Case Study Research: Guidance & Activities with ties to PMP PBP CAPM and GPM-b Prep

Executive Summary In an increasingly complex and interdependent world, case study research has emerged as one of the most critical and adaptive tools for navigating the messiness of real-world governance. This guide is designed not only for students and instructors but for project leaders, policy designers, nonprofit directors, and system stewards who need to think deeply, engage meaningfully, and act responsibly across sectors, disciplines, and stakeholder ecosystems. What makes this guide unique is its grounding in systems theory, heterarchical governance, and the recognition that dichotomous thinking (public vs. private, control vs. chaos, rules vs. relationships) has limited our ability to adapt. Here, we move beyond those constraints. Inside you’ll find: A full textbook on the theory and practice of case study research A learning workbook with exercises, simulations, templates, and worksheets Certification-aligned guidance for PMP®, CAPM®, GPM-b™, and PBP credentials Appendices with a glossary, sample cases, and cross-sector tools A narrative style that integrates scholarship, stories, and strategy This guide invites you to treat case study research not as an academic assignment, but as a real method for building sustainable systems, repairing governance, and leading change. 📚 Table of Contents Part I: Reframing Research Through Systems and Governance Rethinking Governance, Research, and the Case Study Lens Systems Thinking and the Case Study Imperative Heterarchy, Competitive Collaboration, and the Case Research Role Part II: The Practice of Case Study Research 4. Types of Case Studies and Design Logic 5. Framing Your Inquiry: Purpose, Boundaries, and Stakeholders 6. From Evidence to Insight: Sources, Ethics, and Meaning 7. Data Analysis in a Multi-Sector World 8. Validity, Complexity, and Credibility Beyond Rigor 9. Writing to Influence: From Data to Story to Impact 10. Future Research: Questions Worth Asking and Partnerships Worth Building Part III: Certification-Aligned Guidance 11. Project Business Professional (PBP): Business-Centric Case Research 12. GPM-b™ and PRiSM: Sustainability-Focused Case Research 13. PMP® and CAPM®: PMI-Aligned Case Research Part IV: Instructor and Student Toolkit 14. Assignments and Teaching Cases 15. Rubrics and Evaluation Criteria 16. Case-Based Learning Activities 17. Student Worksheets and Templates Part V: Conclusion, Glossary, and References 18. Moving Forward: Reflection, Application, and Impact Appendix A: Glossary Appendix B: Sample Case Briefs Appendix C: Activities and Simulations Appendix D: Student Worksheets and Templates Appendix E: References