BUSINESS CASE STUDY RESOURCES

Writing Business Cases

Review our resources to help you write a publishable business case study. Our overview of effective case study development includes useful infographics, videos, and articles.

Teaching Business Cases

Get started with teaching business case studies. We’ve included articles to help educators learn how to successfully structure classes and foster student engagement.

Learning with Business Cases

Access books, articles, and videos designed to help students learn how to analyze a business case study and answer its related assignment questions.

 

WHAT IS A BUSINESS CASE STUDY?


A business case describes a real situation where an individual or group within an organization faces a dilemma—a challenge, opportunity, problem, or issue that requires action—and must make a decision. Cases allow participants to step into the role of a decision-maker. They include all relevant data available to the protagonist, along with background on the organization.


The decision that has to be made in relation to the case dilemma is referred to as the decision point. It should be clearly introduced in the opening of the case to provide analytical context and help frame class discussion.

 

TYPES OF CASES

FIELD


Field cases are based on interviews and internal company data. All field case submissions must include a signed Release Form.

PUBLISHED SOURCES


These cases are based on published information. Any thoughts, words, or actions attributed to people or organizations must be properly cited in accordance with our Citation Guidelines.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE


These cases are drawn from the author’s direct experience with an organization. They must be disguised to protect confidentiality.

MORE LEARNING MATERIALS


  TEACHING NOTES


Supplemental material that accompanies a case and supports instructors in teaching it effectively. All case submissions require a teaching note. See our Teaching Note Layout for details on what to include and an overview of the required format.


SPREADSHEETS


Excel files for student use or instructor-only solutions that support learning objectives.


  PRESENTATIONS


PowerPoint decks designed for instructors to support in-class teaching.


NOTES


Background material that provides additional context to support teaching and learning. Notes help students better understand core concepts, tools, or frameworks that may be applied in the case discussion.


  EXERCISES


Structured learning activities that develop skills and apply concepts through specific tasks with clear solutions.


   ROLE-PLAYS


Interactive classroom tools that allow students to simulate real-world business scenarios by taking on assigned roles.


  ARTICLES


Reprints of published thought leadership pieces from established business sources, including Ivey Business Journal, Harvard Business Review, and MIT Sloan Management Review. Articles offer additional insights that complement cases and support classroom discussion.


  MULTIMEDIA


Audio, video, and interactive digital content that enhance case learning by bringing real business challenges to life. Multimedia materials support diverse learning styles and increase student engagement.