to foster originality, it can prove challenging if your customer sends you blurry or low-quality photos.

If you find yourself in that dilemma, you can use Visme’s AI image edit tool to touch up your photos. With Visme’s AI tool, you can remove unwanted backgrounds, erase unwanted objects, unblur low-quality pictures and upscale any photo without losing the quality.

Constant Contact offers its readers various formats to engage with their case study. Including an audio podcast and PDF.

In its PDF version, Constant Contact utilized its brand colors to create a stunning case study design. With this, they increase brand awareness and, in turn, brand recognition with anyone who comes across their case study.

With Visme’s brand wizard tool , you can seamlessly incorporate your brand assets into any design or document you create. By inputting your URL, Visme’s AI integration will take note of your brand colors, brand fonts and more and create branded templates for you automatically.

You don't need to worry about spending hours customizing templates to fit your brand anymore. You can focus on writing amazing case studies that promote your company.

13. How Breakwater Kitchens Achieved a 7% Growth in Sales With Thryv

Breakwater Kitchens struggled with managing their business operations efficiently. They spent a lot of time on manual tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing client communication. This made it difficult for them to grow their business and provide the best possible service to their customers.

David, the owner, discovered Thryv. With Thryv, Breakwater Kitchens was able to automate many of their manual tasks. Additionally, Thryv integrated social media management. This enabled Breakwater Kitchens to deliver a consistent brand message, captivate its audience and foster online growth.

As a result, Breakwater Kitchens achieved increased efficiency, reduced missed appointments and a 7% growth in sales.

This case study example uses a concise format and strong verbs, which make it easy for readers to absorb the information.

At the top of the case study, Thryv immediately builds trust by presenting their customer's complete profile, including their name, company details and website. This allows potential customers to verify the case study's legitimacy, making them more likely to believe in Thryv's services.

However, manually copying and pasting customer information across multiple pages of your case study can be time-consuming.

To save time and effort, you can utilize Visme's dynamic field feature . Dynamic fields automatically insert reusable information into your designs. So you don’t have to type it out multiple times.

14. Zoom’s Creative Team Saves Over 4,000 Hours With Brandfolder

Zoom experienced rapid growth with the advent of remote work and the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such growth called for agility and resilience to scale through.

At the time, Zoom’s assets were disorganized which made retrieving brand information a burden. Zoom’s creative manager spent no less than 10 hours per week finding and retrieving brand assets for internal teams.

Zoom needed a more sustainable approach to organizing and retrieving brand information and came across Brandfolder. Brandfolder simplified and accelerated Zoom’s email localization and webpage development. It also enhanced the creation and storage of Zoom virtual backgrounds.

With Brandfolder, Zoom now saves 4,000+ hours every year. The company also centralized its assets in Brandfolder, which allowed 6,800+ employees and 20-30 vendors to quickly access them.

Brandfolder infused its case study with compelling data and backed it up with verifiable sources. This data-driven approach boosts credibility and increases the impact of their story.

Bradfolder's case study goes the extra mile by providing a downloadable PDF version, making it convenient for readers to access the information on their own time. Their dedication to crafting stunning visuals is evident in every aspect of the project.

From the vibrant colors to the seamless navigation, everything has been meticulously designed to leave a lasting impression on the viewer. And with clickable links that make exploring the content a breeze, the user experience is guaranteed to be nothing short of exceptional.

The thing is, your case study presentation won’t always sit on your website. There are instances where you may need to do a case study presentation for clients, partners or potential investors.

Visme has a rich library of templates you can tap into. But if you’re racing against the clock, Visme’s AI presentation maker is your best ally.

15. How Cents of Style Made $1.7M+ in Affiliate Sales with LeadDyno

Cents of Style had a successful affiliate and influencer marketing strategy. However, their existing affiliate marketing platform was not intuitive, customizable or transparent enough to meet the needs of their influencers.

Cents of Styles needed an easy-to-use affiliate marketing platform that gave them more freedom to customize their program and implement a multi-tier commission program.

After exploring their options, Cents of Style decided on LeadDyno.

LeadDyno provided more flexibility, allowing them to customize commission rates and implement their multi-tier commission structure, switching from monthly to weekly payouts.

Also, integrations with PayPal made payments smoother And features like newsletters and leaderboards added to the platform's success by keeping things transparent and engaging.

As a result, Cents of Style witnessed an impressive $1.7 million in revenue from affiliate sales with a substantial increase in web sales by 80%.

LeadDyno strategically placed a compelling CTA in the middle of their case study layout, maximizing its impact. At this point, readers are already invested in the customer's story and may be considering implementing similar strategies.

A well-placed CTA offers them a direct path to learn more and take action.

LeadDyno also utilized the power of quotes to strengthen their case study. They didn't just embed these quotes seamlessly into the text; instead, they emphasized each one with distinct blocks.

Are you looking for an easier and quicker solution to create a case study and other business documents? Try Visme's AI designer ! This powerful tool allows you to generate complete documents, such as case studies, reports, whitepapers and more, just by providing text prompts. Simply explain your requirements to the tool, and it will produce the document for you, complete with text, images, design assets and more.

Still have more questions about case studies? Let's look at some frequently asked questions.

How to Write a Case Study?

Choose a compelling story: Not all case studies are created equal. Pick one that is relevant to your target audience and demonstrates the specific benefits of your product or service.
Outline your case study: Create a case study outline and highlight how you will structure your case study to include the introduction, problem, solution and achievements of your customer.
Choose a case study template: After you outline your case study, choose a case study template . Visme has stunning templates that can inspire your case study design.
Craft a compelling headline: Include figures or percentages that draw attention to your case study.
Work on the first draft: Your case study should be easy to read and understand. Use clear and concise language and avoid jargon.
Include high-quality visual aids: Visuals can help to make your case study more engaging and easier to read. Consider adding high-quality photos, screenshots or videos.
Include a relevant CTA: Tell prospective customers how to reach you for questions or sign-ups.

What Are the Stages of a Case Study?

The stages of a case study are;

Planning & Preparation: Highlight your goals for writing the case study. Plan the case study format, length and audience you wish to target.
Interview the Client: Reach out to the company you want to showcase and ask relevant questions about their journey and achievements.
Revision & Editing: Review your case study and ask for feedback. Include relevant quotes and CTAs to your case study.
Publication & Distribution: Publish and share your case study on your website, social media channels and email list!
Marketing & Repurposing: Turn your case study into a podcast, PDF, case study presentation and more. Share these materials with your sales and marketing team.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Case Study?

Advantages of a case study:

Case studies showcase a specific solution and outcome for specific customer challenges.
It attracts potential customers with similar challenges.
It builds trust and credibility with potential customers.
It provides an in-depth analysis of your company’s problem-solving process.

Disadvantages of a case study:

Limited applicability. Case studies are tailored to specific cases and may not apply to other businesses.
It relies heavily on customer cooperation and willingness to share information.
It stands a risk of becoming outdated as industries and customer needs evolve.

What Are the Types of Case Studies?

There are 7 main types of case studies. They include;

Illustrative case study.
Instrumental case study.
Intrinsic case study.
Descriptive case study.
Explanatory case study.
Exploratory case study.
Collective case study.

How Long Should a Case Study Be?

The ideal length of your case study is between 500 - 1500 words or 1-3 pages. Certain factors like your target audience, goal or the amount of detail you want to share may influence the length of your case study. This infographic has powerful tips for designing winning case studies

What Is the Difference Between a Case Study and an Example?

Case studies provide a detailed narrative of how your product or service was used to solve a problem. Examples are general illustrations and are not necessarily real-life scenarios.

Case studies are often used for marketing purposes, attracting potential customers and building trust. Examples, on the other hand, are primarily used to simplify or clarify complex concepts.

Where Can I Find Case Study Examples?

You can easily find many case study examples online and in industry publications. Many companies, including Visme, share case studies on their websites to showcase how their products or services have helped clients achieve success. You can also search online libraries and professional organizations for case studies related to your specific industry or field.

If you need professionally-designed, customizable case study templates to create your own, Visme's template library is one of the best places to look. These templates include all the essential sections of a case study and high-quality content to help you create case studies that position your business as an industry leader.

Get More Out Of Your Case Studies With Visme

Case studies are an essential tool for converting potential customers into paying customers. By following the tips in this article, you can create compelling case studies that will help you build trust, establish credibility and drive sales.

Visme can help you create stunning case studies and other relevant marketing materials. With our easy-to-use platform, interactive features and analytics tools , you can increase your content creation game in no time.

There is no limit to what you can achieve with Visme. Connect with Sales to discover how Visme can boost your business goals.

Easily create beautiful case studies and more with Visme

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Finding Multiple Sources of Data in Case Study Research

A case study is a common research design choice for graduate students conducting qualitative research. Case study designs tend to not be as laborious and time consuming as ethnography or grounded theory, and they are robust enough to help researchers address many different types of research questions. However, a defining feature of case studies is that multiple sources of data need to be gathered and analyzed. This requirement catches many students off guard; some students will make it as far as their Institutional Review Board (IRB) application without knowing exactly what pieces of data to collect besides interviews. As such, identifying and finding multiple data sources can be a significant hurdle to overcome in the completion of your dissertation. Here we provide a few points of guidance on finding multiple sources of data.

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Aligning theoretical framework, gathering articles, synthesizing gaps, articulating a clear methodology and data plan, and writing about the theoretical and practical implications of your research are part of our comprehensive dissertation editing services.

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For most case studies, the primary source of data will be participant interviews. Figuring out what to collect in addition to the interview data is the challenge. Stake (1995) discussed two other potential sources of data for case study research: observation and document review. Observations can be done of individuals within the case in their natural setting. For example, if you were conducting a case study on teachers within a specific school, you might observe them in the classroom, at faculty meetings, or during other school functions. Note that observations are not the same thing as notes taken during interviews. As Stake (1995) noted, interviews are guided by the researcher, whereas observations involve taking notes and documenting unguided, naturally-occurring events.

The second additional source of data is document review. Documents can be reports, newspaper articles, pamphlets, correspondences, or written records of events within the case you are studying. Going back to the teacher example, some potential documents that you could gather in such a study might include minutes from faculty meetings, academic achievement reports, or school newsletters. It is important to note that academic journal articles, such as the articles that you describe in your literature review, are not considered data.

Your research topic and the specific case you are studying will dictate exactly what kinds of observations you can do and what kinds of documents you can collect. One of the most effective ways to identify multiple sources of data is to have discussions with your community partners (i.e., the individuals or organizations you are working with to recruit participants) to determine what possibilities exist. You will also need to draw upon your own knowledge of the topic to determine what kinds of data will provide the best information to help you answer your research questions.

The final issue you need to consider is exactly how many sources of data you are required to have. Technically, you need at least two sources of data for a case study. However, your dissertation chair, committee members, or school may require at least three data sources.

Take the course: Case Study Research

References:

Stake, R. E. (1995). The art of case study research . Sage.

10 Real World Data Science Case Studies Projects with Example

Top 10 Data Science Case Studies Projects with Examples and Solutions in Python to inspire your data science learning in 2023.

BelData science has been a trending buzzword in recent times. With wide applications in various sectors like healthcare , education, retail, transportation, media, and banking -data science applications are at the core of pretty much every industry out there. The possibilities are endless: analysis of frauds in the finance sector or the personalization of recommendations on eCommerce businesses. We have developed ten exciting data science case studies to explain how data science is leveraged across various industries to make smarter decisions and develop innovative personalized products tailored to specific customers.

Walmart Sales Forecasting Data Science Project

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So, without much ado, let's get started with data science business case studies !

With humble beginnings as a simple discount retailer, today, Walmart operates in 10,500 stores and clubs in 24 countries and eCommerce websites, employing around 2.2 million people around the globe. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, Walmart's total revenue was $559 billion showing a growth of $35 billion with the expansion of the eCommerce sector. Walmart is a data-driven company that works on the principle of 'Everyday low cost' for its consumers. To achieve this goal, they heavily depend on the advances of their data science and analytics department for research and development, also known as Walmart Labs. Walmart is home to the world's largest private cloud, which can manage 2.5 petabytes of data every hour! To analyze this humongous amount of data, Walmart has created 'Data Café,' a state-of-the-art analytics hub located within its Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters. The Walmart Labs team heavily invests in building and managing technologies like cloud, data, DevOps , infrastructure, and security.

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Walmart is experiencing massive digital growth as the world's largest retailer . Walmart has been leveraging Big data and advances in data science to build solutions to enhance, optimize and customize the shopping experience and serve their customers in a better way. At Walmart Labs, data scientists are focused on creating data-driven solutions that power the efficiency and effectiveness of complex supply chain management processes. Here are some of the applications of data science at Walmart:

i) Personalized Customer Shopping Experience

Walmart analyses customer preferences and shopping patterns to optimize the stocking and displaying of merchandise in their stores. Analysis of Big data also helps them understand new item sales, make decisions on discontinuing products, and the performance of brands.

ii) Order Sourcing and On-Time Delivery Promise

Millions of customers view items on Walmart.com, and Walmart provides each customer a real-time estimated delivery date for the items purchased. Walmart runs a backend algorithm that estimates this based on the distance between the customer and the fulfillment center, inventory levels, and shipping methods available. The supply chain management system determines the optimum fulfillment center based on distance and inventory levels for every order. It also has to decide on the shipping method to minimize transportation costs while meeting the promised delivery date.

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iii) Packing Optimization

Also known as Box recommendation is a daily occurrence in the shipping of items in retail and eCommerce business. When items of an order or multiple orders for the same customer are ready for packing, Walmart has developed a recommender system that picks the best-sized box which holds all the ordered items with the least in-box space wastage within a fixed amount of time. This Bin Packing problem is a classic NP-Hard problem familiar to data scientists .

Whenever items of an order or multiple orders placed by the same customer are picked from the shelf and are ready for packing, the box recommendation system determines the best-sized box to hold all the ordered items with a minimum of in-box space wasted. This problem is known as the Bin Packing Problem, another classic NP-Hard problem familiar to data scientists.

Here is a link to a sales prediction data science case study to help you understand the applications of Data Science in the real world. Walmart Sales Forecasting Project uses historical sales data for 45 Walmart stores located in different regions. Each store contains many departments, and you must build a model to project the sales for each department in each store. This data science case study aims to create a predictive model to predict the sales of each product. You can also try your hands-on Inventory Demand Forecasting Data Science Project to develop a machine learning model to forecast inventory demand accurately based on historical sales data.

