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The advantages of the case study research are closely related to its characteristics. There is no other design that can so comprehensively study the whole experience of an individual, phenomenon, organization, etc. There is no other way in which one could collect more comprehensive data about the case, and examine it in its entirety. Another advantage is the in-depth analysis of the case, which is possible due to the comprehensive materials, as well as due to the possibility of discovering the essence, which consists of a series of relationshps established within the whole case.
The design is also important for the examination of the case dynamics, and its development, which reflects the nature of social phenomena, and its history of changes. A case study is extremely easy to combine with other designs, because the wholeness of the procedure itself, as well as diverse facts collected, imply the use of other research methods (Pečujlić & Milić, 1995, p. 132).
A case study also has certain disadvantages. As there are no criteria for defining a case, and the criteria is defined for each specific case, the subjectivity of the design is a disadvantage, i.e. it is up to the researcher to decide what will be explored as a case. Moreover, this method is considered unreliable to a certain extent because it is impossible to generate a unique image based on a single case. Also, the fact that it is time-consuming is a disadvantage. Sometimes it takes several years, and at the end the case is not the same as it was at the beginning, when the research started. Subject dropout may occur during the study due to various reasons. Multi-year research requires huge investments that are necessary at all stages, which may be the reason why researchers avoid using this design (Pečujlić & Milić, 1995, p. 133).
