Primary purpose:

To ensure that a case study effectively conveys a specific situation, key issues, and underlying patterns to guide readers, it should allow them to understand the context, challenges, and potential solutions, while bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Approach to Writing a Case Study:

The author of the case study may notice that writing a case study involves five phases. These phases may help authors smoothly land at the completion of their chosen case study.

First Phase: Preparation

This phase involves selecting one or more areas, clarifying the purpose of the case study, choosing an organization or a company, reviewing relevant literature, and gathering background information. At this phase, the author may conduct the following:

1. Select an area aligned to the author's teaching area (preferably) and relevant to business stakeholders in Cambodia.
2. Clarify the purpose of writing the case study (identifying key issues, explaining a situation, raising the dilemma/problem, and problem solution, etc.).
3. Choose an organization or company relevant to your objectives.
4. Ensure sufficient availability of data and willingness of organization management to participate in discussions (for use of primary data).
5. Review relevant literature, including similar case studies in other contexts.
6. Collect preliminary details such as industry context, background of the company, stakeholders, operational areas, etc.
7. Frame key questions that need to be addressed in the case.

Second Phase: Company Visit and Data Collection

This phase involves planning for the collection of primary and secondary data. At this phase, the author may conduct the following:

1. Decide on the data collection method, such as interviews, surveys or observations
2. Decide on the sources of secondary data, such as annual reports, company documents, media coverage, etc.
3. Communicate with the organization or company and set a primary data collection schedule.
4. Conduct data collection using structured or semi-structured tools, and ensure ethical considerations, such as consent, maintaining confidentiality of data, etc.
5. Organize data (for qualitative data, transcribe, code, and categorize information).

Third Phase: Data Analysis

This phase involves identifying key issues, patterns, or problems, connecting theory to practice, and developing insights for case writing. At this phase, the author may conduct the following:

1. Identify key characteristics, features, issues, problems, patterns, and relationships based on the type of case (problem-oriented; descriptive; exploratory).
2. Use a framework (e.g., SWOT, BCG matrix, Porter’s Five Forces, etc.), depending on the case field.
3. Connect findings with the related theory, models, or framework.
4. Highlight how the case confirms or contradicts existing knowledge.
5. Look for patterns or causal relationships between key variables.

Fourth Phase: Writing the Case Study

This phase involves writing the case study from the background of the organization or company to its conclusion, reflecting on broader applications. At this phase, the author may conduct the following:

1. Introduce the company/organization (background, key historical events, mission, and any relevant current information).
2. Include context, stakeholders, decisions/events with factual and chronological narrative, including data.
3. Explain the key characteristics, features, and circumstances (for descriptive cases), define key issues, patterns, and relationships (for exploratory cases), and raise a problem/dilemma (for problem-oriented cases).
4. Present findings and relate them to theory.
5. Suggest possible strategies or actions that should have been taken by the Company (for problem-oriented cases), and their feasibility and implications.
6. Summarize key lessons, and reflect on broader applications.  

Fifth Phase: Review and Refinement

This phase involves reviewing and refining the writing of the case study. This requires the author to carefully verify the issues raised in the case and their solutions (for problem-oriented case studies). Additionally, this also requires validating data accuracy and formatting the case as needed for submission for peer review. At this phase, the author may conduct the following:

1. Check the key characteristics, features, and circumstances (for descriptive cases), key issues, patterns, and relationships (for exploratory cases), and problem/dilemma (for problem-oriented cases), and ensure logical flow and coherence.
2. Validate accuracy through cross-checks of data.
3. Conduct editing by ensuring clear language and a professional tone.
4. Add relevant company structure, figures, tables, etc.
5. Follow referencing/citation style (e.g., APA 7th edition for CamEd publication).
6. Submit to CBR for anonymous peer review (two reviewers).
7. Incorporate feedback and make the final submission.
8. Publish the case studies in CamEd Faculty Publications, or other potential platforms.

Teaching Case Study Template

This template is designed to provide a structured framework for creating detailed case studies. It is flexible and can be adapted to various academic disciplines.

1. Title Page

• Case Study Title: [A creative and descriptive title that captures the core of the case, e.g., "The Paradox of Growth: A Small Business's Dilemma" or "Ethical Crossroads at Tech Innovators Inc."]

2. Case Summary & Context (for students)

• Case Summary (approx. 150-200 words): [Provide a brief overview of the case, including the setting (company, industry, location), the main protagonist(s), the central issue or dilemma (for problem-oriented cases)/ characteristics, features, and circumstances surrounding the case (for descriptive case studies)/ key issues, patterns, and relationships (for exploratory cases), and the key questions students will need to address. This section should "hook" the reader and clearly set the stage without giving away the solution.]
• Case Protagonist(s):

• Name: [Name of the main decision-maker or character(s)]
• Role/Title: [Their position in the organization]
• Background: [Briefly describe their relevant experience, motivations, and perspective. This helps students relate to their situation.]