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Amazon is an American multinational technology-based company based in Seattle, USA. It started as an online bookseller, but today it focuses on eCommerce, cloud computing , digital streaming, and artificial intelligence . It hosts an estimate of 1,000,000,000 gigabytes of data across more than 1,400,000 servers. Through its constant innovation in data science and big data Amazon is always ahead in understanding its customers. Here are a few data analytics case study examples at Amazon:

i) Recommendation Systems

Data science models help amazon understand the customers' needs and recommend them to them before the customer searches for a product; this model uses collaborative filtering. Amazon uses 152 million customer purchases data to help users to decide on products to be purchased. The company generates 35% of its annual sales using the Recommendation based systems (RBS) method.

Here is a Recommender System Project to help you build a recommendation system using collaborative filtering.

ii) Retail Price Optimization

Amazon product prices are optimized based on a predictive model that determines the best price so that the users do not refuse to buy it based on price. The model carefully determines the optimal prices considering the customers' likelihood of purchasing the product and thinks the price will affect the customers' future buying patterns. Price for a product is determined according to your activity on the website, competitors' pricing, product availability, item preferences, order history, expected profit margin, and other factors.

Check Out this Retail Price Optimization Project to build a Dynamic Pricing Model.

iii) Fraud Detection

Being a significant eCommerce business, Amazon remains at high risk of retail fraud. As a preemptive measure, the company collects historical and real-time data for every order. It uses Machine learning algorithms to find transactions with a higher probability of being fraudulent. This proactive measure has helped the company restrict clients with an excessive number of returns of products.

You can look at this Credit Card Fraud Detection Project to implement a fraud detection model to classify fraudulent credit card transactions.

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Let us explore data analytics case study examples in the entertainment indusry.

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Netflix started as a DVD rental service in 1997 and then has expanded into the streaming business. Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Netflix is the largest content streaming company in the world. Currently, Netflix has over 208 million paid subscribers worldwide, and with thousands of smart devices which are presently streaming supported, Netflix has around 3 billion hours watched every month. The secret to this massive growth and popularity of Netflix is its advanced use of data analytics and recommendation systems to provide personalized and relevant content recommendations to its users. The data is collected over 100 billion events every day. Here are a few examples of data analysis case studies applied at Netflix :

i) Personalized Recommendation System

Netflix uses over 1300 recommendation clusters based on consumer viewing preferences to provide a personalized experience. Some of the data that Netflix collects from its users include Viewing time, platform searches for keywords, Metadata related to content abandonment, such as content pause time, rewind, rewatched. Using this data, Netflix can predict what a viewer is likely to watch and give a personalized watchlist to a user. Some of the algorithms used by the Netflix recommendation system are Personalized video Ranking, Trending now ranker, and the Continue watching now ranker.

ii) Content Development using Data Analytics

Netflix uses data science to analyze the behavior and patterns of its user to recognize themes and categories that the masses prefer to watch. This data is used to produce shows like The umbrella academy, and Orange Is the New Black, and the Queen's Gambit. These shows seem like a huge risk but are significantly based on data analytics using parameters, which assured Netflix that they would succeed with its audience. Data analytics is helping Netflix come up with content that their viewers want to watch even before they know they want to watch it.

iii) Marketing Analytics for Campaigns

Netflix uses data analytics to find the right time to launch shows and ad campaigns to have maximum impact on the target audience. Marketing analytics helps come up with different trailers and thumbnails for other groups of viewers. For example, the House of Cards Season 5 trailer with a giant American flag was launched during the American presidential elections, as it would resonate well with the audience.

Here is a Customer Segmentation Project using association rule mining to understand the primary grouping of customers based on various parameters.

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In a world where Purchasing music is a thing of the past and streaming music is a current trend, Spotify has emerged as one of the most popular streaming platforms. With 320 million monthly users, around 4 billion playlists, and approximately 2 million podcasts, Spotify leads the pack among well-known streaming platforms like Apple Music, Wynk, Songza, amazon music, etc. The success of Spotify has mainly depended on data analytics. By analyzing massive volumes of listener data, Spotify provides real-time and personalized services to its listeners. Most of Spotify's revenue comes from paid premium subscriptions. Here are some of the examples of case study on data analytics used by Spotify to provide enhanced services to its listeners:

i) Personalization of Content using Recommendation Systems

Spotify uses Bart or Bayesian Additive Regression Trees to generate music recommendations to its listeners in real-time. Bart ignores any song a user listens to for less than 30 seconds. The model is retrained every day to provide updated recommendations. A new Patent granted to Spotify for an AI application is used to identify a user's musical tastes based on audio signals, gender, age, accent to make better music recommendations.

Spotify creates daily playlists for its listeners, based on the taste profiles called 'Daily Mixes,' which have songs the user has added to their playlists or created by the artists that the user has included in their playlists. It also includes new artists and songs that the user might be unfamiliar with but might improve the playlist. Similar to it is the weekly 'Release Radar' playlists that have newly released artists' songs that the listener follows or has liked before.

ii) Targetted marketing through Customer Segmentation

With user data for enhancing personalized song recommendations, Spotify uses this massive dataset for targeted ad campaigns and personalized service recommendations for its users. Spotify uses ML models to analyze the listener's behavior and group them based on music preferences, age, gender, ethnicity, etc. These insights help them create ad campaigns for a specific target audience. One of their well-known ad campaigns was the meme-inspired ads for potential target customers, which was a huge success globally.

iii) CNN's for Classification of Songs and Audio Tracks

Spotify builds audio models to evaluate the songs and tracks, which helps develop better playlists and recommendations for its users. These allow Spotify to filter new tracks based on their lyrics and rhythms and recommend them to users like similar tracks ( collaborative filtering). Spotify also uses NLP ( Natural language processing) to scan articles and blogs to analyze the words used to describe songs and artists. These analytical insights can help group and identify similar artists and songs and leverage them to build playlists.

Here is a Music Recommender System Project for you to start learning. We have listed another music recommendations dataset for you to use for your projects: Dataset1 . You can use this dataset of Spotify metadata to classify songs based on artists, mood, liveliness. Plot histograms, heatmaps to get a better understanding of the dataset. Use classification algorithms like logistic regression, SVM, and Principal component analysis to generate valuable insights from the dataset.

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Below you will find case studies for data analytics in the travel and tourism industry.

Airbnb was born in 2007 in San Francisco and has since grown to 4 million Hosts and 5.6 million listings worldwide who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Airbnb is active in every country on the planet except for Iran, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea. That is around 97.95% of the world. Using data as a voice of their customers, Airbnb uses the large volume of customer reviews, host inputs to understand trends across communities, rate user experiences, and uses these analytics to make informed decisions to build a better business model. The data scientists at Airbnb are developing exciting new solutions to boost the business and find the best mapping for its customers and hosts. Airbnb data servers serve approximately 10 million requests a day and process around one million search queries. Data is the voice of customers at AirBnB and offers personalized services by creating a perfect match between the guests and hosts for a supreme customer experience.

i) Recommendation Systems and Search Ranking Algorithms

Airbnb helps people find 'local experiences' in a place with the help of search algorithms that make searches and listings precise. Airbnb uses a 'listing quality score' to find homes based on the proximity to the searched location and uses previous guest reviews. Airbnb uses deep neural networks to build models that take the guest's earlier stays into account and area information to find a perfect match. The search algorithms are optimized based on guest and host preferences, rankings, pricing, and availability to understand users’ needs and provide the best match possible.

ii) Natural Language Processing for Review Analysis

Airbnb characterizes data as the voice of its customers. The customer and host reviews give a direct insight into the experience. The star ratings alone cannot be an excellent way to understand it quantitatively. Hence Airbnb uses natural language processing to understand reviews and the sentiments behind them. The NLP models are developed using Convolutional neural networks .

Practice this Sentiment Analysis Project for analyzing product reviews to understand the basic concepts of natural language processing.

iii) Smart Pricing using Predictive Analytics

The Airbnb hosts community uses the service as a supplementary income. The vacation homes and guest houses rented to customers provide for rising local community earnings as Airbnb guests stay 2.4 times longer and spend approximately 2.3 times the money compared to a hotel guest. The profits are a significant positive impact on the local neighborhood community. Airbnb uses predictive analytics to predict the prices of the listings and help the hosts set a competitive and optimal price. The overall profitability of the Airbnb host depends on factors like the time invested by the host and responsiveness to changing demands for different seasons. The factors that impact the real-time smart pricing are the location of the listing, proximity to transport options, season, and amenities available in the neighborhood of the listing.

Here is a Price Prediction Project to help you understand the concept of predictive analysis which is widely common in case studies for data analytics.

Uber is the biggest global taxi service provider. As of December 2018, Uber has 91 million monthly active consumers and 3.8 million drivers. Uber completes 14 million trips each day. Uber uses data analytics and big data-driven technologies to optimize their business processes and provide enhanced customer service. The Data Science team at uber has been exploring futuristic technologies to provide better service constantly. Machine learning and data analytics help Uber make data-driven decisions that enable benefits like ride-sharing, dynamic price surges, better customer support, and demand forecasting. Here are some of the real world data science projects used by uber:

i) Dynamic Pricing for Price Surges and Demand Forecasting

Uber prices change at peak hours based on demand. Uber uses surge pricing to encourage more cab drivers to sign up with the company, to meet the demand from the passengers. When the prices increase, the driver and the passenger are both informed about the surge in price. Uber uses a predictive model for price surging called the 'Geosurge' ( patented). It is based on the demand for the ride and the location.

ii) One-Click Chat

Uber has developed a Machine learning and natural language processing solution called one-click chat or OCC for coordination between drivers and users. This feature anticipates responses for commonly asked questions, making it easy for the drivers to respond to customer messages. Drivers can reply with the clock of just one button. One-Click chat is developed on Uber's machine learning platform Michelangelo to perform NLP on rider chat messages and generate appropriate responses to them.

iii) Customer Retention

Failure to meet the customer demand for cabs could lead to users opting for other services. Uber uses machine learning models to bridge this demand-supply gap. By using prediction models to predict the demand in any location, uber retains its customers. Uber also uses a tier-based reward system, which segments customers into different levels based on usage. The higher level the user achieves, the better are the perks. Uber also provides personalized destination suggestions based on the history of the user and their frequently traveled destinations.

You can take a look at this Python Chatbot Project and build a simple chatbot application to understand better the techniques used for natural language processing. You can also practice the working of a demand forecasting model with this project using time series analysis. You can look at this project which uses time series forecasting and clustering on a dataset containing geospatial data for forecasting customer demand for ola rides.

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7) LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the largest professional social networking site with nearly 800 million members in more than 200 countries worldwide. Almost 40% of the users access LinkedIn daily, clocking around 1 billion interactions per month. The data science team at LinkedIn works with this massive pool of data to generate insights to build strategies, apply algorithms and statistical inferences to optimize engineering solutions, and help the company achieve its goals. Here are some of the real world data science projects at LinkedIn:

i) LinkedIn Recruiter Implement Search Algorithms and Recommendation Systems

LinkedIn Recruiter helps recruiters build and manage a talent pool to optimize the chances of hiring candidates successfully. This sophisticated product works on search and recommendation engines. The LinkedIn recruiter handles complex queries and filters on a constantly growing large dataset. The results delivered have to be relevant and specific. The initial search model was based on linear regression but was eventually upgraded to Gradient Boosted decision trees to include non-linear correlations in the dataset. In addition to these models, the LinkedIn recruiter also uses the Generalized Linear Mix model to improve the results of prediction problems to give personalized results.

ii) Recommendation Systems Personalized for News Feed

The LinkedIn news feed is the heart and soul of the professional community. A member's newsfeed is a place to discover conversations among connections, career news, posts, suggestions, photos, and videos. Every time a member visits LinkedIn, machine learning algorithms identify the best exchanges to be displayed on the feed by sorting through posts and ranking the most relevant results on top. The algorithms help LinkedIn understand member preferences and help provide personalized news feeds. The algorithms used include logistic regression, gradient boosted decision trees and neural networks for recommendation systems.

iii) CNN's to Detect Inappropriate Content

To provide a professional space where people can trust and express themselves professionally in a safe community has been a critical goal at LinkedIn. LinkedIn has heavily invested in building solutions to detect fake accounts and abusive behavior on their platform. Any form of spam, harassment, inappropriate content is immediately flagged and taken down. These can range from profanity to advertisements for illegal services. LinkedIn uses a Convolutional neural networks based machine learning model. This classifier trains on a training dataset containing accounts labeled as either "inappropriate" or "appropriate." The inappropriate list consists of accounts having content from "blocklisted" phrases or words and a small portion of manually reviewed accounts reported by the user community.

Here is a Text Classification Project to help you understand NLP basics for text classification. You can find a news recommendation system dataset to help you build a personalized news recommender system. You can also use this dataset to build a classifier using logistic regression, Naive Bayes, or Neural networks to classify toxic comments.

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Pfizer is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in New York, USA. One of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally known for developing a wide range of medicines and vaccines in disciplines like immunology, oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Pfizer became a household name in 2010 when it was the first to have a COVID-19 vaccine with FDA. In early November 2021, The CDC has approved the Pfizer vaccine for kids aged 5 to 11. Pfizer has been using machine learning and artificial intelligence to develop drugs and streamline trials, which played a massive role in developing and deploying the COVID-19 vaccine. Here are a few data analytics case studies by Pfizer :

i) Identifying Patients for Clinical Trials

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are used to streamline and optimize clinical trials to increase their efficiency. Natural language processing and exploratory data analysis of patient records can help identify suitable patients for clinical trials. These can help identify patients with distinct symptoms. These can help examine interactions of potential trial members' specific biomarkers, predict drug interactions and side effects which can help avoid complications. Pfizer's AI implementation helped rapidly identify signals within the noise of millions of data points across their 44,000-candidate COVID-19 clinical trial.

ii) Supply Chain and Manufacturing

Data science and machine learning techniques help pharmaceutical companies better forecast demand for vaccines and drugs and distribute them efficiently. Machine learning models can help identify efficient supply systems by automating and optimizing the production steps. These will help supply drugs customized to small pools of patients in specific gene pools. Pfizer uses Machine learning to predict the maintenance cost of equipment used. Predictive maintenance using AI is the next big step for Pharmaceutical companies to reduce costs.

iii) Drug Development

Computer simulations of proteins, and tests of their interactions, and yield analysis help researchers develop and test drugs more efficiently. In 2016 Watson Health and Pfizer announced a collaboration to utilize IBM Watson for Drug Discovery to help accelerate Pfizer's research in immuno-oncology, an approach to cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to help fight cancer. Deep learning models have been used recently for bioactivity and synthesis prediction for drugs and vaccines in addition to molecular design. Deep learning has been a revolutionary technique for drug discovery as it factors everything from new applications of medications to possible toxic reactions which can save millions in drug trials.

