A "paradigm" is a model, a way of thinking. An example is a particular application of a principle you are trying to explain. A case is a particular set of circumstances you are discussing.
Paradigm is used in business a lot (probably too much) to talk about how businesses operate and how they can improve. A company may want to change how its departments are organized and may begin with the accounting department. In this case, the accounting department is used as an example of the new paradigm.
