Crafting a teaching case study: ideation to publication

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Berte ◽  
Vijaya Narapareddy ◽  
Marlene M. Reed ◽  
J. Kay Keels
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Writing Processes ◽  
Initial Idea ◽  
Case Writing ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Instructor's Manual ◽  
Study Application

Synopsis “I think I would like to write a case. What do I do now?” The purpose of this paper is to answer this often-asked question by presenting a useful guide for case writers which examines the entire process of case writing beginning with the initial idea and proceeding through required stages leading to the publication of case studies. Further, this guide seeks to emphasize that case writing is a form of research, not just story telling. Ultimately, the increasing interest of scholars in researching, writing, and publishing pedagogical cases provided the impetus for this paper. The four major case writing processes identified in this paper include ideation (idea generation), creation (crafting the case study), application (creating the Instructor’s Manual), and publication (publishing the case). Each of these four processes is presented in detail including examples, pitfalls, and resources. This work is intended to assist novice, as well as experienced, case authors who seek advice on crafting and publishing pedagogical cases in refereed journals. Resources presented in this paper should be helpful especially for aspiring and as yet unpublished case writers. Research methodology The paper is based partially on archival research, but most of the content is based on the substantial experience of the authors. Relevant courses and levels The paper is relevant for upper-level undergraduates as well as graduate students interested in pedagogically based research.

Pricing and scholarship optimization at waypoint adventure

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-495
Author(s):  
Benjamin Marcus
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Participant Engagement ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Instructor's Manual ◽  
Revenue And Pricing Management

Theoretical basis This case can be used to develop students’ understanding of optimization and the development of a linear programing (LP) model and solution. The instructor’s manual provides one possible solution based on the LP tools available in excel. Research methodology This case is based on real events at waypoint adventure and is derived from the authors’ experience consulting with this organization as they sought to improve pricing and scholarship management. Case overview/synopsis A young non-profit organization serving the disabled community in Boston sought growth but lacked clarity and consistency in their program pricing and scholarship structures. The case analysis centers on revising program prices to achieve specific cost and revenue requirements and determining a scholarship policy that will maximize participation in their outdoor adventure programing for the upcoming year. This case allows the exploration of optimization with an atypical objective, as the organization seeks to maximize participant engagement rather than profit. Complexity academic level The target audience includes upper-level undergraduate and MBA or early graduate-level students studying the optimization techniques of operations management, revenue and pricing management or marketing. The case would also be useful for discussing the challenges faced by non-profits and the non-traditional objectives that can arise for these organizations.

Stimulating idea generation for new product applications

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 454-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Fiorineschi ◽  
Francesco Saverio Frillici ◽  
Giovanni Gregori ◽  
Federico Rotini
Keyword(s):  
Product Information ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
New Product ◽  
Step Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patent Classification ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
International Patent ◽  
New Applications

Purpose This paper aims to provide suggestions for the identification of potential new applications for the existing products and/or technologies. Design/methodology/approach A nine-step method has been developed for extracting information about a product or technology, processing the international patent database (IPD) and extracting useful hints for potential new applications. An academic case study has been used to perform the first application of the proposal. Findings A novel approach for processing IPD aimed at supporting the identification of new opportunities for exploiting existing products/technologies. The case study application shows that the proposal allows to extract potentially useful and non-obvious suggestions for new product applications. Research limitations/implications Although some limits inevitably affect this preliminary version of the proposal, important hints for future developments have been inferred for a more comprehensive exploitation of both the firm internal knowledge and the suggestions provided by the international patent database. Practical implications The achieved results can support firms in expanding market opportunities for their products or technologies. Originality/value The proposed approach offers a new structured path for stimulating idea generation for new product applications, by exploiting product information and the cooperative patent classification.

Management controls, heterarchy and innovation: a case study of a start-up company

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1636-1661 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Taylor ◽  
Robyn King ◽  
David Smith
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Management Controls ◽  
Competing Priorities ◽  
Functional Areas

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider how organizations with diverse, interdependent functions with differing evaluative principles and differing ideas as to which behaviors are the most desirable, use management controls in their efforts to achieve innovation. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a case study of TechCo, an Australian technology start-up company, over a 12 month period. Findings The authors demonstrate how the clash of differing evaluative principles among interdependent teams led to the organization seeking new ways of organizing, which in turn, enabled the organization to better manage the interdependencies between the diverse functional areas. Additionally, the findings show how, through the use of management control systems, the organization was able to promote idea generation and “buy-in” across all functional areas, order competing priorities for innovation and set the agenda as to what constituted “acceptable” innovation for the organization to pursue. Originality/value The authors find that management controls play an important role in managing the tensions between differing evaluative principles in diverse functional areas in a heterarchical organization, and in supporting innovation in such an environment. As such, the authors provide the first research evidence on how management controls are used within a heterarchy to generate and select innovative ideas.