You can create a Machine learning model to predict molecular activity to help design medicine using this dataset . You may build a CNN or a Deep neural network for this data analyst case study project.

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9) Shell Data Analyst Case Study Project

Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with over 80,000 employees in around 70 countries. Shell uses advanced technologies and innovations to help build a sustainable energy future. Shell is going through a significant transition as the world needs more and cleaner energy solutions to be a clean energy company by 2050. It requires substantial changes in the way in which energy is used. Digital technologies, including AI and Machine Learning, play an essential role in this transformation. These include efficient exploration and energy production, more reliable manufacturing, more nimble trading, and a personalized customer experience. Using AI in various phases of the organization will help achieve this goal and stay competitive in the market. Here are a few data analytics case studies in the petrochemical industry:

i) Precision Drilling

Shell is involved in the processing mining oil and gas supply, ranging from mining hydrocarbons to refining the fuel to retailing them to customers. Recently Shell has included reinforcement learning to control the drilling equipment used in mining. Reinforcement learning works on a reward-based system based on the outcome of the AI model. The algorithm is designed to guide the drills as they move through the surface, based on the historical data from drilling records. It includes information such as the size of drill bits, temperatures, pressures, and knowledge of the seismic activity. This model helps the human operator understand the environment better, leading to better and faster results will minor damage to machinery used.

ii) Efficient Charging Terminals

Due to climate changes, governments have encouraged people to switch to electric vehicles to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, the lack of public charging terminals has deterred people from switching to electric cars. Shell uses AI to monitor and predict the demand for terminals to provide efficient supply. Multiple vehicles charging from a single terminal may create a considerable grid load, and predictions on demand can help make this process more efficient.

iii) Monitoring Service and Charging Stations

Another Shell initiative trialed in Thailand and Singapore is the use of computer vision cameras, which can think and understand to watch out for potentially hazardous activities like lighting cigarettes in the vicinity of the pumps while refueling. The model is built to process the content of the captured images and label and classify it. The algorithm can then alert the staff and hence reduce the risk of fires. You can further train the model to detect rash driving or thefts in the future.

Here is a project to help you understand multiclass image classification. You can use the Hourly Energy Consumption Dataset to build an energy consumption prediction model. You can use time series with XGBoost to develop your model.

10) Zomato Case Study on Data Analytics

Zomato was founded in 2010 and is currently one of the most well-known food tech companies. Zomato offers services like restaurant discovery, home delivery, online table reservation, online payments for dining, etc. Zomato partners with restaurants to provide tools to acquire more customers while also providing delivery services and easy procurement of ingredients and kitchen supplies. Currently, Zomato has over 2 lakh restaurant partners and around 1 lakh delivery partners. Zomato has closed over ten crore delivery orders as of date. Zomato uses ML and AI to boost their business growth, with the massive amount of data collected over the years from food orders and user consumption patterns. Here are a few examples of data analyst case study project developed by the data scientists at Zomato:

i) Personalized Recommendation System for Homepage

Zomato uses data analytics to create personalized homepages for its users. Zomato uses data science to provide order personalization, like giving recommendations to the customers for specific cuisines, locations, prices, brands, etc. Restaurant recommendations are made based on a customer's past purchases, browsing history, and what other similar customers in the vicinity are ordering. This personalized recommendation system has led to a 15% improvement in order conversions and click-through rates for Zomato.

You can use the Restaurant Recommendation Dataset to build a restaurant recommendation system to predict what restaurants customers are most likely to order from, given the customer location, restaurant information, and customer order history.

ii) Analyzing Customer Sentiment

Zomato uses Natural language processing and Machine learning to understand customer sentiments using social media posts and customer reviews. These help the company gauge the inclination of its customer base towards the brand. Deep learning models analyze the sentiments of various brand mentions on social networking sites like Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, and Facebook. These analytics give insights to the company, which helps build the brand and understand the target audience.

iii) Predicting Food Preparation Time (FPT)

Food delivery time is an essential variable in the estimated delivery time of the order placed by the customer using Zomato. The food preparation time depends on numerous factors like the number of dishes ordered, time of the day, footfall in the restaurant, day of the week, etc. Accurate prediction of the food preparation time can help make a better prediction of the Estimated delivery time, which will help delivery partners less likely to breach it. Zomato uses a Bidirectional LSTM-based deep learning model that considers all these features and provides food preparation time for each order in real-time.

Data scientists are companies' secret weapons when analyzing customer sentiments and behavior and leveraging it to drive conversion, loyalty, and profits. These 10 data science case studies projects with examples and solutions show you how various organizations use data science technologies to succeed and be at the top of their field! To summarize, Data Science has not only accelerated the performance of companies but has also made it possible to manage & sustain their performance with ease.

FAQs on Data Analysis Case Studies

A case study in data science is an in-depth analysis of a real-world problem using data-driven approaches. It involves collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to extract insights and solve challenges, offering practical insights into how data science techniques can address complex issues across various industries.

To create a data science case study, identify a relevant problem, define objectives, and gather suitable data. Clean and preprocess data, perform exploratory data analysis, and apply appropriate algorithms for analysis. Summarize findings, visualize results, and provide actionable recommendations, showcasing the problem-solving potential of data science techniques.

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J Med Libr Assoc
v.107(1); 2019 Jan

Distinguishing case study as a research method from case reports as a publication type

The purpose of this editorial is to distinguish between case reports and case studies. In health, case reports are familiar ways of sharing events or efforts of intervening with single patients with previously unreported features. As a qualitative methodology, case study research encompasses a great deal more complexity than a typical case report and often incorporates multiple streams of data combined in creative ways. The depth and richness of case study description helps readers understand the case and whether findings might be applicable beyond that setting.

Single-institution descriptive reports of library activities are often labeled by their authors as “case studies.” By contrast, in health care, single patient retrospective descriptions are published as “case reports.” Both case reports and case studies are valuable to readers and provide a publication opportunity for authors. A previous editorial by Akers and Amos about improving case studies addresses issues that are more common to case reports; for example, not having a review of the literature or being anecdotal, not generalizable, and prone to various types of bias such as positive outcome bias [ 1 ]. However, case study research as a qualitative methodology is pursued for different purposes than generalizability. The authors’ purpose in this editorial is to clearly distinguish between case reports and case studies. We believe that this will assist authors in describing and designating the methodological approach of their publications and help readers appreciate the rigor of well-executed case study research.

Case reports often provide a first exploration of a phenomenon or an opportunity for a first publication by a trainee in the health professions. In health care, case reports are familiar ways of sharing events or efforts of intervening with single patients with previously unreported features. Another type of study categorized as a case report is an “N of 1” study or single-subject clinical trial, which considers an individual patient as the sole unit of observation in a study investigating the efficacy or side effect profiles of different interventions. Entire journals have evolved to publish case reports, which often rely on template structures with limited contextualization or discussion of previous cases. Examples that are indexed in MEDLINE include the American Journal of Case Reports , BMJ Case Reports, Journal of Medical Case Reports, and Journal of Radiology Case Reports . Similar publications appear in veterinary medicine and are indexed in CAB Abstracts, such as Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Record Case Reports .

As a qualitative methodology, however, case study research encompasses a great deal more complexity than a typical case report and often incorporates multiple streams of data combined in creative ways. Distinctions include the investigator’s definitions and delimitations of the case being studied, the clarity of the role of the investigator, the rigor of gathering and combining evidence about the case, and the contextualization of the findings. Delimitation is a term from qualitative research about setting boundaries to scope the research in a useful way rather than describing the narrow scope as a limitation, as often appears in a discussion section. The depth and richness of description helps readers understand the situation and whether findings from the case are applicable to their settings.

CASE STUDY AS A RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Case study as a qualitative methodology is an exploration of a time- and space-bound phenomenon. As qualitative research, case studies require much more from their authors who are acting as instruments within the inquiry process. In the case study methodology, a variety of methodological approaches may be employed to explain the complexity of the problem being studied [ 2 , 3 ].

Leading authors diverge in their definitions of case study, but a qualitative research text introduces case study as follows:

Case study research is defined as a qualitative approach in which the investigator explores a real-life, contemporary bounded system (a case) or multiple bound systems (cases) over time, through detailed, in-depth data collection involving multiple sources of information, and reports a case description and case themes. The unit of analysis in the case study might be multiple cases (a multisite study) or a single case (a within-site case study). [ 4 ]

Methodologists writing core texts on case study research include Yin [ 5 ], Stake [ 6 ], and Merriam [ 7 ]. The approaches of these three methodologists have been compared by Yazan, who focused on six areas of methodology: epistemology (beliefs about ways of knowing), definition of cases, design of case studies, and gathering, analysis, and validation of data [ 8 ]. For Yin, case study is a method of empirical inquiry appropriate to determining the “how and why” of phenomena and contributes to understanding phenomena in a holistic and real-life context [ 5 ]. Stake defines a case study as a “well-bounded, specific, complex, and functioning thing” [ 6 ], while Merriam views “the case as a thing, a single entity, a unit around which there are boundaries” [ 7 ].

Case studies are ways to explain, describe, or explore phenomena. Comments from a quantitative perspective about case studies lacking rigor and generalizability fail to consider the purpose of the case study and how what is learned from a case study is put into practice. Rigor in case studies comes from the research design and its components, which Yin outlines as (a) the study’s questions, (b) the study’s propositions, (c) the unit of analysis, (d) the logic linking the data to propositions, and (e) the criteria for interpreting the findings [ 5 ]. Case studies should also provide multiple sources of data, a case study database, and a clear chain of evidence among the questions asked, the data collected, and the conclusions drawn [ 5 ].

Sources of evidence for case studies include interviews, documentation, archival records, direct observations, participant-observation, and physical artifacts. One of the most important sources for data in qualitative case study research is the interview [ 2 , 3 ]. In addition to interviews, documents and archival records can be gathered to corroborate and enhance the findings of the study. To understand the phenomenon or the conditions that created it, direct observations can serve as another source of evidence and can be conducted throughout the study. These can include the use of formal and informal protocols as a participant inside the case or an external or passive observer outside of the case [ 5 ]. Lastly, physical artifacts can be observed and collected as a form of evidence. With these multiple potential sources of evidence, the study methodology includes gathering data, sense-making, and triangulating multiple streams of data. Figure 1 shows an example in which data used for the case started with a pilot study to provide additional context to guide more in-depth data collection and analysis with participants.

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Key sources of data for a sample case study

VARIATIONS ON CASE STUDY METHODOLOGY

Case study methodology is evolving and regularly reinterpreted. Comparative or multiple case studies are used as a tool for synthesizing information across time and space to research the impact of policy and practice in various fields of social research [ 9 ]. Because case study research is in-depth and intensive, there have been efforts to simplify the method or select useful components of cases for focused analysis. Micro-case study is a term that is occasionally used to describe research on micro-level cases [ 10 ]. These are cases that occur in a brief time frame, occur in a confined setting, and are simple and straightforward in nature. A micro-level case describes a clear problem of interest. Reporting is very brief and about specific points. The lack of complexity in the case description makes obvious the “lesson” that is inherent in the case; although no definitive “solution” is necessarily forthcoming, making the case useful for discussion. A micro-case write-up can be distinguished from a case report by its focus on briefly reporting specific features of a case or cases to analyze or learn from those features.

DATABASE INDEXING OF CASE REPORTS AND CASE STUDIES

Disciplines such as education, psychology, sociology, political science, and social work regularly publish rich case studies that are relevant to particular areas of health librarianship. Case reports and case studies have been defined as publication types or subject terms by several databases that are relevant to librarian authors: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ERIC. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA) does not have a subject term or publication type related to cases, despite many being included in the database. Whereas “Case Reports” are the main term used by MEDLINE’s Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and PsycINFO’s thesaurus, CINAHL and ERIC use “Case Studies.”

Case reports in MEDLINE and PsycINFO focus on clinical case documentation. In MeSH, “Case Reports” as a publication type is specific to “clinical presentations that may be followed by evaluative studies that eventually lead to a diagnosis” [ 11 ]. “Case Histories,” “Case Studies,” and “Case Study” are all entry terms mapping to “Case Reports”; however, guidance to indexers suggests that “Case Reports” should not be applied to institutional case reports and refers to the heading “Organizational Case Studies,” which is defined as “descriptions and evaluations of specific health care organizations” [ 12 ].

PsycINFO’s subject term “Case Report” is “used in records discussing issues involved in the process of conducting exploratory studies of single or multiple clinical cases.” The Methodology index offers clinical and non-clinical entries. “Clinical Case Study” is defined as “case reports that include disorder, diagnosis, and clinical treatment for individuals with mental or medical illnesses,” whereas “Non-clinical Case Study” is a “document consisting of non-clinical or organizational case examples of the concepts being researched or studied. The setting is always non-clinical and does not include treatment-related environments” [ 13 ].

Both CINAHL and ERIC acknowledge the depth of analysis in case study methodology. The CINAHL scope note for the thesaurus term “Case Studies” distinguishes between the document and the methodology, though both use the same term: “a review of a particular condition, disease, or administrative problem. Also, a research method that involves an in-depth analysis of an individual, group, institution, or other social unit. For material that contains a case study, search for document type: case study.” The ERIC scope note for the thesaurus term “Case Studies” is simple: “detailed analyses, usually focusing on a particular problem of an individual, group, or organization” [ 14 ].

PUBLICATION OF CASE STUDY RESEARCH IN LIBRARIANSHIP

We call your attention to a few examples published as case studies in health sciences librarianship to consider how their characteristics fit with the preceding definitions of case reports or case study research. All present some characteristics of case study research, but their treatment of the research questions, richness of description, and analytic strategies vary in depth and, therefore, diverge at some level from the qualitative case study research approach. This divergence, particularly in richness of description and analysis, may have been constrained by the publication requirements.

As one example, a case study by Janke and Rush documented a time- and context-bound collaboration involving a librarian and a nursing faculty member [ 15 ]. Three objectives were stated: (1) describing their experience of working together on an interprofessional research team, (2) evaluating the value of the librarian role from librarian and faculty member perspectives, and (3) relating findings to existing literature. Elements that signal the qualitative nature of this case study are that the authors were the research participants and their use of the term “evaluation” is reflection on their experience. This reads like a case study that could have been enriched by including other types of data gathered from others engaging with this team to broaden the understanding of the collaboration.

As another example, the description of the academic context is one of the most salient components of the case study written by Clairoux et al., which had the objectives of (1) describing the library instruction offered and learning assessments used at a single health sciences library and (2) discussing the positive outcomes of instruction in that setting [ 16 ]. The authors focus on sharing what the institution has done more than explaining why this institution is an exemplar to explore a focused question or understand the phenomenon of library instruction. However, like a case study, the analysis brings together several streams of data including course attendance, online material page views, and some discussion of results from surveys. This paper reads somewhat in between an institutional case report and a case study.

