Writing Case Studies- Some Tricks

I often get asked in faculty development programs or elsewhere, about how one can write a case study. Sometimes, even why one should use one at all in teaching management. The usual excuse is that students elsewhere are not very high IQ like in the IIMs, and therefore will not read/understand them. Or that the university system does not allow them to be used etc. My take is that internal exam and everyday teaching is under your control (the teacher's) and you should use whatever method is effective. Students will also generally find cases more effective and fun than lectures. You can supplement that with tips on tackling university exams if you like.

The other question, how to write one and why to write one, is best answered by someone who has done this. My own experience at IIML, IIMK, Kirloskar Institute and elsewhere shows that you can write effective cases in India in two ways. One, use public domain or secondary data. You can fictionalise it if you want- give a new name to the company.

Second, go to small companies or start-ups who are more willing to share information rather than large companies who are generally reluctant to do so. Some will, most won't. Go through a contact if possible-makes life easier.

Lastly, student projects can be turned into cases if you make the effort. I have several to prove the point, done at IIMK and Kirloskar Institute. The pleasure of using your own case study in class, makes the effort worthwhile, even if you don't publish it.