The speedways’ method: drive fast, catch the wind, get there early and move ahead!

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Girgis Dimitri ◽  
Virginia Bodolica ◽  
Martin Spraggon
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Venture Creation ◽  
Graduate Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Upper Level

Learning outcomes Upon completion of this case study analysis in class, students should be able to distinguish the different steps and actions involved in the entrepreneurial venture creation; evaluate the extent to which an entrepreneurial idea represents a commercial success or practical failure; apply relevant strategy frameworks to estimate the complexities associated with the management of a small startup; and debate about the pros and cons of different strategic options and offer viable advice for decision-making. Case overview/synopsis This case follows the entrepreneurial beginnings of a college student, Mohsen Shahin, whose early initiation into the world of business commenced from a serendipitous win of a small fortune in a raffle in London, UK. The case study illustrates the protagonist’s dilemma of whether to spend the winning on everyday pleasures of his life as a teenager or to venture in an entrepreneurial undertaking. Following his father’s advice, Mohsen ultimately decides to exchange his prize for money and use it for launching Speedways, a luxurious car servicing garage in London’s downtown. The case further elaborates on some initial struggles he faced as a young entrepreneur and continues with his decision to pursue higher education in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which forced him to handle his managerial responsibilities from a country thousands of miles away from his garage. Eventually, Mohsen makes the hard decision to sell Speedways and realize his grown ambition of exploiting his prior business experience to embark on new adventures in his life. The case culminates with Mohsen having to choose between either opening his own company in the premium car care industry in Dubai or pursuing his post-graduate studies at a prestigious university in the USA – a critical decision he has to make promptly, as he is short on time. Complexity academic level Upper-level undergraduate courses. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS: 11 Strategy.

Do hospital balanced scorecard measures reflect cause-effect relationships?

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Porporato ◽  
Peter Tsasis ◽  
Luz Maria Marin Vinuesa
Keyword(s):  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Effect Relationship ◽  
Composite Indices ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Quantitative Case Study ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether first level measures in the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) declaring a cause-effect relationship by design are composite indices of lower measures, and if they converge into a single factor as is traditionally accepted in the BSC literature. Design/methodology/approach This study reports results of a quantitative case study that focusses on an Ontario (Canada) community hospital that has been using the BSC. Findings The results of this study challenge the cause-effect assumption of the BSC, particularly in a cascading context, and suggest that a lack of attention of how composite indices of lower measures converge into a single higher level measure may be the reason for ineffective use of the BSC. Research limitations/implications The BSC is a dynamic tool; as such there are several measures that have a very short history, thus limiting the observations available to be used in statistical models. Practical implications A key recommendation for practice that emerges from this study is the need to test if lower level metrics do merge naturally in the upper level measure of the BSC; if not, the upper level measure might not be linked to other measures rendering the BSC ineffective in the context of causality. Originality/value Although several studies have argued in favour of the cause-effect relationship of the BSC, none of those found in the literature have paid attention to the way in which first level measures are constructed. This may explain why certain measures are linked, while others are not, to those that are calculated as composite indices of several lower level indicators.

scholarly journals Customer cocreation experience in online communities: antecedents and outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeynep Didem Nohutlu ◽  
Basil G. Englis ◽  
Aard J. Groen ◽  
Efthymios Constantinides
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Market Research Company ◽  
Collaborative Innovation

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to obtain an in-depth insight into the nature and impact of customers´ cocreation experiences in online communities and the effects of customer cocreation on innovation processes.Design/methodology/approachThis study is focused on an online cocreation community created by a market research company on behalf of a company. By means of a case study approach and through in-depth interviews, the authors identify the actual customer experiences and measure (or assess) the degree of involvement of customer creativity and experience in new idea generation.FindingsCocreation experience can be enhanced through evoking pragmatic, sociability, usability and hedonic experiences and more positive experiences and therefore, outcomes of collaborative innovation in online communities can be achieved. Findings show a classification of each role the community moderator/community manager and peer online community members perform as antecedents of cocreation experience, highlight the value of group feeling/sense of community/sense of belonging and homophily/communality in achieving that, the nature of a supportive online platform and give an overview of positive and negative outcomes of cocreation experience.Originality/valueThis case study provides with valuable insights in the phenomenon of customer cocreation and how to enhance participation of community members in collaborative innovation in online communities through positive experience, which is important for businesses involved in innovation trajectories and product and service improvement efforts.