The final example is a single author reporting on a personal experience of creating and executing the role of research informationist for a National Institutes of Health (NIH)–funded research team [ 17 ]. There is a thoughtful review of the informationist literature and detailed descriptions of the institutional context and the process of gaining access to and participating in the new role. However, the motivating question in the abstract does not seem to be fully addressed through analysis from either the reflective perspective of the author as the research participant or consideration of other streams of data from those involved in the informationist experience. The publication reads more like a case report about this informationist’s experience than a case study that explores the research informationist experience through the selection of this case.

All of these publications are well written and useful for their intended audiences, but in general, they are much shorter and much less rich in depth than case studies published in social sciences research. It may be that the authors have been constrained by word counts or page limits. For example, the submission category for Case Studies in the Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) limited them to 3,000 words and defined them as “articles describing the process of developing, implementing, and evaluating a new service, program, or initiative, typically in a single institution or through a single collaborative effort” [ 18 ]. This definition’s focus on novelty and description sounds much more like the definition of case report than the in-depth, detailed investigation of a time- and space-bound problem that is often examined through case study research.

Problem-focused or question-driven case study research would benefit from the space provided for Original Investigations that employ any type of quantitative or qualitative method of analysis. One of the best examples in the JMLA of an in-depth multiple case study that was authored by a librarian who published the findings from her doctoral dissertation represented all the elements of a case study. In eight pages, she provided a theoretical basis for the research question, a pilot study, and a multiple case design, including integrated data from interviews and focus groups [ 19 ].

We have distinguished between case reports and case studies primarily to assist librarians who are new to research and critical appraisal of case study methodology to recognize the features that authors use to describe and designate the methodological approaches of their publications. For researchers who are new to case research methodology and are interested in learning more, Hancock and Algozzine provide a guide [ 20 ].

We hope that JMLA readers appreciate the rigor of well-executed case study research. We believe that distinguishing between descriptive case reports and analytic case studies in the journal’s submission categories will allow the depth of case study methodology to increase. We also hope that authors feel encouraged to pursue submitting relevant case studies or case reports for future publication.

Editor’s note: In response to this invited editorial, the Journal of the Medical Library Association will consider manuscripts employing rigorous qualitative case study methodology to be Original Investigations (fewer than 5,000 words), whereas manuscripts describing the process of developing, implementing, and assessing a new service, program, or initiative—typically in a single institution or through a single collaborative effort—will be considered to be Case Reports (formerly known as Case Studies; fewer than 3,000 words).

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Top 10 real-world data science case studies.

Aditya Sharma

Aditya is a content writer with 5+ years of experience writing for various industries including Marketing, SaaS, B2B, IT, and Edtech among others. You can find him watching anime or playing games when he’s not writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-world data science case studies differ significantly from academic examples. While academic exercises often feature clean, well-structured data and simplified scenarios, real-world projects tackle messy, diverse data sources with practical constraints and genuine business objectives. These case studies reflect the complexities data scientists face when translating data into actionable insights in the corporate world.

Real-world data science projects come with common challenges. Data quality issues, including missing or inaccurate data, can hinder analysis. Domain expertise gaps may result in misinterpretation of results. Resource constraints might limit project scope or access to necessary tools and talent. Ethical considerations, like privacy and bias, demand careful handling.

Lastly, as data and business needs evolve, data science projects must adapt and stay relevant, posing an ongoing challenge.

Real-world data science case studies play a crucial role in helping companies make informed decisions. By analyzing their own data, businesses gain valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiencies.

These insights empower data-driven strategies, aiding in more effective resource allocation, product development, and marketing efforts. Ultimately, case studies bridge the gap between data science and business decision-making, enhancing a company's ability to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Key takeaways from these case studies for organizations include the importance of cultivating a data-driven culture that values evidence-based decision-making. Investing in robust data infrastructure is essential to support data initiatives. Collaborating closely between data scientists and domain experts ensures that insights align with business goals.

Finally, continuous monitoring and refinement of data solutions are critical for maintaining relevance and effectiveness in a dynamic business environment. Embracing these principles can lead to tangible benefits and sustainable success in real-world data science endeavors.

Data science is a powerful driver of innovation and problem-solving across diverse industries. By harnessing data, organizations can uncover hidden patterns, automate repetitive tasks, optimize operations, and make informed decisions.

In healthcare, for example, data-driven diagnostics and treatment plans improve patient outcomes. In finance, predictive analytics enhances risk management. In transportation, route optimization reduces costs and emissions. Data science empowers industries to innovate and solve complex challenges in ways that were previously unimaginable.

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Top 25 Data Science Case Studies [2024]

In an era where data is the new gold, harnessing its power through data science has led to groundbreaking advancements across industries. From personalized marketing to predictive maintenance, the applications of data science are not only diverse but transformative. This compilation of the top 25 data science case studies showcases the profound impact of intelligent data utilization in solving real-world problems. These examples span various sectors, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and manufacturing, illustrating how data-driven decisions shape business operations’ future, enhance efficiency, and optimize user experiences. As we delve into these case studies, we witness the incredible potential of data science to innovate and drive success in today’s data-centric world.

Related: Interesting Data Science Facts

Top 25 Data Science Case Studies [2024]

Case study 1 – personalized marketing (amazon).

Challenge: Amazon aimed to enhance user engagement by tailoring product recommendations to individual preferences, requiring the real-time processing of vast data volumes.

Solution: Amazon implemented a sophisticated machine learning algorithm known as collaborative filtering, which analyzes users’ purchase history, cart contents, product ratings, and browsing history, along with the behavior of similar users. This approach enables Amazon to offer highly personalized product suggestions.

Overall Impact:

Increased Customer Satisfaction: Tailored recommendations improved the shopping experience.
Higher Sales Conversions: Relevant product suggestions boosted sales.

Key Takeaways:

Personalized Marketing Significantly Enhances User Engagement: Demonstrating how tailored interactions can deepen user involvement and satisfaction.
Effective Use of Big Data and Machine Learning Can Transform Customer Experiences: These technologies redefine the consumer landscape by continuously adapting recommendations to changing user preferences and behaviors.

This strategy has proven pivotal in increasing Amazon’s customer loyalty and sales by making the shopping experience more relevant and engaging.

Case Study 2 – Real-Time Pricing Strategy (Uber)

Challenge: Uber needed to adjust its pricing dynamically to reflect real-time demand and supply variations across different locations and times, aiming to optimize driver incentives and customer satisfaction without manual intervention.

Solution: Uber introduced a dynamic pricing model called “surge pricing.” This system uses data science to automatically calculate fares in real time based on current demand and supply data. The model incorporates traffic conditions, weather forecasts, and local events to adjust prices appropriately.

Optimized Ride Availability: The model reduced customer wait times by incentivizing more drivers to be available during high-demand periods.
Increased Driver Earnings: Drivers benefitted from higher earnings during surge periods, aligning their incentives with customer demand.
Efficient Balance of Supply and Demand: Dynamic pricing matches ride availability with customer needs.
Importance of Real-Time Data Processing: The real-time processing of data is crucial for responsive and adaptive service delivery.

Uber’s implementation of surge pricing illustrates the power of using real-time data analytics to create a flexible and responsive pricing system that benefits both consumers and service providers, enhancing overall service efficiency and satisfaction.

Case Study 3 – Fraud Detection in Banking (JPMorgan Chase)

Challenge: JPMorgan Chase faced the critical need to enhance its fraud detection capabilities to safeguard the institution and its customers from financial losses. The primary challenge was detecting fraudulent transactions swiftly and accurately in a vast stream of legitimate banking activities.

Solution: The bank implemented advanced machine learning models that analyze real-time transaction patterns and customer behaviors. These models are continuously trained on vast amounts of historical fraud data, enabling them to identify and flag transactions that significantly deviate from established patterns, which may indicate potential fraud.

Substantial Reduction in Fraudulent Transactions: The advanced detection capabilities led to a marked decrease in fraud occurrences.
Enhanced Security for Customer Accounts: Customers experienced greater security and trust in their transactions.
Effectiveness of Machine Learning in Fraud Detection: Machine learning models are greatly effective at identifying fraud activities within large datasets.
Importance of Ongoing Training and Updates: Continuous training and updating of models are crucial to adapt to evolving fraudulent techniques and maintain detection efficacy.

JPMorgan Chase’s use of machine learning for fraud detection demonstrates how financial institutions can leverage advanced analytics to enhance security measures, protect financial assets, and build customer trust in their banking services.

Case Study 4 – Optimizing Healthcare Outcomes (Mayo Clinic)

Challenge: The Mayo Clinic aimed to enhance patient outcomes by predicting diseases before they reach critical stages. This involved analyzing large volumes of diverse data, including historical patient records and real-time health metrics from various sources like lab results and patient monitors.

Solution: The Mayo Clinic employed predictive analytics to integrate and analyze this data to build models that predict patient risk for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, enabling earlier and more targeted interventions.

Improved Patient Outcomes: Early identification of at-risk patients allowed for timely medical intervention.
Reduction in Healthcare Costs: Preventing disease progression reduces the need for more extensive and costly treatments later.
Early Identification of Health Risks: Predictive models are essential for identifying at-risk patients early, improving the chances of successful interventions.
Integration of Multiple Data Sources: Combining historical and real-time data provides a comprehensive view that enhances the accuracy of predictions.

Case Study 5 – Streamlining Operations in Manufacturing (General Electric)

Challenge: General Electric needed to optimize its manufacturing processes to reduce costs and downtime by predicting when machines would likely require maintenance to prevent breakdowns.

Solution: GE leveraged data from sensors embedded in machinery to monitor their condition continuously. Data science algorithms analyze this sensor data to predict when a machine is likely to disappoint, facilitating preemptive maintenance and scheduling.

Reduction in Unplanned Machine Downtime: Predictive maintenance helped avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Lower Maintenance Costs and Improved Machine Lifespan: Regular maintenance based on predictive data reduced overall costs and extended the life of machinery.
Predictive Maintenance Enhances Operational Efficiency: Using data-driven predictions for maintenance can significantly reduce downtime and operational costs.
Value of Sensor Data: Continuous monitoring and data analysis are crucial for forecasting equipment health and preventing failures.

Related: Data Engineering vs. Data Science

Case Study 6 – Enhancing Supply Chain Management (DHL)

Challenge: DHL sought to optimize its global logistics and supply chain operations to decreases expenses and enhance delivery efficiency. It required handling complex data from various sources for better route planning and inventory management.

Solution: DHL implemented advanced analytics to process and analyze data from its extensive logistics network. This included real-time tracking of shipments, analysis of weather conditions, traffic patterns, and inventory levels to optimize route planning and warehouse operations.

Enhanced Efficiency in Logistics Operations: More precise route planning and inventory management improved delivery times and reduced resource wastage.
Reduced Operational Costs: Streamlined operations led to significant cost savings across the supply chain.
Critical Role of Comprehensive Data Analysis: Effective supply chain management depends on integrating and analyzing data from multiple sources.
Benefits of Real-Time Data Integration: Real-time data enhances logistical decision-making, leading to more efficient and cost-effective operations.

Case Study 7 – Predictive Maintenance in Aerospace (Airbus)

Challenge: Airbus faced the challenge of predicting potential failures in aircraft components to enhance safety and reduce maintenance costs. The key was to accurately forecast the lifespan of parts under varying conditions and usage patterns, which is critical in the aerospace industry where safety is paramount.

Solution: Airbus tackled this challenge by developing predictive models that utilize data collected from sensors installed on aircraft. These sensors continuously monitor the condition of various components, providing real-time data that the models analyze. The predictive algorithms assess the likelihood of component failure, enabling maintenance teams to schedule repairs or replacements proactively before actual failures occur.

Increased Safety: The ability to predict and prevent potential in-flight failures has significantly improved the safety of Airbus aircraft.
Reduced Costs: By optimizing maintenance schedules and minimizing unnecessary checks, Airbus has been able to cut down on maintenance expenses and reduce aircraft downtime.
Enhanced Safety through Predictive Analytics: The use of predictive analytics in monitoring aircraft components plays a crucial role in preventing failures, thereby enhancing the overall safety of aviation operations.
Valuable Insights from Sensor Data: Real-time data from operational use is critical for developing effective predictive maintenance strategies. This data provides insights for understanding component behavior under various conditions, allowing for more accurate predictions.

This case study demonstrates how Airbus leverages advanced data science techniques in predictive maintenance to ensure higher safety standards and more efficient operations, setting an industry benchmark in the aerospace sector.

Case Study 8 – Enhancing Film Recommendations (Netflix)

Challenge: Netflix aimed to improve customer retention and engagement by enhancing the accuracy of its recommendation system. This task involved processing and analyzing vast amounts of data to understand diverse user preferences and viewing habits.

Solution: Netflix employed collaborative filtering techniques, analyzing user behaviors (like watching, liking, or disliking content) and similarities between content items. This data-driven approach allows Netflix to refine and personalize recommendations continuously based on real-time user interactions.

Increased Viewer Engagement: Personalized recommendations led to longer viewing sessions.
Higher Customer Satisfaction and Retention Rates: Tailored viewing experiences improved overall customer satisfaction, enhancing loyalty.
Tailoring User Experiences: Machine learning is pivotal in personalizing media content, significantly impacting viewer engagement and satisfaction.
Importance of Continuous Updates: Regularly updating recommendation algorithms is essential to maintain relevance and effectiveness in user engagement.

Case Study 9 – Traffic Flow Optimization (Google)

Challenge: Google needed to optimize traffic flow within its Google Maps service to reduce congestion and improve routing decisions. This required real-time analysis of extensive traffic data to predict and manage traffic conditions accurately.

Solution: Google Maps integrates data from multiple sources, including satellite imagery, sensor data, and real-time user location data. These data points are used to model traffic patterns and predict future conditions dynamically, which informs updated routing advice.

Reduced Traffic Congestion: More efficient routing reduced overall traffic buildup.
Enhanced Accuracy of Traffic Predictions and Routing: Improved predictions led to better user navigation experiences.
Integration of Multiple Data Sources: Combining various data streams enhances the accuracy of traffic management systems.
Advanced Modeling Techniques: Sophisticated models are crucial for accurately predicting traffic patterns and optimizing routes.

Case Study 10 – Risk Assessment in Insurance (Allstate)

Challenge: Allstate sought to refine its risk assessment processes to offer more accurately priced insurance products, challenging the limitations of traditional actuarial models through more nuanced data interpretations.

