Skip to main content

PrincetonX: Writing Case Studies: Science of Delivery

Learn how to write “science of delivery" case studies, which help us understand how practitioners implement complex policies or programs.
Writing Case Studies: Science of Delivery
6 weeks
3–5 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
This course is archived

About this course

Skip About this course

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.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills:Writing, Social Sciences, Research

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • Key elements of a science of delivery case study
  • 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

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Train your employees in the most in-demand topics, with edX For Business.