For the purpose of the research project, this case study was defined as an empirical inquiry that investigated a contemporary phenomenon within a real-life context, especially as the boundaries between the phenomenon and context were not clearly evident (Merriam, 1998). As a qualitative case study, attention was given to three specific features: particularistic, descriptive, and heuristic. This case study was particularistic because it focused on a particular program that had a type of longevity which allowed for important representations of the partnership phenomenon. It was also descriptive in that it used prose to describe, elicit images, and analyze the different influences of time on the program. This was done instead of reporting findings in numerical data. As well, the case study was heuristic in that, to some degree, previously unknown relationships and variables emerged which led to a re-thinking of the partnership phenomenon. As a result, there is a different understanding of what happened in the program’s life.
The overall intent of the case study was interpretive. In other words, the descriptive data was used to illustrate and support some of the key theoretical positions in the literature of partnership development and program planning in adult education. The model of analysis was deductive in that certain perspectives were chosen that helped explain partnership development and program planning from very different approaches.