Turning Cases Into Data

This article demonstrates a method of implementation path analysis, which can be used as a data collection and analysis technique for conducting and comparing longitudinal case studies of technology introduction. The method is used to structure and supplement, rather than supplant, traditional case studies; it translates the thick description of case studies into quantifiable data. Examples which demonstrate the use of the method are used to show patterns within one case over time; across cases to develop hypotheses and focus; and to create generalizations from a set of cases. The main feature of the method is that it considers the individual decision or event, rather than a total case as the unit of analysis.