Guidelines for Case Writing

Cases are descriptions of representative, real-life, management situations, that may (a) include problems, solutions attempted, results and conclusions (research cases) or (b) conclude with a decision-point or dilemma faced by the organization or some of its members. It is preferred to receive management cases that are primarily based on information directly collected by the writer from the organization. Please note that the case writer must have obtained all necessary clearances from the organization before the case is submitted. A statement to this effect must be made by the case writer in the covering letter accompanying the submission. Cases based solely on secondary data that is publicly available are also acceptable. A statement to the effect that the case is based on the cited secondary sources must appear in a footnote on the first page of the case. Particular attention must be paid to adequate and appropriate citing of sources and to following the norms of correct academic writing. The review of secondary data-based cases will pay particular attention to the citation procedures followed by the writer. A case submitted must be well-researched and documented and must present a faithful view of the organization's problems/actions/decisions. The quality of cases will be evaluated on the basis of the following:· Identification of significant problems/situations/issues/processes · Adequacy and quality of information and data· Realism and effectiveness (narrative cases without any analytical content are not encouraged)· Completeness, complexity, and focus· Illustration of ideas, concepts, processes, etc.· Citation of secondary sources· Organization, readability, and style of presentationA Management Case submitted must be accompanied by a Teaching Note. Though there is no consensus on what constitutes an 'ideal' length for a case, effective cases are usually concise and easy to read. The length of the case is 'just right' and to keep in mind an upper limit of 3,000 words of text, excluding any exhibits or appendices. The same guidelines may be used for the Teaching Note.