Solution: Allstate enhanced its risk assessment framework by integrating machine learning, allowing for granular risk factor analysis. This approach utilizes individual customer data such as driving records, home location specifics, and historical claim data to tailor insurance offerings more accurately.

More Precise Risk Assessment: Improved risk evaluation led to more tailored insurance offerings.
Increased Market Competitiveness: Enhanced pricing accuracy boosted Allstate’s competitive edge in the insurance market.
Nuanced Understanding of Risk: Machine learning provides a deeper, more nuanced understanding of risk than traditional models, leading to better risk pricing.
Personalized Pricing Strategies: Leveraging detailed customer data in pricing strategies enhances customer satisfaction and business performance.

Related: Can you move from Cybersecurity to Data Science?

Case Study 11 – Energy Consumption Reduction (Google DeepMind)

Challenge: Google DeepMind aimed to significantly reduce the high energy consumption required for cooling Google’s data centers, which are crucial for maintaining server performance but also represent a major operational cost.

Solution: DeepMind implemented advanced AI algorithms to optimize the data center cooling systems. These algorithms predict temperature fluctuations and adjust cooling processes accordingly, saving energy and reducing equipment wear and tear.

Reduction in Energy Consumption: Achieved a 40% reduction in energy used for cooling.
Decrease in Operational Costs and Environmental Impact: Lower energy usage resulted in cost savings and reduced environmental footprint.
AI-Driven Optimization: AI can significantly decrease energy usage in large-scale infrastructure.
Operational Efficiency Gains: Efficiency improvements in operational processes lead to cost savings and environmental benefits.

Case Study 12 – Improving Public Safety (New York City Police Department)

Challenge: The NYPD needed to enhance its crime prevention strategies by better predicting where and when crimes were most likely to occur, requiring sophisticated analysis of historical crime data and environmental factors.

Solution: The NYPD implemented a predictive policing system that utilizes data analytics to identify potential crime hotspots based on trends and patterns in past crime data. Officers are preemptively dispatched to these areas to deter criminal activities.

Reduction in Crime Rates: There is a notable decrease in crime in areas targeted by predictive policing.
More Efficient Use of Police Resources: Enhanced allocation of resources where needed.
Effectiveness of Data-Driven Crime Prevention: Targeting resources based on data analytics can significantly reduce crime.
Proactive Law Enforcement: Predictive analytics enable a shift from reactive to proactive law enforcement strategies.

Case Study 13 – Enhancing Agricultural Yields (John Deere)

Challenge: John Deere aimed to help farmers increase agricultural productivity and sustainability by optimizing various farming operations from planting to harvesting.

Solution: Utilizing data from sensors on equipment and satellite imagery, John Deere developed algorithms that provide actionable insights for farmers on optimal planting times, water usage, and harvest schedules.

Increased Crop Yields: More efficient farming methods led to higher yields.
Enhanced Sustainability of Farming Practices: Improved resource management contributed to more sustainable agriculture.
Precision Agriculture: Significantly improves productivity and resource efficiency.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Enables better farming decisions through timely and accurate data.

Case Study 14 – Streamlining Drug Discovery (Pfizer)

Challenge: Pfizer faced the need to accelerate the process of discoverying drug and improve the success rates of clinical trials.

Solution: Pfizer employed data science to simulate and predict outcomes of drug trials using historical data and predictive models, optimizing trial parameters and improving the selection of drug candidates.

Accelerated Drug Development: Reduced time to market for new drugs.
Increased Efficiency and Efficacy in Clinical Trials: More targeted trials led to better outcomes.
Reduction in Drug Development Time and Costs: Data science streamlines the R&D process.
Improved Clinical Trial Success Rates: Predictive modeling enhances the accuracy of trial outcomes.

Case Study 15 – Media Buying Optimization (Procter & Gamble)

Challenge: Procter & Gamble aimed to maximize the ROI of their extensive advertising budget by optimizing their media buying strategy across various channels.

Solution: P&G analyzed extensive data on consumer behavior and media consumption to identify the most effective times and channels for advertising, allowing for highly targeted ads that reach the intended audience at optimal times.

Improved Effectiveness of Advertising Campaigns: More effective ads increased campaign impact.
Increased Sales and Better Budget Allocation: Enhanced ROI from more strategic media spending.
Enhanced Media Buying Strategies: Data analytics significantly improves media buying effectiveness.
Insights into Consumer Behavior: Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for optimizing advertising ROI.

Related: Is Data Science Certificate beneficial for your career?

Case Study 16 – Reducing Patient Readmission Rates with Predictive Analytics (Mount Sinai Health System)

Challenge: Mount Sinai Health System sought to reduce patient readmission rates, a significant indicator of healthcare quality and a major cost factor. The challenge involved identifying patients at high risk of being readmitted within 30 days of discharge.

Solution: The health system implemented a predictive analytics platform that analyzes real-time patient data and historical health records. The system detects patterns and risk factors contributing to high readmission rates by utilizing machine learning algorithms. Factors such as past medical history, discharge conditions, and post-discharge care plans were integrated into the predictive model.

Reduced Readmission Rates: Early identification of at-risk patients allowed for targeted post-discharge interventions, significantly reducing readmission rates.
Enhanced Patient Outcomes: Patients received better follow-up care tailored to their health risks.
Predictive Analytics in Healthcare: Effective for managing patient care post-discharge.
Holistic Patient Data Utilization: Integrating various data points provides a more accurate prediction and better healthcare outcomes.

Case Study 17 – Enhancing E-commerce Customer Experience with AI (Zalando)

Challenge: Zalando aimed to enhance the online shopping experience by improving the accuracy of size recommendations, a common issue that leads to high return rates in online apparel shopping.

Solution: Zalando developed an AI-driven size recommendation engine that analyzes past purchase and return data in combination with customer feedback and preferences. This system utilizes machine learning to predict the best-fit size for customers based on their unique body measurements and purchase history.

Reduced Return Rates: More accurate size recommendations decreased the returns due to poor fit.
Improved Customer Satisfaction: Customers experienced a more personalized shopping journey, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Customization Through AI: Personalizing customer experience can significantly impact satisfaction and business metrics.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilizing customer data effectively can improve business outcomes by reducing costs and enhancing the user experience.

Case Study 18 – Optimizing Energy Grid Performance with Machine Learning (Enel Group)

Challenge: Enel Group, one of the largest power companies, faced challenges in managing and optimizing the performance of its vast energy grids. The primary goal was to increase the efficiency of energy distribution and reduce operational costs while maintaining reliability in the face of fluctuating supply and demand.

Solution: Enel Group implemented a machine learning-based system that analyzes real-time data from smart meters, weather stations, and IoT devices across the grid. This system is designed to predict peak demand times, potential outages, and equipment failures before they occur. By integrating these predictions with automated grid management tools, Enel can dynamically adjust energy flows, allocate resources more efficiently, and schedule maintenance proactively.

Enhanced Grid Efficiency: Improved distribution management, reduced energy wastage, and optimized resource allocation.
Reduced Operational Costs: Predictive maintenance and better grid management decreased the frequency and cost of repairs and outages.
Predictive Maintenance in Utility Networks: Advanced analytics can preemptively identify issues, saving costs and enhancing service reliability.
Real-Time Data Integration: Leveraging data from various sources in real-time enables more agile and informed decision-making in energy management.

Case Study 19 – Personalizing Movie Streaming Experience (WarnerMedia)

Challenge: WarnerMedia sought to enhance viewer engagement and subscription retention rates on its streaming platforms by providing more personalized content recommendations.

Solution: WarnerMedia deployed a sophisticated data science strategy, utilizing deep learning algorithms to analyze viewer behaviors, including viewing history, ratings given to shows and movies, search patterns, and demographic data. This analysis helped create highly personalized viewer profiles, which were then used to tailor content recommendations, homepage layouts, and promotional offers specifically to individual preferences.

Increased Viewer Engagement: Personalized recommendations resulted in extended viewing times and increased interactions with the platform.
Higher Subscription Retention: Tailored user experiences improved overall satisfaction, leading to lower churn rates.
Deep Learning Enhances Personalization: Deep learning algorithms allow a more nuanced knowledge of consumer preferences and behavior.
Data-Driven Customization is Key to User Retention: Providing a customized experience based on data analytics is critical for maintaining and growing a subscriber base in the competitive streaming market.

Case Study 20 – Improving Online Retail Sales through Customer Sentiment Analysis (Zappos)

Challenge: Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer, aimed to enhance customer satisfaction and boost sales by better understanding customer sentiments and preferences across various platforms.

Solution: Zappos implemented a comprehensive sentiment analysis program that utilized natural language processing (NLP) techniques to gather and analyze customer feedback from social media, product reviews, and customer support interactions. This data was used to identify emerging trends, customer pain points, and overall sentiment towards products and services. The insights derived from this analysis were subsequently used to customize marketing strategies, enhance product offerings, and improve customer service practices.

Enhanced Product Selection and Marketing: Insight-driven adjustments to inventory and marketing strategies increased relevancy and customer satisfaction.
Improved Customer Experience: By addressing customer concerns and preferences identified through sentiment analysis, Zappos enhanced its overall customer service, increasing loyalty and repeat business.
Power of Sentiment Analysis in Retail: Understanding and reacting to customer emotions and opinions can significantly impact sales and customer satisfaction.
Strategic Use of Customer Feedback: Leveraging customer feedback to drive business decisions helps align product offerings and services with customer expectations, fostering a positive brand image.

Related: Data Science Industry in the US

Case Study 21 – Streamlining Airline Operations with Predictive Analytics (Delta Airlines)

Challenge: Delta Airlines faced operational challenges, including flight delays, maintenance scheduling inefficiencies, and customer service issues, which impacted passenger satisfaction and operational costs.

Solution: Delta implemented a predictive analytics system that integrates data from flight operations, weather reports, aircraft sensor data, and historical maintenance records. The system predicts potential delays using machine learning models and suggests optimal maintenance scheduling. Additionally, it forecasts passenger load to optimize staffing and resource allocation at airports.

Reduced Flight Delays: Predictive insights allowed for better planning and reduced unexpected delays.
Enhanced Maintenance Efficiency: Maintenance could be scheduled proactively, decreasing the time planes spend out of service.
Improved Passenger Experience: With better resource management, passenger handling became more efficient, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
Operational Efficiency Through Predictive Analytics: Leveraging data for predictive purposes significantly improves operational decision-making.
Data Integration Across Departments: Coordinating data from different sources provides a holistic view crucial for effective airline management.

Case Study 22 – Enhancing Financial Advisory Services with AI (Morgan Stanley)

Challenge: Morgan Stanley sought to offer clients more personalized and effective financial guidance. The challenge was seamlessly integrating vast financial data with individual client profiles to deliver tailored investment recommendations.

Solution: Morgan Stanley developed an AI-powered platform that utilizes natural language processing and ML to analyze financial markets, client portfolios, and historical investment performance. The system identifies patterns and predicts market trends while considering each client’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment history. This integrated approach enables financial advisors to offer highly customized advice and proactive investment strategies.

Improved Client Satisfaction: Clients received more relevant and timely investment recommendations, enhancing their overall satisfaction and trust in the advisory services.
Increased Efficiency: Advisors were able to manage client portfolios more effectively, using AI-driven insights to make faster and more informed decisions.
Personalization through AI: Advanced analytics and AI can significantly enhance the personalization of financial services, leading to better client engagement.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging diverse data sets provides a comprehensive understanding crucial for tailored financial advising.

Case Study 23 – Optimizing Inventory Management in Retail (Walmart)

Challenge: Walmart sought to improve inventory management across its vast network of stores and warehouses to reduce overstock and stockouts, which affect customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Solution: Walmart implemented a robust data analytics system that integrates real-time sales data, supply chain information, and predictive analytics. This system uses machine learning algorithms to forecast demand for thousands of products at a granular level, considering factors such as seasonality, local events, and economic trends. The predictive insights allow Walmart to dynamically adjust inventory levels, optimize restocking schedules, and manage distribution logistics more effectively.

Reduced Inventory Costs: More accurate demand forecasts helped minimize overstock and reduce waste.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Improved stock availability led to better in-store experiences and higher customer satisfaction.
Precision in Demand Forecasting: Advanced data analytics and machine learning significantly enhance demand forecasting accuracy in retail.
Integrated Data Systems: Combining various data sources provides a comprehensive view of inventory needs, improving overall supply chain efficiency.

Case Study 24: Enhancing Network Security with Predictive Analytics (Cisco)

Challenge: Cisco encountered difficulties protecting its extensive network infrastructure from increasingly complex cyber threats. The objective was to bolster their security protocols by anticipating potential breaches before they happen.

Solution: Cisco developed a predictive analytics solution that leverages ML algorithms to analyze patterns in network traffic and identify anomalies that could suggest a security threat. By integrating this system with their existing security protocols, Cisco can dynamically adjust defenses and alert system administrators about potential vulnerabilities in real-time.

Improved Security Posture: The predictive system enabled proactive responses to potential threats, significantly reducing the incidence of successful cyber attacks.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Automating threat detection and response processes allowed Cisco to manage network security more efficiently, with fewer resources dedicated to manual monitoring.
Proactive Security Measures: Employing predictive cybersecurity analytics helps organizations avoid potential threats.
Integration of Machine Learning: Machine learning is crucial for effectively detecting patterns and anomalies that human analysts might overlook, leading to stronger security measures.

Case Study 25 – Improving Agricultural Efficiency with IoT and AI (Bayer Crop Science)

Challenge: Bayer Crop Science aimed to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop yields for farmers worldwide, facing the challenge of varying climatic conditions and soil types that affect crop growth differently.

Solution: Bayer deployed an integrated platform that merges IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and AI-driven analytics. This platform gathers real-time weather conditions, soil quality, and crop health data. Utilizing machine learning models, the system processes this data to deliver precise agricultural recommendations to farmers, including optimal planting times, watering schedules, and pest management strategies.

Increased Crop Yields: Tailored agricultural practices led to higher productivity per hectare.
Reduced Resource Waste: Efficient water use, fertilizers, and pesticides minimized environmental impact and operational costs.
Precision Agriculture: Leveraging IoT and AI enables more precise and data-driven agricultural practices, enhancing yield and efficiency.
Sustainability in Farming: Advanced data analytics enhance the sustainability of farming by optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste.

Related: Is Data Science Overhyped?

The power of data science in transforming industries is undeniable, as demonstrated by these 25 compelling case studies. Through the strategic application of machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI, companies are solving complex challenges and gaining a competitive edge. The insights gleaned from these cases highlight the critical role of data science in enhancing decision-making processes, improving operational efficiency, and elevating customer satisfaction. As we look to the future, the role of data science is set to grow, promising even more innovative solutions and smarter strategies across all sectors. These case studies inspire and serve as a roadmap for harnessing the transformative power of data science in the journey toward digital transformation.