• Organizational Background:

• Company Name: [Name of the organization]
• Industry: [What industry are they in?]
• Company History & Context: [Provide key historical events, the company's mission, culture, and any relevant background information that leads up to the case's central problem.]

• Current Situation: [Describe the company's current state—financials, market position, key challenges, and opportunities—at the time the case "freezes."]
• The Central Dilemma/Problem (for problem-oriented case studies): [This is the core of the case. Clearly and concisely state the main problem or decision the protagonist must make. Frame it as a critical choice with significant implications.]
• Characteristics, features, and circumstances (for descriptive case studies): [This is the core of the case. Clearly and concisely explain the situation, event, or phenomenon surrounding the case.]
• Key issues, patterns, and relationships (for exploratory case studies): [This is the core of the case. Clearly and concisely state the key issues, patterns, and relationships within the area of the case study.]

3. Supporting Information (The Narrative)

• This section is where the story unfolds. It should be written in a narrative format, in the past tense. Use headings to organize the flow of information.

• The Origin of the Problem (for problem-oriented case studies): How did the dilemma arise?
• Describe the characteristics surrounding the case (for descriptive case studies)
• Identify key issues and patterns within the area of the case study (for exploratory case studies)
• Key Players & Perspectives: Introduce other relevant individuals (managers, employees, clients) and their differing viewpoints.
• Data & Details: Include specific data, such as financial reports, marketing research, internal memos, or news articles. These can be presented in the main body or as appendices/exhibits.
• Timeline of Events: A chronological account of the events leading to the decision point.

4. Exhibits/Appendices

• Include all supplementary materials that students will need to analyze the case. These should be clearly labeled (e.g., Exhibit 1: "Company X Financial Statements," Exhibit 2: "Customer Satisfaction Survey Results").
• Common exhibits include:

• Financial statements (balance sheets, income statements)
• Organizational charts
• Product information or marketing materials
• Graphs and charts
• Relevant articles or press releases
• Transcripts of interviews or meetings

5. Discussion Questions

• Pose a series of focused, open-ended questions that guide students' analysis. These questions should be designed to meet the case's learning objectives and encourage critical thinking.
• Start with questions that require students to define and analyze the problem, then move to questions that ask for a clear understanding, solutions, and recommendations.

6. Teaching Note (for Faculty Use Only)

• Learning Objectives: [State 2-3 clear learning objectives. What concepts or skills should students master by analyzing this case? E.g., "To understand the challenges of managing change in a family-owned business," or "To apply financial analysis tools to evaluate an investment opportunity."]
• Serving Teaching Objectives: [Provide a brief explanation of how this particular case, through analyzing complex scenarios and using theoretical knowledge, helps in a deeper understanding of concepts and bridges the gap between theory and practice.]
• Target Audience: [Which course or level is this case suitable for? e.g., "Undergraduate Marketing Management," "MBA Strategy Class," or "Executive Education Program."]
• Teaching Plan & Class Discussion Outline: [Provide a suggested timeline and flow for a 60-90 minute class discussion. Include potential "cold call" questions and how to transition between topics.]
• Analysis & Key Issues: [A detailed analysis of the case, identifying all the key issues, theories, and models that apply.]
• Suggested Answers to Discussion Questions: [Provide detailed, well-reasoned answers to the discussion questions. This is the most critical part of the teaching note. Include possible "incorrect" or alternative answers and explain why they are less effective.]
• What Actually Happened: [If the case is based on a real company, disclose the outcome of the situation. This can be used to conclude the discussion.]

Publishing a Teaching Case Study: [For faculty who wish to publish this case, here are some potential platforms to consider.]

• Case Clearinghouses: These are the major global distributors of teaching cases (e.g., Harvard Business Publishing, The Case Centre, Ivey Publishing). They have a rigorous review process focused on pedagogical value.
• Specialized Academic Journals: These are peer-reviewed journals specifically dedicated to publishing teaching cases, often within a particular discipline (e.g., Case Research Journal, Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies).

References: [List all sources cited in the case study and teaching note using a standard citation style. To publish in the CamEd Faculty Publications, use APA 7th edition. To publish in other potential platforms, the author may need to follow the standard citation style required by the publisher. This is required for publication to give proper credit and provide a theoretical foundation for instructors.]

Revision History