PrincetonX: Writing Case Studies: Science of Delivery

This course introduces you to the main elements of a good “science of delivery_”_ case study and teaches you how to plan your research, conduct interviews, and organize your writing.

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, but 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 how of policy implementation and institutional reform. They trace the steps taken to produce results, show solutions people have devised to address anticipated challenges and overcome unanticipated obstacles. Case studies help us think about how to adapt approaches so that they work in different contexts.

This social science 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
• Graduate students who want an introduction to one type of case study method

No certificates, statements of accomplishment, or other credentials will be awarded in connection with this course.