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 time-sensitive decisions within any type of business discipline. The dilemma can be cross-disciplinary, i.e., affecting various 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.
At the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, DEI efforts focus on three strategic objectives:
- Cultivating Authentic Belonging for all Members of our Community. We will create and uphold a culture rooted in compassion, empathy, respect, and care.
- Promoting Excellence in Equity-Centered DEI Scholarship and Education. Through thought leadership, curricular and co-curricular offerings, and teaching skills, we will center this work around equity-centered knowledge, empathy and compassion, and global and intercultural perspectives.
- Improving Representation and Outcomes of Community Members with Minoritized Identities. We will improve support systems for community members with minoritized identities by elevating and centering their lived experiences.
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.
Teaching Note: All submitted cases must include a teaching note. Please reference “How to Write 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 distribution copyright restrictions.
Not Previously Entered into this Competition: The case study and teaching note cannot have been previously submitted into this competition.
Geographical Setting: The setting for the case can be anywhere in the world.
Citations/Endnotes: All data in the case must be cited (in-text with consecutive numbers) with reputable primary or secondary sources. (Note: WDI Publishing does not accept Wikipedia as a reliable source.) 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. Generally, endnote sources must include: Author Name(s), Title of Work, Source of Work, Date Published, URL, Access Date. Here is an example:
Chen, Te-Ping, and Lauren Weber. “The Rise and Fall of the Chief Diversity Officer.” Wall Street Journal, 21 July 2023. https://www.wsj.com/articles/chief-diversity-officer-cdo-business-corporations-e110a82f. Accessed 23 Oct. 2023.
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 rights.
- 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
The prize money will be awarded in US currency and may be subject to applicable bank fees. Further, these prizes generate taxable income which will require the winners to provide specific tax information and may, in certain cases, result in significant tax withholdings. For more information, please consult your tax advisor.
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
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