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12 Data Science Case Studies: Across Various Industries

Home Blog Data Science 12 Data Science Case Studies: Across Various Industries

Data science has become popular in the last few years due to its successful application in making business decisions. Data scientists have been using data science techniques to solve challenging real-world issues in healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, and many more. For this purpose, a data enthusiast needs to stay updated with the latest technological advancements in AI. An excellent way to achieve this is through reading industry data science case studies. I recommend checking out Data Science With Python course syllabus to start your data science journey. In this discussion, I will present some case studies to you that contain detailed and systematic data analysis of people, objects, or entities focusing on multiple factors present in the dataset. Almost every industry uses data science in some way. You can learn more about data science fundamentals in this Data Science course content .

Let’s look at the top data science case studies in this article so you can understand how businesses from many sectors have benefitted from data science to boost productivity, revenues, and more.

List of Data Science Case Studies 2024

Hospitality: Airbnb focuses on growth by analyzing customer voice using data science. Qantas uses predictive analytics to mitigate losses
Healthcare: Novo Nordisk is Driving innovation with NLP. AstraZeneca harnesses data for innovation in medicine
Covid 19: Johnson and Johnson use s d ata science to fight the Pandemic
E-commerce: Amazon uses data science to personalize shop p ing experiences and improve customer satisfaction
Supply chain management: UPS optimizes supp l y chain with big data analytics
Meteorology: IMD leveraged data science to achieve a rec o rd 1.2m evacuation before cyclone ''Fani''
Entertainment Industry: Netflix u ses data science to personalize the content and improve recommendations. Spotify uses big data to deliver a rich user experience for online music streaming
Banking and Finance: HDFC utilizes Big D ata Analytics to increase income and enhance the banking experience
Urban Planning and Smart Cities: Traffic management in smart cities such as Pune and Bhubaneswar
Agricultural Yield Prediction: Farmers Edge in Canada uses Data science to help farmers improve their produce
Transportation Industry: Uber optimizes their ride-sharing feature and track the delivery routes through data analysis
Environmental Industry: NASA utilizes Data science to predict potential natural disasters, World Wildlife analyzes deforestation to protect the environment

Top 12 Data Science Case Studies

1. data science in hospitality industry.

In the hospitality sector, data analytics assists hotels in better pricing strategies, customer analysis, brand marketing, tracking market trends, and many more.

Airbnb focuses on growth by analyzing customer voice using data science. A famous example in this sector is the unicorn '' Airbnb '', a startup that focussed on data science early to grow and adapt to the market faster. This company witnessed a 43000 percent hypergrowth in as little as five years using data science. They included data science techniques to process the data, translate this data for better understanding the voice of the customer, and use the insights for decision making. They also scaled the approach to cover all aspects of the organization. Airbnb uses statistics to analyze and aggregate individual experiences to establish trends throughout the community. These analyzed trends using data science techniques impact their business choices while helping them grow further.

Travel industry and data science

Predictive analytics benefits many parameters in the travel industry. These companies can use recommendation engines with data science to achieve higher personalization and improved user interactions. They can study and cross-sell products by recommending relevant products to drive sales and increase revenue. Data science is also employed in analyzing social media posts for sentiment analysis, bringing invaluable travel-related insights. Whether these views are positive, negative, or neutral can help these agencies understand the user demographics, the expected experiences by their target audiences, and so on. These insights are essential for developing aggressive pricing strategies to draw customers and provide better customization to customers in the travel packages and allied services. Travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com use predictive analytics to create personalized recommendations, product development, and effective marketing of their products. Not just travel agencies but airlines also benefit from the same approach. Airlines frequently face losses due to flight cancellations, disruptions, and delays. Data science helps them identify patterns and predict possible bottlenecks, thereby effectively mitigating the losses and improving the overall customer traveling experience.

How Qantas uses predictive analytics to mitigate losses

Qantas , one of Australia's largest airlines, leverages data science to reduce losses caused due to flight delays, disruptions, and cancellations. They also use it to provide a better traveling experience for their customers by reducing the number and length of delays caused due to huge air traffic, weather conditions, or difficulties arising in operations. Back in 2016, when heavy storms badly struck Australia's east coast, only 15 out of 436 Qantas flights were cancelled due to their predictive analytics-based system against their competitor Virgin Australia, which witnessed 70 cancelled flights out of 320.

2. Data Science in Healthcare

The Healthcare sector is immensely benefiting from the advancements in AI. Data science, especially in medical imaging, has been helping healthcare professionals come up with better diagnoses and effective treatments for patients. Similarly, several advanced healthcare analytics tools have been developed to generate clinical insights for improving patient care. These tools also assist in defining personalized medications for patients reducing operating costs for clinics and hospitals. Apart from medical imaging or computer vision, Natural Language Processing (NLP) is frequently used in the healthcare domain to study the published textual research data. 

A. Pharmaceutical

Driving innovation with NLP: Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk uses the Linguamatics NLP platform from internal and external data sources for text mining purposes that include scientific abstracts, patents, grants, news, tech transfer offices from universities worldwide, and more. These NLP queries run across sources for the key therapeutic areas of interest to the Novo Nordisk R&D community. Several NLP algorithms have been developed for the topics of safety, efficacy, randomized controlled trials, patient populations, dosing, and devices. Novo Nordisk employs a data pipeline to capitalize the tools' success on real-world data and uses interactive dashboards and cloud services to visualize this standardized structured information from the queries for exploring commercial effectiveness, market situations, potential, and gaps in the product documentation. Through data science, they are able to automate the process of generating insights, save time and provide better insights for evidence-based decision making.

How AstraZeneca harnesses data for innovation in medicine. AstraZeneca is a globally known biotech company that leverages data using AI technology to discover and deliver newer effective medicines faster. Within their R&D teams, they are using AI to decode the big data to understand better diseases like cancer, respiratory disease, and heart, kidney, and metabolic diseases to be effectively treated. Using data science, they can identify new targets for innovative medications. In 2021, they selected the first two AI-generated drug targets collaborating with BenevolentAI in Chronic Kidney Disease and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. 

Data science is also helping AstraZeneca redesign better clinical trials, achieve personalized medication strategies, and innovate the process of developing new medicines. Their Center for Genomics Research uses data science and AI to analyze around two million genomes by 2026. Apart from this, they are training their AI systems to check these images for disease and biomarkers for effective medicines for imaging purposes. This approach helps them analyze samples accurately and more effortlessly. Moreover, it can cut the analysis time by around 30%. 

AstraZeneca also utilizes AI and machine learning to optimize the process at different stages and minimize the overall time for the clinical trials by analyzing the clinical trial data. Summing up, they use data science to design smarter clinical trials, develop innovative medicines, improve drug development and patient care strategies, and many more.

C. Wearable Technology

Wearable technology is a multi-billion-dollar industry. With an increasing awareness about fitness and nutrition, more individuals now prefer using fitness wearables to track their routines and lifestyle choices.

Fitness wearables are convenient to use, assist users in tracking their health, and encourage them to lead a healthier lifestyle. The medical devices in this domain are beneficial since they help monitor the patient's condition and communicate in an emergency situation. The regularly used fitness trackers and smartwatches from renowned companies like Garmin, Apple, FitBit, etc., continuously collect physiological data of the individuals wearing them. These wearable providers offer user-friendly dashboards to their customers for analyzing and tracking progress in their fitness journey.

3. Covid 19 and Data Science

In the past two years of the Pandemic, the power of data science has been more evident than ever. Different pharmaceutical companies across the globe could synthesize Covid 19 vaccines by analyzing the data to understand the trends and patterns of the outbreak. Data science made it possible to track the virus in real-time, predict patterns, devise effective strategies to fight the Pandemic, and many more.

How Johnson and Johnson uses data science to fight the Pandemic 

The data science team at Johnson and Johnson leverages real-time data to track the spread of the virus. They built a global surveillance dashboard (granulated to county level) that helps them track the Pandemic's progress, predict potential hotspots of the virus, and narrow down the likely place where they should test its investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The team works with in-country experts to determine whether official numbers are accurate and find the most valid information about case numbers, hospitalizations, mortality and testing rates, social compliance, and local policies to populate this dashboard. The team also studies the data to build models that help the company identify groups of individuals at risk of getting affected by the virus and explore effective treatments to improve patient outcomes.

4. Data Science in E-commerce

In the e-commerce sector , big data analytics can assist in customer analysis, reduce operational costs, forecast trends for better sales, provide personalized shopping experiences to customers, and many more.

Amazon uses data science to personalize shopping experiences and improve customer satisfaction. Amazon is a globally leading eCommerce platform that offers a wide range of online shopping services. Due to this, Amazon generates a massive amount of data that can be leveraged to understand consumer behavior and generate insights on competitors' strategies. Data science case studies reveal how Amazon uses its data to provide recommendations to its users on different products and services. With this approach, Amazon is able to persuade its consumers into buying and making additional sales. This approach works well for Amazon as it earns 35% of the revenue yearly with this technique. Additionally, Amazon collects consumer data for faster order tracking and better deliveries.   

Similarly, Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, can converse in different languages; uses speakers and a camera to interact with the users. Amazon utilizes the audio commands from users to improve Alexa and deliver a better user experience. 

5. Data Science in Supply Chain Management

Predictive analytics and big data are driving innovation in the Supply chain domain. They offer greater visibility into the company operations, reduce costs and overheads, forecasting demands, predictive maintenance, product pricing, minimize supply chain interruptions, route optimization, fleet management, drive better performance, and more. 

Optimizing supply chain with big data analytics: UPS

UPS is a renowned package delivery and supply chain management company. With thousands of packages being delivered every day, on average, a UPS driver makes about 100 deliveries each business day. On-time and safe package delivery are crucial to UPS's success. Hence, UPS offers an optimized navigation tool ''ORION'' (On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation), which uses highly advanced big data processing algorithms. This tool for UPS drivers provides route optimization concerning fuel, distance, and time. UPS utilizes supply chain data analysis in all aspects of its shipping process. Data about packages and deliveries are captured through radars and sensors. The deliveries and routes are optimized using big data systems. Overall, this approach has helped UPS save 1.6 million gallons of gasoline in transportation every year, significantly reducing delivery costs.

6. Data Science in Meteorology

Weather prediction is an interesting application of data science . Businesses like aviation, agriculture and farming, construction, consumer goods, sporting events, and many more are dependent on climatic conditions. The success of these businesses is closely tied to the weather, as decisions are made after considering the weather predictions from the meteorological department. 

Besides, weather forecasts are extremely helpful for individuals to manage their allergic conditions. One crucial application of weather forecasting is natural disaster prediction and risk management.

Weather forecasts begin with a large amount of data collection related to the current environmental conditions (wind speed, temperature, humidity, clouds captured at a specific location and time) using sensors on IoT (Internet of Things) devices and satellite imagery. This gathered data is then analyzed using the understanding of atmospheric processes, and machine learning models are built to make predictions on upcoming weather conditions like rainfall or snow prediction. Although data science cannot help avoid natural calamities like floods, hurricanes, or forest fires. Tracking these natural phenomena well ahead of their arrival is beneficial. Such predictions allow governments sufficient time to take necessary steps and measures to ensure the safety of the population.

IMD leveraged data science to achieve a record 1.2m evacuation before cyclone ''Fani'' 

Most d ata scientist’s responsibilities rely on satellite images to make short-term forecasts, decide whether a forecast is correct, and validate models. Machine Learning is also used for pattern matching in this case. It can forecast future weather conditions if it recognizes a past pattern. When employing dependable equipment, sensor data is helpful to produce local forecasts about actual weather models. IMD used satellite pictures to study the low-pressure zones forming off the Odisha coast (India). In April 2019, thirteen days before cyclone ''Fani'' reached the area, IMD (India Meteorological Department) warned that a massive storm was underway, and the authorities began preparing for safety measures.

It was one of the most powerful cyclones to strike India in the recent 20 years, and a record 1.2 million people were evacuated in less than 48 hours, thanks to the power of data science. 

7. Data Science in the Entertainment Industry

Due to the Pandemic, demand for OTT (Over-the-top) media platforms has grown significantly. People prefer watching movies and web series or listening to the music of their choice at leisure in the convenience of their homes. This sudden growth in demand has given rise to stiff competition. Every platform now uses data analytics in different capacities to provide better-personalized recommendations to its subscribers and improve user experience. 

How Netflix uses data science to personalize the content and improve recommendations

Netflix is an extremely popular internet television platform with streamable content offered in several languages and caters to various audiences. In 2006, when Netflix entered this media streaming market, they were interested in increasing the efficiency of their existing ''Cinematch'' platform by 10% and hence, offered a prize of $1 million to the winning team. This approach was successful as they found a solution developed by the BellKor team at the end of the competition that increased prediction accuracy by 10.06%. Over 200 work hours and an ensemble of 107 algorithms provided this result. These winning algorithms are now a part of the Netflix recommendation system.

Netflix also employs Ranking Algorithms to generate personalized recommendations of movies and TV Shows appealing to its users. 

Spotify uses big data to deliver a rich user experience for online music streaming

Personalized online music streaming is another area where data science is being used. Spotify is a well-known on-demand music service provider launched in 2008, which effectively leveraged big data to create personalized experiences for each user. It is a huge platform with more than 24 million subscribers and hosts a database of nearly 20million songs; they use the big data to offer a rich experience to its users. Spotify uses this big data and various algorithms to train machine learning models to provide personalized content. Spotify offers a "Discover Weekly" feature that generates a personalized playlist of fresh unheard songs matching the user's taste every week. Using the Spotify "Wrapped" feature, users get an overview of their most favorite or frequently listened songs during the entire year in December. Spotify also leverages the data to run targeted ads to grow its business. Thus, Spotify utilizes the user data, which is big data and some external data, to deliver a high-quality user experience.

8. Data Science in Banking and Finance

Data science is extremely valuable in the Banking and Finance industry . Several high priority aspects of Banking and Finance like credit risk modeling (possibility of repayment of a loan), fraud detection (detection of malicious or irregularities in transactional patterns using machine learning), identifying customer lifetime value (prediction of bank performance based on existing and potential customers), customer segmentation (customer profiling based on behavior and characteristics for personalization of offers and services). Finally, data science is also used in real-time predictive analytics (computational techniques to predict future events).

