Print

Plan and prepare

When you are preparing your plan for conducting the case study think about the following.

  • Nature of the person, project or event: What are the activities, users and members, key features of its success, history and what’s cutting edge?
  • Information needed: Be clear about the information that’s required and who will use the information. Having an audience in mind makes it easier to decide on the project scope and form of the final case study.
  • Information sources: Identify likely types of information you’ll need and who might have access to this.
  • Timeframe: You should look at collecting information at the time of year that the club or facility is most active so you can collect as much information as possible. It will also be easier at this time to locate and engage with the members, users and the local community.

When planning the timeframe THINK about the critical dates that you need to plan around? These will include:

  • when the main playing season or busy period is for the club or facility (it’s harder to contact people in the off-season)
  • when a key event might be occurring (anniversary, centennial, reunion)
  • when a major funding or sponsorship deadline might be
  • the AGM or annual report publication date.

Be patient and plan for it to take time. Volunteer availability will impact on your timetable.