Public Administration Case Study Example

In Luton’s reading, Qualitative Case Study Approaches, he notes that the case study approach is common in public administration. It can either rely on qualitative data or quantitative data. He goes further to indicate that case studies are based on a variety of phenomena (Luton, 2010, p.121). He defines a case study as the practical inquiry that seeks to understand a particular phenomenon through the use of a variety of sources. There are three different types of case studies: collective, instrumental and intrinsic. Luton helps us understand that the difference in the case studies depends on the motive of the author. This is important to the readers as they know what case study to analyze depending on their motives, and whether they are similar to those of the author chosen.

The type of questions explored in case studies are of utmost importance. These research questions are ‘how’ and ‘why’ (Luton, 2010, p.128). He goes further to help the reader understand the importance of considering logistical issues. For instance, it is important to consider if one has adequate resources and time to carry out a research project. Luton helped me in realizing the need to plan ahead while taking into consideration all the logistical aspects of actualizing any research project I undertook. It is necessary to have a clear layout of how to collect and create data. Finally, an analysis of the collected data is made and presented in writing.

The presentation of the case study must be in a manner that creates a good relationship with the audience. As the researcher, one assumes the role of an interpreter, not a reporter. This implies that the findings must be presented in a manner that makes it easy for the audience to understand. However, this does not imply that the researcher should give false information to please the audience. On the contrary, the researcher must try as much as possible to remain truthful during their writing. This is justified through the use of supportive evidence.
The compositional structure of the case study is also important. To guide the researcher, there are two important questions that they ought to ask themselves; what does the reader need to know? When do they need to know it? (Luton, 2010, p.145). This will help in the organization of ideas in a manner that is easy for the reader to understand. The relationship with the participants, for example, in case of any interviews must be respected. These conversations must be presented in a manner that depicts respect for them. Luton concludes by indicating that it is not an easy task to come up with a case study in public administration. However, one must persevere and find a way around it. Eventually, one tends to find fun in doing it as things fall into place, not necessarily step-by-step as outlined in his article.

I used Luton’s sentiments in writing my case study on “ What are the negative effects on bureaucracy in the U.S. Department of Education.” We can analyze the effects and disadvantages of bureaucracy in the Education at the U.S departments. Bureaucracy refers to a group of non-elected individuals in institution and government who implement laws, ideas and functions of their institution. Bureaucratic administration is the system that is characterized by hierarchy of authority, strict rules and documentation of actions performed. Bureaucratic administration has resulted to the inefficiency in the American education. Defining the keywords in the case study was important in order to help the reader understand what the case study was about.
The system has caused poor education and a lot of time consumption thereby producing low quality work. Bureaucratic administration has complicated the regulations and control in the departments. The motivation of the employees is affected by the system created by the education of American departments. The process is time consuming and this has discouraged the employees from seeking comfort at the place of work. This has greatly led to the poor under performance of the employees (Burke, 2011, p.4). Reflecting on the effects of bureaucracy sought to inform the reader on the evidence that I had gathered in regards to the topic. This also increased credibility of my work.

Bureaucratic administration in the American education department has caused the employees to be inefficient and under perform in the specific areas of work. The task and responsibility of the department are distributed over large command chains that are unnecessary and time consuming. This has complicated the education system and poor management of the resources. This has led to the undermining of efficiency, direction and oversight of education in the U.S Education Department (Borowski, 2011, p.3). This has lowered the suitability of education services and needs. The stakeholders of the school include: administration boards, parents, politicians, electorate and unions have made the bureaucratic system to be complicated. I finalized by giving an account of what the overall effects of the bureaucratic leadership in order to help the reader reflect on what the case study had outlined within its body. I used simple language to make sure the reader understood my understanding of the topic and the findings thereof.