This course is about writing “science of delivery" case studies that help us understand how practitioners have addressed complex policy or program implementation challenges. It offers an orientation to the research, writing, and ethics of interview-based case study research.
The science of delivery begins with a simple observation. We often have a vision of the right policies or strategies for improving health, safety, and economic well-being. However, the real problem is getting things done. Even a simple policy intervention such as child vaccination requires much more than nurses and a stock of vaccine to be effective.
Case studies are a vital tool for sharing insight about the hows of policy implementation and institutional reform. They trace the steps taken to produce results. They show solutions people have devised to address anticipated challenges and overcome unanticipated obstacles. They help us think about how to adapt approaches so that they work in different contexts.
In this course you will learn about:
- The key elements of a science of delivery case study.
- The qualities readers or audiences value.
- The analytical functions a science of delivery case study best serves.
- How to develop a research strategy.
- How to plan and carry out an interview.
- Strategies for handling common research challenges.
- Ways to plan the writing process.
- Stylistic conventions and standards that improve communication.
- How to manage some common writing challenges.
- Systems for complying with important ethical and legal standards.
In each of the six segments, you will have an opportunity to hear from several writers, researchers, and users in a series of short videos. Exercises will enable you to work with others to practice some of the tips the speakers offer. Reading selections provide models and introduce you to important analytical issues, stylesheets, and other useful information.
We invite you to join us! The course is most suitable for practitioners who want to document and analyze their efforts to implement a program or build a new institution, researchers who want to trace how programs achieved results, and graduate students who want an introduction to one type of case study method.
