Submission Requirements

2023 DEI Global Case Writing Competition

Topic

The topic of the case study must be diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as a business-related dilemma that must be solved by a protagonist grappling with decisions within any type of business discipline. The dilemma can also be cross-disciplinary, affecting different disciplines such as accounting, marketing, supply chain operations, strategic management, information technology, economics, entrepreneurship, sustainability and leadership, to name a few. We are looking for new, relevant business case studies that are rigorous in their composition and research, as well as feature tension between the protagonist and other stakeholders with regard to DEI-related decisions and dilemmas. The geographical setting for the case can be domestic or international.

Cases might feature diverse protagonists who have more nontraditional, yet inclusive, management styles and highlight challenges of underrepresented groups and/or present diverse styles of leadership. Featured organizations might be minority-owned businesses with challenges related to DEI. Teaching notes that accompany the case must include learning objectives and should clearly present discussion questions and answers, as well as mindful recommendations for how to approach a case discussion.

The University of Michigan defines DEI as follows:

  • Diversity: We commit to increasing diversity, which is expressed in myriad forms including race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, (dis)ability status and political perspective.
  • Equity: We commit to working actively to challenge and respond to bias, harassment, and discrimination. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.
  • Inclusion: We commit to pursuing deliberate efforts to ensure that our campus is a place where differences are welcomed, different perspectives are respectfully heard and where every individual feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. We know that by building a critical mass of diverse groups on campus and creating a vibrant climate of inclusiveness, we can more effectively leverage the resources of diversity to advance our collective capabilities.

Additional Submission Requirements 

Format:

  • Case study and teaching note documents should adhere to the format and style described in “How to Write a Business Case” and “How to Write a Teaching Note”.
  • Please adhere to WDI Publishing’s “Preferred Style and Best Practices”.
  • Final documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
  • Citations/Endnotes: All data in the case must be cited (in-text with consecutive numbers) with reputable primary or secondary sources. (Note: Wikipedia sources are not accepted.) The consecutive, in-text citations should correspond to full source information at the end of the document as Endnotes. Please use MLA style for endnotes.

Teaching Note: All submitted cases must include a teaching note.

Abstract: An abstract for the case must accompany your submission documents. The abstract should be 150 words maximum.

Protagonist, Decision Point (Dilemma): Case must have a protagonist, clear dilemma/decision points, and sufficient contextual background information for a student to develop solutions to the dilemma.

Primary vs. Secondary Research: If your case study is based on primary data (i.e., proprietary, non-public data gathered via personal interview, phone interview, email interview, etc.), WDI Publishing’s Organization Release Form must be signed by the appropriate contact within the organization before the case will be considered for publication. If your case study is based on secondary data (i.e., data publicly available) then no Organization Release is required.

Previously Unpublished: The case study and teaching note must be previously unpublished and must not be bound by any copyright restrictions.

Geographical Setting: The setting for the case can be anywhere in the world.

Publication of the Winning Cases: The winning cases and their teaching notes will be edited, formatted and published on wdi-publishing.com and priced as determined by WDI Publishing.

Authors of Winning Cases: If your case study is chosen as a winner, all authors must sign WDI Publishing’s Distribution License and Royalty Agreement that states:

  • Authors assign WDI Publishing exclusive distribution.
  • Authors certify and accept responsibility for the type of data in the case.
  • Authors will receive no royalties on future sales of the case.

Award Details

  • First Place:
    • $10,000
    • Edited, published and distributed by WDI Publishing
  • Second Place: 
    • $5,000
    • Edited, published and distributed by WDI Publishing
  • Third Place:
    • $2,500
    • Edited, published and distributed by WDI Publishing
  • Honorable Mentions:
    • Edited, published and distributed by WDI Publishing
    • No monetary prize

Prize money will be awarded in US currency with applicable taxes and bank fees withheld. Prize money will not be awarded until authors provide the following:

  • Completed W-9 tax form (If a US citizen)
  • Completed W-8BEN tax form with a US ITIN number (If not a US citizen)

Sponsors

Thank you for the support of our sponsors. Learn more about them here.

Sponsor logos for the DEI Case Competition: Michigan Ross, William Davidson Institute and WDI Publishing