Developing new cases

Developing new cases
Got an idea for a case?
How do I start?
Funding
The application process
Funding approval
Commissioning a case
The case production process

Developing new cases

ANZSOG is always on the lookout for interesting new case studies that will stimulate discussion about recent or current events in the public sector. Topic areas include:

  • leadership
  • policy development
  • regulation
  • strategic communication
  • ethics

Cases can consist of several parts, designed to be taught over several sessions, or short vignettes that can be read quickly before discussion in class.

  • teaching notes are sought after, as are
  • cases supported by audio or video exhibits

Got an idea for a case?

Case studies can arise from a variety of sources. Have you thought "there's a lesson here" in

  • an interesting story or a frustrating but instructive situation
  • tackling a 'wicked problem' with multiple complexities and limited information
  • an issue that hits the headlines or has people talking
  • a hard-hitting report or a high-profile public inquiry.

These are all seeds for a good case study. A teaching need is an excellent starting point.

  • What teaching outcome are you looking for?
  • What theory do you want to illustrate?

See also Teaching Cases

See What makes a good case?

How do I start ?

Contact the Case Program with your case ideas to discuss how they could be developed.

Cases can be written by the Program Unit staff, or

  • An academic (or academics) in one of ANZSOG's partner institutions
  • A contract researcher, supervised by an academic in a partner institution
  • A contract writer, supervised by an academic /and or a public servant in a partner institution

ANZSOG is committed to developing expertise in case teaching and case writing, and offers guidance for those writing cases and those teaching them.

  • ANZSOG's Program Unit can advise those without previous experience
  • Regular practical workshops are offered

See ANZSOG case writing and style guide.

Funding

Between A$3000 and A$10,000 in funding may be available, depending on the length and complexity of the proposed case. Preference will be given to cases that fill current teaching needs in ANZSOG programs or address gaps in our Case Library collection.

Applicants are asked to propose and justify the level of funding required. Funds will be paid to the individual who takes responsibility for the delivery of the case to the deadline proposed. Payments will be according to a schedule agreed between the fundee and a director or other designated person from the Program Unit.

The application process

Applicants for funding should submit a two-page outline of the project, including a brief description of the case, the teaching outcomes expected, the research and development methodologies, the proposed completion date and brief resumes of the academic supervisor and case writer. See Funding to develop cases.

Download the Case program application pro forma. and send completed forms to:

ANZSOG Case Program
ANZSOG
P O Box 4023
Parkville Victoria
AUSTRALIA 3052.

Alternatively, forms can be forwarded to info@casestudies.anzsog.edu.au. marked “New case application.”

Funding Approval

Once submitted, the application will be considered by editorial representatives of the Case Program, who can either:

  • Accept the application as proposed
  • Propose variations in emphasis or funding to the applicant
  • Reject it
  • Refer it to the full editorial committee of the Case Program for further review.

See Some questions and answers.

Commissioning a case

On occasion, government departments or agencies will commission ANZSOG to produce a case on problems or issues recently faced by the organisation. These cases are then used in-house for training purposes and in ANZSOG courses. Cases provide organisations with the opportunity to capture valuable information and reflect on significant events. However, commissions are only accepted in situations where ANZSOG’s teaching objectives and the organisation’s needs are compatible. Departments or agencies wishing to fund a case are invited to contact the Case Program Director Professor John Alford j.alford@anzsog.edu.au to discuss proposals in more depth.

The case production process

Once a case proposal has been accepted, ANZSOG cases usually pass through the following stages.

  • Initial data gathering
  • Approach to organisation and interviewees
  • Research
  • Write first draft for review
  • Review and rework as necessary
  • Send final draft for clearance if required.

The case may then be taught as a trial on one or more occasions, before being finally signed off and loaded to the website for general access. Case Library members are notified when new cases are loaded.

Cases may be periodically updated, subject to new developments. Before using a case, check the website to make sure the "Latest version date" matches the version date on the front page footer.

Download The case production process.