How HDFC utilizes Big Data Analytics to increase revenues and enhance the banking experience

One of the major private banks in India, HDFC Bank , was an early adopter of AI. It started with Big Data analytics in 2004, intending to grow its revenue and understand its customers and markets better than its competitors. Back then, they were trendsetters by setting up an enterprise data warehouse in the bank to be able to track the differentiation to be given to customers based on their relationship value with HDFC Bank. Data science and analytics have been crucial in helping HDFC bank segregate its customers and offer customized personal or commercial banking services. The analytics engine and SaaS use have been assisting the HDFC bank in cross-selling relevant offers to its customers. Apart from the regular fraud prevention, it assists in keeping track of customer credit histories and has also been the reason for the speedy loan approvals offered by the bank.

9. Data Science in Urban Planning and Smart Cities

Data Science can help the dream of smart cities come true! Everything, from traffic flow to energy usage, can get optimized using data science techniques. You can use the data fetched from multiple sources to understand trends and plan urban living in a sorted manner.

The significant data science case study is traffic management in Pune city. The city controls and modifies its traffic signals dynamically, tracking the traffic flow. Real-time data gets fetched from the signals through cameras or sensors installed. Based on this information, they do the traffic management. With this proactive approach, the traffic and congestion situation in the city gets managed, and the traffic flow becomes sorted. A similar case study is from Bhubaneswar, where the municipality has platforms for the people to give suggestions and actively participate in decision-making. The government goes through all the inputs provided before making any decisions, making rules or arranging things that their residents actually need.

10. Data Science in Agricultural Prediction

Have you ever wondered how helpful it can be if you can predict your agricultural yield? That is exactly what data science is helping farmers with. They can get information about the number of crops they can produce in a given area based on different environmental factors and soil types. Using this information, the farmers can make informed decisions about their yield and benefit the buyers and themselves in multiple ways.

Data Science in Agricultural Yield Prediction

Farmers across the globe and overseas use various data science techniques to understand multiple aspects of their farms and crops. A famous example of data science in the agricultural industry is the work done by Farmers Edge. It is a company in Canada that takes real-time images of farms across the globe and combines them with related data. The farmers use this data to make decisions relevant to their yield and improve their produce. Similarly, farmers in countries like Ireland use satellite-based information to ditch traditional methods and multiply their yield strategically.

11. Data Science in the Transportation Industry

Transportation keeps the world moving around. People and goods commute from one place to another for various purposes, and it is fair to say that the world will come to a standstill without efficient transportation. That is why it is crucial to keep the transportation industry in the most smoothly working pattern, and data science helps a lot in this. In the realm of technological progress, various devices such as traffic sensors, monitoring display systems, mobility management devices, and numerous others have emerged.

Many cities have already adapted to the multi-modal transportation system. They use GPS trackers, geo-locations and CCTV cameras to monitor and manage their transportation system. Uber is the perfect case study to understand the use of data science in the transportation industry. They optimize their ride-sharing feature and track the delivery routes through data analysis. Their data science case studies approach enabled them to serve more than 100 million users, making transportation easy and convenient. Moreover, they also use the data they fetch from users daily to offer cost-effective and quickly available rides.

12. Data Science in the Environmental Industry

Increasing pollution, global warming, climate changes and other poor environmental impacts have forced the world to pay attention to environmental industry. Multiple initiatives are being taken across the globe to preserve the environment and make the world a better place. Though the industry recognition and the efforts are in the initial stages, the impact is significant, and the growth is fast.

The popular use of data science in the environmental industry is by NASA and other research organizations worldwide. NASA gets data related to the current climate conditions, and this data gets used to create remedial policies that can make a difference. Another way in which data science is actually helping researchers is they can predict natural disasters well before time and save or at least reduce the potential damage considerably. A similar case study is with the World Wildlife Fund. They use data science to track data related to deforestation and help reduce the illegal cutting of trees. Hence, it helps preserve the environment.

Where to Find Full Data Science Case Studies?

Data science is a highly evolving domain with many practical applications and a huge open community. Hence, the best way to keep updated with the latest trends in this domain is by reading case studies and technical articles. Usually, companies share their success stories of how data science helped them achieve their goals to showcase their potential and benefit the greater good. Such case studies are available online on the respective company websites and dedicated technology forums like Towards Data Science or Medium.

Additionally, we can get some practical examples in recently published research papers and textbooks in data science.

What Are the Skills Required for Data Scientists?

Data scientists play an important role in the data science process as they are the ones who work on the data end to end. To be able to work on a data science case study, there are several skills required for data scientists like a good grasp of the fundamentals of data science, deep knowledge of statistics, excellent programming skills in Python or R, exposure to data manipulation and data analysis, ability to generate creative and compelling data visualizations, good knowledge of big data, machine learning and deep learning concepts for model building & deployment. Apart from these technical skills, data scientists also need to be good storytellers and should have an analytical mind with strong communication skills.

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Conclusion

These were some interesting data science case studies across different industries. There are many more domains where data science has exciting applications, like in the Education domain, where data can be utilized to monitor student and instructor performance, develop an innovative curriculum that is in sync with the industry expectations, etc. 

Almost all the companies looking to leverage the power of big data begin with a SWOT analysis to narrow down the problems they intend to solve with data science. Further, they need to assess their competitors to develop relevant data science tools and strategies to address the challenging issue. Thus, the utility of data science in several sectors is clearly visible, a lot is left to be explored, and more is yet to come. Nonetheless, data science will continue to boost the performance of organizations in this age of big data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A case study in data science requires a systematic and organized approach for solving the problem. Generally, four main steps are needed to tackle every data science case study:

Defining the problem statement and strategy to solve it 
Gather and pre-process the data by making relevant assumptions 
Select tool and appropriate algorithms to build machine learning /deep learning models
Make predictions, accept the solutions based on evaluation metrics, and improve the model if necessary.

Getting data for a case study starts with a reasonable understanding of the problem. This gives us clarity about what we expect the dataset to include. Finding relevant data for a case study requires some effort. Although it is possible to collect relevant data using traditional techniques like surveys and questionnaires, we can also find good quality data sets online on different platforms like Kaggle, UCI Machine Learning repository, Azure open data sets, Government open datasets, Google Public Datasets, Data World and so on.

Data science projects involve multiple steps to process the data and bring valuable insights. A data science project includes different steps - defining the problem statement, gathering relevant data required to solve the problem, data pre-processing, data exploration & data analysis, algorithm selection, model building, model prediction, model optimization, and communicating the results through dashboards and reports.

Devashree Madhugiri

Devashree holds an M.Eng degree in Information Technology from Germany and a background in Data Science. She likes working with statistics and discovering hidden insights in varied datasets to create stunning dashboards. She enjoys sharing her knowledge in AI by writing technical articles on various technological platforms. She loves traveling, reading fiction, solving Sudoku puzzles, and participating in coding competitions in her leisure time.

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From a case study to a large database: Sharing data to map saline agriculture initiatives

From CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas
Published on 09.09.24
Impact Area Adaptation , Climate adaptation & mitigation

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For the thirteenth installment of Delta Talks, the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD) and Wageningen University & Research ( WUR ) presented a webinar on sharing data to map saline agriculture initiatives.

Katarzyna Negacz and Pim van Tongeren from the Institute for Environmental Studies at VU Amsterdam presented their research, which focused on the development of a governance landscape for cooperative initiatives in saline agriculture. Their research was motivated by the increasingly complex institutional framework emerging in this field. Recently, a wide range of public, private, and hybrid international organizations have come together to address the growing challenge of salinization through innovative saline agriculture initiatives.

A collaboration between AMD and WUR, Delta Talks is a webinar series focusing on the development and results of research activities on securing food systems and strengthening climate resilience in the Asian mega-deltas. Delta Talks serves as a platform for the joint exchange of research results or ongoing work between AMD and WUR.

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Cold and wet island effect in mountainous areas: a case study of the maxian mountains, northwest china.

1. Introduction

2. materials and methods, 2.1. study area, 2.2. data and preprocessing, 2.3. methodology, 2.3.1. land surface temperature retrieval, 2.3.2. t s -ndvi model, 2.3.3. cold and wet island index calculation, 2.3.4. grading method of lst and tvdi, 2.3.5. geodetector model, 3.1. annual variations in precipitation and air temperature, 3.2. monthly and daily changes in air temperature and relative humidity, 3.2.1. analysis of air temperature variations on monthly and daily scales, 3.2.2. analysis of relative humidity variations at monthly and daily scales, 3.3. spatiotemporal variation characteristics of lst and tvdi in mountainous area, 3.3.1. spatial distribution characteristics of lst, 3.3.2. spatial distribution characteristics of tvdi, 3.4. analysis of the cold and wet island effect, 3.5. influencing factors for the lst, 4. discussion, 4.1. impacts of land use changes on the cold–wet island effect, 4.2. characteristics of vegetation change in mountainous area, 5. conclusions, author contributions, data availability statement, acknowledgments, conflicts of interest.

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Click here to enlarge figure

Data Name	Sources	Resolution	Time Span	Data Source
Satellite	Landsat 5 TM	30 m	2001–2011	, accessed on 2 December 2023
Satellite	Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS	30 m	2015–2021	, accessed on 2 December 2023
DEM	ASTER GDEM	30 m	2009	, accessed on 10 October 2023
Land Use	National Annual Land Cover Data CLCD (V1.0.2)	30 m	1990–2022	, accessed on 1 September 2023
Precipitation	ERA5	0.05°	2010–2019	, accessed on 27 July 2023

Station	Lon. (°E)	Lat. (°N)	Elevation (m)	Type
52,983	104.1500	35.8667	1874	Urban
TOA5	103.9693	35.7398	3566.20	Maxian Peak
CR1,000	103.9632	35.735	3595.10	Maxian Peak

Classification Level	LST Grading	Meaning (Relatively)	TVDI Grading	Meaning (Relatively)
1	NLST > u + std	high temperature	0.8 < TVDI ≤ 1	moist
2	u < NLST ≤ u + std	relatively high temperature	0.6 < TVDI ≤ 0.8	semi-moist
3	u − 0.5 std < NLST < u	medium temperature	0.4 < TVDI ≤ 0.6	moderate moist
4	u − std < NLST ≤ u − 0.5 std	relatively low temperature	0.2 < TVDI ≤ 0.4	semi-arid
5	LST < u − std	low temperature	TVDI ≤ 0.2	arid

Interaction	Basis of Judgement
Nonlinear weaken	q(X1∩X2) < Min(q(X1), q(X2))
Single-factor nonlinear weakening	Min(q(X1), q(X2)) < q(X1∩X2) < Max(q(X1), q(X2))
Two-factor enhancement	q(X1∩X2) > Max(q(X1), q(X2))
Independent	q(X1∩X2) = q(X1) + q(X2)
Non-linear enhancement	q(X1∩X2) > q(X1) + q(X2)

	NDVI	Slope	Precipitation	MeanT	DEM	Landuse	PET	NDMI
q statistic	0.667183	0.191953	0.157864	0.508965	0.419612	0.443091	0.503126	0.512137
p value	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000

The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

He, B.; Shangguan, D.; Wang, R.; Xie, C.; Li, D.; Cheng, X. Cold and Wet Island Effect in Mountainous Areas: A Case Study of the Maxian Mountains, Northwest China. Forests 2024 , 15 , 1578. https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091578

He B, Shangguan D, Wang R, Xie C, Li D, Cheng X. Cold and Wet Island Effect in Mountainous Areas: A Case Study of the Maxian Mountains, Northwest China. Forests . 2024; 15(9):1578. https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091578

He, Beibei, Donghui Shangguan, Rongjun Wang, Changwei Xie, Da Li, and Xiaoqiang Cheng. 2024. "Cold and Wet Island Effect in Mountainous Areas: A Case Study of the Maxian Mountains, Northwest China" Forests 15, no. 9: 1578. https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091578

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FHFA Statistics FHFA Mortgage Loan and Natural Disaster Dashboard Blog: A Case Study of Hurricane Beryl

This week, FHFA released the Mortgage Loan and Natural Disaster Dashboard that enables users to assess the impact of climate risk on vulnerable communities as well as the distribution of physical hazard risk for 2022 loan acquisitions by FHFA’s regulated entities.

This dashboard combines three data sources. The first, FHFA’s Public Use Database (PUDB), reports single-family and multifamily acquisitions for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), and the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). The single-family dataset contains loan-level data on the number of loans and acquisition unpaid principal balance (UPB). The multifamily dataset contains property-level data on the number of properties and acquisition UPB. The FHLBank dataset contains loan counts and acquisition UPB for single-family loans acquired by the FHLBanks. The smallest geographic area available is the 2020 census tract. The dashboard uses the most recent PUDB release from 2022.

The second source is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Risk Index (NRI). The NRI is a dataset and tool that maps 18 different natural hazards at the 2020 census-tract level. [1] The 18 hazards include coastal flooding, drought, hurricane, and wildfire, among others. The NRI also includes measures of social vulnerability and community resilience. These measures provide information about a community’s susceptibility to natural hazards as well as its ability to recover. The dashboard uses the most recent data from March 2023.

The third source is FHFA’s Duty to Serve 2023 high-needs rural areas counties data. High-needs rural areas include regions that are in a “rural area” and Middle Appalachia, the Lower Mississippi Delta, a colonia census tract, and tracts located in a persistent poverty county and not in one of the previous three categories. [2]

The dashboard uses loan counts and acquisition UPB aggregated to the 2020 census-tract level. This census-tract level data from the PUDB has been merged with the NRI data. Then, the high-needs county designations from FHFA’s Duty to Serve program are merged into these data. These data include estimated damages from disasters for buildings, population, and agriculture. Thus, locations with more buildings, population, and agriculture will have relatively higher damages. These data do not include insurance coverage and do not necessarily represent potential credit losses for FHFA’s regulated entities.

Insights on Hurricanes

Atlantic Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30. However, most hurricane activity occurs from mid-August to mid-October. [3] For 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an above-normal season with 85 percent probability. NOAA notes that this is “due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, [and] development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific” among other factors. [4] This blog post evaluates potential risks to loans acquired by the Enterprises and the FHLBanks in 2022 and their hurricane risk exposure. Note that in this dashboard, we only evaluate acquisitions in 2022 rather than the total portfolio of the Enterprises and the FHLBanks. Some loans acquired in 2022 may no longer be active in the Enterprises and the FHLBanks’ books of business in 2024.

NRI on Hurricane Risk

The NRI uses NOAA’s HURDAT2 Best Track Data Archive. [5] This dataset includes information on Atlantic and Pacific tropical cyclones, such as geospatial data on the path of previous storms, windspeed, central pressure, and hurricane size. The NRI identifies hurricane exposure based on historic hurricane paths. Then, to calculate historic loss ratios, the NRI incorporates data from SHELDUS at the county level for buildings expected to be impacted by hurricanes. [6] Next, the NRI calculates expected annual loses by calculating exposure probability multiplied by frequency multiplied by historic loss ratios. [7]

Composite risk scores factor in Expected Annual Losses (EALs) from physical risk, social vulnerability, and community resilience. Hurricane risk in the continental United States is concentrated in the gulf states and the east coast.