scholarly journals Digital information product development: lessons from a small-sized German enterprise

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Keller ◽  
Afonso Lima
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Product Launch ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
German Enterprise

PurposeThis case study examines the new product development (NPD) process of digital information products (DIPs) and its critical success factors (CSFs) in a small-sized German enterprise.Design/methodology/approachA case study was conducted with a small firm focused on the development of DIPs; data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, direct observation and document analysis.FindingsThe firm uses an informal and cross-functional NPD process (idea generation, idea validation, product creation and product launch) in converting an idea into a sellable product. Peculiar aspects of each stage within the process as well as ten CSFs to NPD projects were verified.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations are attributed to its qualitative nature, which does not allow generalizations, though careful attention was given to validity and reliability issues through the use of data source triangulation.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a conceptual process that may benefit further initiatives for developing and launching DIPs, as well as a comprehensive list of CSFs for such projects.Originality/valueThis paper is the first one to schematize the NPD process and practices for DIPs, as well as key capabilities. It contributes to the NPD literature in discussing dynamic aspects that are typical to the firm analyzed and to others operating in a digital context. At the same time, it reinforces other traditional aspects that have become overlooked in digital business debates.

Idea-generation communities: when should host firms intervene?

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 80-88
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Ponnamma Divakaran
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Additional Input ◽  
Search Tool ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Specific Stage ◽  
Community Issues

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore when, why and to what extent firms should intervene in firm-hosted idea-generation communities, and to develop a framework for firm-intervention. Design/methodology/approach A single case-study is conducted in a highly successful firm-hosted idea-generation community called Dell IdeaStorm, whereby the netnographic approach is applied. Findings The findings indicate that, overall, firm-participation is minimal and passive, and varies according to the three stages of the idea lifecycle in the community, such as ideation stage – here firm-participation is limited to acknowledgement of new ideas, checking for redundancy, managing search tool and profanity filtering; discussion and development stage – here firm-participation is more active by providing feedback and clarification when needed, troubleshooting, asking for additional input on an idea, etc.; and completion stage – here a firm intervenes to screen and select the most promising ideas for implementation and also provides status updates on ideas. Originality/value This study contributes by developing a new framework for firm-participation, which is useful for the early diagnosis of community issues in idea generation. The framework is also a tactical tool which can be used to guide community managers in selecting the correct moderation approach, depending on the specific stage in the idea lifecycle.

Writing the Case Study

2019 ◽  
pp. 109-132
Author(s):  
Susan D. Peters
Keyword(s):  
Associate Editor ◽  
Research Association ◽  
Case Research ◽  
The North ◽  
Business Cases ◽  
Case Writing ◽  
American Case ◽  
Instructor's Manual ◽  
Conference Papers

The chapter covers the rudiments of writing a case study and the teaching notes or instructor's manual. While the chapter focuses on business cases for publication in top-tiered journals, examples of how these standards may be relaxed for lower-tiered journals, conference papers, and other peer-evaluated research outlets is also given. The author is currently associate editor of one case journal and editor of another and has taught case writing around the globe. While rooted in the methods of the North American Case Research Association this article incorporates ideas from the Harvard, Ivey, and other case study publishers.

Social media and new services: how a consulting firm leveraged LinkedIn

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Benedic
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Media Network

Purpose This paper aims to explore how social media can be used strategically for delivering new services in a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) context. Design/methodology/approach Single case study: CONSULT+ (pseudonym), a consulting firm specialized in change management. Consultants use a social media network to develop their new services. Findings To take on the challenges of heightened competition, CONSULT+ has created thematic business units to encourage new service development. This research explored strategies, practices and benefits associated of using social media network by intrapreneurs at all levels of new service idea trajectory (idea generation, elaboration, championing and implementation). Research limitations/implications The research is based on a single case study. Further research should be conducted to establish the generalization of the results. Practical implications This paper highlights the key success factors in making such an approach successful: raising awareness of the benefits of using social media; analysing of complementarities of tools; accompanying the development of advanced practices; capturing the valuable potential for the organization and avoiding negative effects of individual practices. Originality/value The research provides a unique approach that can be practically implemented within knowledge-intensive SMEs to leverage social media network to deliver new services (best practices and insights for managerial support schemes).

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