How To Write a Business Case Study

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Ivey Publishing is a leader in producing business case studies with a global perspective and the largest producer of Asian business case studies in the world. With more than 50 years of case publishing experience, Ivey has a long history as a case writing institution. Below you will find helpful, general information on business case studies and their usefulness to students, as well as information for companies who want to participate in the case writing process.

What is a business case study?

A business case study "is a description of an actual situation, commonly involving a decision, a challenge, an opportunity, a problem or an issue faced by a person (or persons) in an organization."1 Cases contain relevant data about an issue facing the key decision-maker in the case, as well as background information about the organization. Cases may vary in length; the current market prefers eight or fewer pages of text and 15 or fewer pages in total length, including images and/or exhibits.

Why are case studies used?

A case “allows (the student) to step figuratively into the position of a particular decision maker."1 Cases allow students to put themselves in the place of actual leaders and decision-makers. Students are able to analyze situations, develop alternatives, choose plans of action and implementation, and communicate and defend their findings in small groups and in class. Cases are used to test the understanding of theory, to connect theory with application, and to develop theoretical insight. Cases are one of the best ways to enable students to learn by doing.

Business Case Study Format

A typical case study begins with a paragraph describing the problem facing a manager, leader, or executive. The case often gives background information on the industry, the organization, and the stakeholders involved.

The case then typically returns to the dilemma faced by the protagonist. At this point, it is helpful to include comments from company executives. Their perspective, management style, and deliberations bring realism to the case.

The case concludes with a recap of the problem addressed at the outset of the case. Depending on the focus of the case, it may include financial statements, organization charts, process flow charts, and other related information.

What makes a good case study?

The most effective case studies convey the ambiguity present in business situations. The perspective of key decision-makers in the company brings realism, intrigue, and tension to the case. There are usually at least two presumably viable alternative solutions to the case, which forces students to recommend a course of action with imperfect or incomplete information.

Who writes the case studies?

Cases are written by an experienced faculty member who is trained in case writing. A case writer often assists the faculty member by compiling the basic case information, locating needed background information, and writing the case in draft form.

What is the timeline for writing a case?

Every situation is different. A typical case will take two months to write and revise. The case is then professionally edited, reviewed by the subject organization, converted into a secure PDF, and submitted for registration. This process generally takes another month. Usually the case is then tested in the classroom. Based on the class experience, the case may be fine-tuned to address areas where more clarity or information is needed.

What is a teaching note?

A case study author must prepare a case study teaching note to assist other academics teaching the case. The teaching note is a roadmap for instructors to follow – it is the sheet music to conduct the classroom orchestra. The teaching note sets out the important issues in the author's mind, outlines a suggested allocation of class time to these issues, and sometimes describes the decisions that were actually made. While the teaching note is prepared early, often as the case is written, it frequently is revised after the case has been formally taught to add information and details that will be helpful to an instructor. The teaching note may suggest how to teach the case to several different learning levels.

Who owns the case study?

The Ivey case collection is owned by the Ivey Business School Foundation, a federally incorporated not-for-profit corporation. Proceeds from the sale of cases are used to fund case writing and faculty research, as well as to hire faculty.

What incentive is there for an organization or company to participate?

High quality cases cannot usually be written from public sources alone. Generally, effective and compelling case studies require the consent and cooperation of the organization and the individual manager about whom the case is written. It is reasonable to ask why this consent should be forthcoming.

A case is a contribution to the process of continuing improvement in business education. An organization’s willingness to share its successes, failures, and challenges is essential in creating a meaningful learning environment.

Organizational benefits resulting from case study participation

The featured organization may raise its reputation and brand awareness among students (including prospective employees and potential customers).
The organization could use the case in internal training programs.
Intangible benefits often come from working with faculty – their questions, comments, and the company's answers and explanations may reveal a new strategy to follow or lessons to learn from the situation. However, it is important to note that case writing is not the same as consulting, and guarantees of tangible benefits cannot be given, other than the gratitude of the School, its faculty, and business students around the world.

What is "consent to use"?

To ensure that the case writer and faculty member have accurately described the business situation, the company is asked to sign a "consent to use" (release) form. This form contains language that allows Ivey to correct or modify the case without the organization’s consent for minor errors, or to add modest amounts of information to correct misunderstandings discovered when the case is taught. The form gives the organization the option to review more substantial changes or allow the case study author to make other changes without seeking further approval.

What resources does an organization have to commit to the case study writing process?

While the faculty member or case writer needs background information, the real strength of a case comes from the perspective of the key decision-makers in the company. The normal first interview lasts between one and two hours and is intended to help define the potential issue upon which the case will be written. If a tentative agreement is reached to proceed with the case, the case study author will then need access to relevant data such as background information, and reports. A second, shorter interview is then scheduled to help fill in remaining details. With this material in hand, the case writer will finish drafting the case. It will then be sent to the organization for verification, correction of any errors, and eventual release.

Will business competitors benefit from information in the case?

Case writers strive to present real-life examples and to use accurate data wherever possible. Often by the time a case is publicly available, the information presented is widely known. If not, the case writer may use disguised information. All cases contain the phrase "The authors may have disguised certain names and other identifying information to protect confidentiality."

Throughout the case writing process, case writers maintain strict confidentiality with all information provided by the organization. If preferred, anonymity of the organization, individuals, and data can be assured. The draft case will be submitted to the organization to verify the accuracy of the case content. When satisfied, a designated person in the organization signs a "consent to use" (release) form permitting the use and distribution of the case.

Can I or my company make copies of the case?

Once a case is written, the case study author will provide the company with a copy of the case. Thereafter, permission to reproduce will be granted by Ivey Publishing; a modest fee will apply for additional case copies. Contact Ivey Publishing for further details.

Can my company financially sponsor the writing of a case study?

Many companies believe in fostering business education by financially supporting case writing. Ivey welcomes this support and, with a minimum donation level, is pleased to recognize a company's contribution to the case. Contact Ivey Publishing for further details.