2022 Acquisitions by the Enterprises and FHLBanks and Hurricane Risk

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the FHLBanks acquired 3,838,894 [8] single-family loans in 2022 for a total of almost $1.2 trillion in acquisition UPB. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac acquired 8,016 multifamily properties in 2022 for a total of over $133 billion in acquisition UPB.

Stakeholders can use the dashboard to evaluate the distribution of acquisitions by the Enterprises and FHLBanks in 2022 and hurricane risk as defined by the NRI. Figure 1 shows this distribution. Of all single-family loan acquisitions, 5.22 percent ($60.8 billion in UPB) were in very high-risk-tracts, and 7.22 percent ($84.1 billion in UPB) were in relatively-high-risk tracts. Of all acquisitions in Duty to Serve high-needs rural counties, 4.41 percent ($1.02 billion in UPB) were in very-high-risk-tracts and 9.11 percent ($2.11 billion in UPB) were in relatively-high-risk tracts. The concentration of acquisitions in Duty to Serve high-needs rural counties in very-high-risk counties is slightly lower than in overall single-family acquisitions in 2022 (4.41 percent versus 5.22 percent).

Of all multifamily property acquisitions, 4.78 percent ($6.38 billion) were in very high-risk-tracts, and 8.68 percent ($11.59 billion) were in relatively-high-risk tracts. Of all multifamily acquisitions in Duty to Serve high-needs rural counties, 5.87 percent ($0.06 billion) were in very-high-risk-tracts and 15.23 percent ($0.16 billion) were in relatively-high-risk tracts. The concentration of acquisitions in Duty to Serve high-needs rural counties in very-high-risk counties is higher than in overall multifamily acquisitions in 2022 (5.87 percent versus 4.78 percent) but the dollar-value of acquisitions is relatively low in comparison to the overall books of business.

Figure 1: Distribution of 2022 Acquisitions by the Enterprises and FHLBanks by Hurricane Risk

Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl was the first hurricane to make landfall in the United States in 2024. Hurricane Beryl landed near Matagorda, Texas at 4:00am on July 8 as a Category 1 hurricane. [9] On July 9, a presidential disaster declaration was issued for Texas. All areas in the state are eligible for assistance under FEMA’s hazard mitigation grant program. Figure 2 shows counties eligible for individual or public assistance. There are 17 counties eligible for individual assistance (listed in red): Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Wharton counties.

Figure 2: Texas Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Beryl

Source: https://gis.fema.gov/maps/dec_4798.pdf

Figure 3: Distribution of Hurricane Risk for Acquired UPB in Texas

Figure 4: Distribution of Hurricane Risk for Acquired UPB in Texas in Counties Eligible for Individual Assistance

In the dashboard, users can evaluate the distribution of acquired UPB and hurricane risk in the state of Texas versus the counties with the presidential disaster declaration. In 2022, the Enterprises and the FHLBanks acquired 356,786 single-family loans in Texas for a total of approximately $105.4 billion in acquired UPB. [10] Figure 3 shows the distribution of 2022 acquired single-family UPB in Texas by hurricane risk. By the NRI ratings for hurricanes, 22.47 percent of acquired single-family UPB in the state was in either very-high or relatively-high-risk census tracts.

Figure 4 shows the distribution of risk in the 17 counties eligible for individual assistance. In these counties, 82.13 percent of acquired single-family UPB was in very-high or relatively-high-risk census tracts. Historically these locations near the Gulf Coast have experienced more hurricanes than counties further inland in the state. As a result, these counties tend to have higher exposure to hurricane risk.

By using the “National Risk Index Chart,” users can compare how hurricane risk in Texas in the NRI compares to hurricane risk in the United States overall. The average national hurricane risk in the NRI is 50.0 and the average for Texas is 56.2, suggesting that relative to all other tracts in the country, Texas contains tracts that are on average, just above the median risk.

Disaster Assistance

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have resources to help borrowers impacted by natural disasters. If your mortgage is backed by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and your ability to repay your mortgage has been affected by a disaster, please see more information here about ways to get help.

[1] Learn more and download FEMA’s NRI here .

[2] Learn more about FHFA’s Duty to Serve high-needs rural areas designations and the FHFA Duty to Serve data here .

[3] See NOAA website here

[4] See NOAA article on 2024 Hurricane Season here .

[5] See page 196 of the NRI’s technical documentation here for more details.

[6] See page 206 of the same document in footnote 6.

[7] See page 210 of the same document in footnote 6.

[8] The data in the dashboard represent the complete merged dataset. Some census tracts in the PUDB are not represented in the NRI, thus estimates of acquisitions and UPB will be slight underestimates.

[9] See National Hurricane Center report on Hurricane Beryl’s landing here .

[10] This estimate was calculated using the “Acquisition” tab in the dashboard and selecting Texas from the state drop down menu.

Tagged: FHFA Stats Blog; PUDB; NRI; Climate Risk; Open Data; Source: FHFA

By: Becka Brolinson

Senior Economist

Division of Research and Statistics

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Researchers surveyed 650 women serving sentences for murder and manslaughter in two California prisons.
Nearly three-fourths of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in the year before their offense took place. Of these, two-thirds were in “extreme danger” of being killed by their intimate partner.
Nearly a third said that in the year before their offense, they had been strangled or choked more than once or felt dizzy, confused or blacked out after being choked—injuries that can cause a traumatic brain injury.
The report urges the criminal legal system to take measures to more consistently screen for IPV and to better take into account how traumatic brain injuries as a result of intimate partner violence can affect survivor-defendants’ ability to remember and communicate details relating to their abuse and alleged crimes.

A groundbreaking new study provides extensive documentation of the “IPV-to-Prison Pipeline”—the pathways through which women who are survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) find themselves serving long prison sentences for acts of survival.

The report, Fatal Peril: Unheard Stories from the IPV-to-Prison Pipeline and Other Stories Touched by Violence , is the product of a multi-year study by the Regilla Project , a research initiative of the Stanford Criminal Justice Center that focuses on women incarcerated for homicide offenses growing out of their own abuse.

Groundbreaking SLS Study Documents the Pathways to Prison for Those Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence 2

Fatal Peril gives voice to approximately 650 people serving time for murder and manslaughter in two California prisons, the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino. Through surveys proctored at the prisons in July and November 2023, the researchers sought to better understand how people experiencing IPV are criminalized for actions they took to survive abuse. Stanford students contributed to the proctoring, data analysis, and drafting of the report.

A first-ever approach to IPV research

The study represents the first time the Composite Abuse Scale and Danger Assessment, two validated instruments used to assess intimate partner violence and intimate partner homicide, have been used in the study of a population who is incarcerated. In addition to quantitative results, the report presents qualitative data collected from hundreds of study respondents who shared their experiences of abuse, the circumstances of the offenses, their experiences of the criminal legal system, and their feelings of regret, remorse, and healing.

Stanford Criminal Justice Center (SCJC) - Debbie Mukamal, Executive Director

The women’s self-reported testimonies of surviving abuse are remarkably similar, according to Debbie Mukamal , executive director of the Stanford Criminal Justice Center, who led the study with Dr. Andrea N. Cimino, an expert in gender-based violence research. Cimino serves as research director and Mukamal is co-director of the Regilla Project, along with David Sklansky , Stanley Morrison Professor of Law and the faculty co-director of the Stanford Criminal Justice Center, which released a companion report in 2023 . “The stories of these women reflect a persistent belief that their lives were in danger,” Mukamal said, “often from an accumulation of their intimate partner’s threats and attempts to kill them, their children, or other loved ones.”

“These are a group of forgotten women,” Cimino said. “Their experiences of violence were silenced in the courtroom and they have been neglected in IPV research which focuses on non-incarcerated populations.” She hopes the study amplifies survivor’s voices and creates change in the criminal legal system.

“Our practices of criminal blaming and punishment have long failed to take adequate account of the realities of intimate partner violence, and of the ways in which abused women can be driven to violence by their own victimization," Sklansky said. "This new report, by giving long overdue attention to the accounts of women serving prison sentences for homicide—and the high rate at which these women report extreme levels of IPV in the year prior to their offenses—underscores the pressing need for comprehensive reform in this area. It deserves urgent study from judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, correctional officials, and policymakers.”

Our practices of criminal blaming and punishment have long failed to take adequate account of the realities of intimate partner violence, and of the ways in which abused women can be driven to violence by their own victimization.” David Sklansky Stanley Morrison Professor of Law and faculty co-director of the Stanford Criminal Justice Center

The women’s stories reflect lives lived in constant fear: “I was three days at the hospital because I lost my voice because he strangled me and my neck and throat was purple with bruises. And I couldn’t talk for three days,” reported one respondent. Another said: “He had us scared, both [my children] and me, that if I told anything to the police and they arrested him, he was going to get out and kill us.”

“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) this month, this new study should embolden us to do more to prevent victimization and to help those who find themselves in abusive relationships,” said retired U.S. Representative Jackie Speier, who represented California’s 14th Congressional District until 2023. “The findings—while based in California—have broad national implications for how we treat some of the most vulnerable women in our communities. Our work is far from done.”

Cory Booker, U.S. Senator from New Jersey, agreed: “This is an urgent report, and it is well timed as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act,” he said. “Most incarcerated women are survivors of sexual violence. We must do more as a society to prevent that violence and to help the survivors. Prisons cannot be substitutes for our failures to keep people safe. And for those who enter our prisons and jails, they must be places that do not compound trauma but help people heal from it. I am proud that VAWA Reauthorization includes provisions to address the specific needs of incarcerated women, many of which are highlighted through the study’s stories of women incarcerated for crimes stemming from their histories of abuse. There is a moral imperative to address the issues in this report. To fail to do so harms and implicates us all.”

‘Stark and troubling’ findings

Groundbreaking SLS Study Documents the Pathways to Prison for Those Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence

Nearly three-fourths of respondents reported experiencing IPV in the year before their offense took place, a rate that is 10 times higher than women in the United States , according to the report. Fatal Peril acknowledges that while IPV exists for people of all genders, the researchers focused on women given their disproportionate rates of severe and lethal intimate partner abuse.

The respondents recounted physical, psychological and sexual abuse, including being hit, threatened with weapons, having partners who controlled all or most of their daily activities, and having to perform unwanted sex acts. Nearly a third of all respondents said that in the year before their offense, they had been strangled or choked more than once or felt dizzy, confused or blacked out after being choked—injuries that can cause a traumatic brain injury , according to the report.

Among the 464 respondents who were experiencing IPV, two-thirds of them were in “extreme danger” of being killed by their intimate partner , according to their Danger Assessment scores. It didn’t matter who was killed – stranger, intimate partner, child, family member, acquaintance, or friend – they all were at risk for intimate partner homicide. The data suggests that the risk of being killed due to IPV tragically extends to all of those around the survivor.

About half of respondents believed they were treated unfairly at trial due to gender, racial, and socioeconomic bias , according to the report. “Respondents who experienced IPV were more likely to perceive gender and income bias compared to those who were not abused,” said Cimino. “Harmful courtroom stereotypes like being called masterminds, femme fatales, gang members, and bad mothers triggered beliefs about the survivor-defendants’ culpability.”

“Our findings are stark and troubling, and have implications for the entire criminal legal system, from policing to parole,” Mukamal said. “It is particularly critical that the system considers the potential lethality of abuse suffered by these women and how traumatic brain injury from hits to the head and strangulation may affect survivor-defendants’ testimony and experiences in prison.”

Recommendations and IPV prevention

Kelly Savage-Rodriguez, who advocates for ending life-without-parole sentences through the California Coalition for Women Prisoners, said she “was not surprised by the findings” and was “grateful to see this new data being published.”

“The results affirm my own experiences and those of too many others who have been criminalized for surviving abuse here in California and across the nation,” Savage-Rodriguez said. “These survivors need support, not long prison sentences.”

The report makes recommendations for addressing the impact of IPV on survivor-defendants, including urging the criminal legal system to take measures to more consistently screen for IPV and to better take into account how traumatic brain injuries as a result of intimate partner violence can affect survivor-defendants’ ability to remember and communicate details relating to their abuse and alleged crimes .

The study also calls for enhanced attention to programs and policies that can prevent IPV in the first place , including strengthening access to mental health and substance use treatment to address cumulative trauma for survivors, their children, and their partners. “Cross-sector collaboration between the criminal legal system, the domestic violence response system, and child welfare systems are critical to violence prevention,” said Cimino.

The Regilla Project plans to convene a diverse set of stakeholders this Fall to identify concrete and viable legal and policy solutions to respond to the report’s findings.

Read the Full Report

Learn More About the Regilla Project

For more information

About Stanford Law School

Stanford Law School is one of the nation’s leading institutions for legal scholarship and education. Its alumni are among the most influential decision makers in law, politics, business, and high technology. Faculty members argue before the Supreme Court, testify before Congress, produce outstanding legal scholarship and empirical analysis, and contribute regularly to the nation’s press as legal and policy experts. Stanford Law School has established a model for legal education that provides rigorous interdisciplinary training, hands-on experience, global perspective and focus on public service, spearheading a movement for change.

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What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

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Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

Types of Case Study

Single-Case Study

Multiple-Case Study

Descriptive Case Study

Instrumental Case Study

Case Study Data Collection Methods

Observations

How to conduct Case Study Research

Examples of Case Study

Application of Case Study

Business and Management

Social Sciences

Law and Ethics

Purpose of Case Study

Advantages of Case Study Research

Limitations of Case Study Research

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Muhammad Hassan

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What is a Case Study? Definition, Research Methods, Sampling and Examples

What is a Case Study?

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Key Components of a Case Study

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Case Study Research Methods With Examples

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The Ultimate Guide to Qualitative Research - Part 1: The Basics

Research question

Data collection

What is a case study?

Case studies

Definition of a case study

Characteristics of case studies

The role of case studies in research

What is the purpose of a case study?

Why use case studies in qualitative research?

The explanatory, exploratory, and descriptive roles of case studies

The impact of case studies on knowledge development

Types of case studies

Exploratory case studies

Descriptive case studies

Explanatory case studies

Intrinsic, instrumental, and collective case studies

Critical information systems research

Health research

Asthma research studies

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Propositions

Units of analysis

Argumentation

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Defining the research question

Selecting and defining the case

Developing a detailed case study protocol

Collecting data

Analyzing and interpreting data

Writing the case study report