A marathon for field-based case writing
Faculty play a crucial role in shaping students’ learning experience through high-quality teaching materials. Field-based cases (primary data-driven) remain one of the most effective pedagogical tools, enabling engagement with real organisations, applying qualitative research methods, and bringing contemporary managerial challenges into the classroom.
SPJIMR’s Case School is a fully residential, on-campus experience designed to strengthen this craft through a structured, hands-on approach. Unlike traditional Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), it is an execution-first writing sprint, where participants leave with a tangible case draft, not just knowledge. Designed as an output-driven workshop, it will enable participants to develop a near-submission-ready, field-based case using real organisational access facilitated by the organisers.
Objectives
Designed as an output-driven workshop, the Case School will enable participants to:
- Produce a near-submission-ready case draft within five days.
- Gain guidance on qualitative research, data collection, and case structuring to develop high-quality field-based teaching cases.
- Overcome the biggest barrier in case writing by organising access to real firms and protagonists.
- Interact with real protagonists and organisations for case development.
- Receive end-to-end guidance across case writing, teaching note development, submission, and the review process.
- Build a community of practice among faculty interested in case writing and publication.
- Understand how to convert traditional cases into simulation-based learning experiences using digital tools
Key topics
The Case School will cover the following topics:
Foundations of field-based case writing
- Introduction to field-based cases (primary data-driven cases)
- Identifying and engaging with organisations and protagonists
Data collection and research methods
- Conducting interviews with protagonists
- Collecting and validating primary data
- Recording and coding qualitative data
Data analysis
- Interpreting qualitative insights
- Integrating quantitative data where relevant
Writing the case
- Crafting engaging and pedagogically effective case narratives
- Structuring cases for classroom discussion
Teaching note (TN) development
- Positioning the case pedagogically
- Analytical frameworks and discussion questions
- Designing board plans (for online and offline teaching)
Publication process
- Preparing the case and teaching note for submission
- Understanding the review process of major case outlets
Unique features
- Small group format (2–3 participants per group) for focused collaboration
- Cases span diverse sectors, including manufacturing, services, and startups
- Structured access to real organisations and protagonists for field-based work
- Depth of engagement may vary based on organisational availability
- Option to bring your own organisation or case context
- Individual or team registrations allowed; individuals will be assigned to groups
- Hands-on application of concepts to develop real field-based cases
- Outcome: a near-complete case draft and teaching note (TN) ready for submission
- Opportunity to co-author a potential best-selling case with SPJIMR faculty
Format
Participants will engage directly with organisations, collect data, and develop a field-based case from scratch during the workshop. The five intensive days of the workshop include:
Interactive concept sessions
Interviews with real protagonists
Hands-on writing sessions
Group work and peer discussions
Continuous feedback from facilitators
Exposure to AI based case development and simulation tools (CaseEngine and CaseSim)
AI‑based case writing and digital simulation add‑on (CaseEngine and CaseSim)
Participants gain exposure to cutting-edge case pedagogy tools through a dedicated half-day session by MS Games, which introduces:
CaseEngine
An AI-enabled platform for structuring and developing publication-ready cases and teaching notes
CaseSim
A simulation-based environment that transforms cases into interactive, role-based decision experiences
- Participants will learn how to extend their field-based cases beyond traditional formats into experiential simulations, thereby enhancing classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
- This session is fully integrated into the Case School offering and comes at no additional cost, making it a valuable add-on for participants seeking to combine rigorous case writing with innovative teaching delivery.
Publication opportunity
- Participants will work in small groups of two to three participants to draft the case and TN.
- Each group will focus on one case.
- The organisers will help participants with case clearance formalities and other documentation.
- Groups can submit their cases based on their interests to outlets such as Ivey Publishing, Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, Case Research Journal, and Communications of the Association for Information Systems.
Please note:
- The participants can join this Case School in groups with their co-authors and may also bring their own protagonists.
- If participants are unable to identify and locate a real firm, facilitators will assist them.
- In cases where facilitators make substantial intellectual contributions (e.g., identifying the firm, enabling access, and contributing to case development), authorship may be discussed and decided in line with standard academic norms and mutual agreement.
Target audience
- Faculty members
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Ph.D. scholars
Across diverse academic backgrounds and disciplines, including but not limited to business, management, social sciences, and humanities.
No prior case writing experience is required, though familiarity with qualitative research will be beneficial.
Facilitators
The workshop will be facilitated by Prof. Amol S. Dhaigude and Prof. Debmallya Chatterjee from SPJIMR. Both the professors have profound experience on field-based case writing and have a proven track record in developing and publishing high-quality case studies in leading case houses and journals. They have collectively authored and published 50+ field-based cases in outlets such as Ivey Publishing and Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies. Their cases have received recognition including Harvard Business School and Ivey Bestseller awards.
Prof. Amol S. Dhaigude
Professor Operations, Supply Chain Management and Quantitative Methods Deputy Programme Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Management
Prof. Debmallya Chatterjee
Professor, Operations, Supply Chain Management and Quantitative Methods Chairperson, Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) Online
Fees and registration
The programme is designed to ensure that every participant meaningfully contributes to at least one case draft.
- This Case School is restricted to a maximum of 30 participants
- The fee for attending the Case School is ₹25,000 + GST
The programme fee includes:
- Twin-sharing accommodation at the SPJIMR campus hostel.
- Single occupancy may be available at an additional cost, subject to availability.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two tea/coffee breaks daily.
- Workshop materials and welcome kit.
- Certificate of participation.
Please note:
- Selected participants are expected to arrive by the evening of May 28, 2026.
- Participants are required to stay on campus during the programme.
- Travel expenses must be borne by the participants.
Application process
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Interested participants are requested to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
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Last date for submitting the EOI
April 20, 2026 -
Submission of an EOI does not guarantee selection.
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Participants will be shortlisted based on:
- Alignment of applicant’s interest with available case opportunities, and overall academic/professional profile
- Profile and CV of the applicant
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The final list of selected participants will be announced by
Mid-April 2026
Schedule of the Case School
| Date | Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 May | Thursday | 3 pm till 12 am | Arrival at the SPJIMR campus; check-in at the hostel |
| 29 May | Friday | First half | Basics of a primary case |
| Second half | Basics of data collection of a primary case | ||
| 30 May | Saturday | First half | Meeting the protagonist |
| Second half | Interviewing and data collection with the protagonist | ||
| 31 May | Sunday | First half | Case writing session 1 |
| Second half | Case writing session 2 | ||
| 01 June | Monday | First half | Teaching Note (TN) writing session 1 |
| Second half | Digital Case tools (CaseEngine and CaseSim demo session) | ||
| 02 June | Tuesday | First half | Integration of case and TN |
| Second half | Closing and valedictory |
Notes
- First half = 9 am to 1 pm
- Second half = 2 pm to 5 pm
- The closing ceremony will be completed by 3:30 pm
- There will be three breaks (two tea/coffee and one lunch)
Get in touch
Prof. Amol S. Dhaigude
Prof. Debmallya Chatterjee
Location
SPJIMR Mumbai
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Campus
Munshi Nagar, Dadabhai Road
Andheri West, Mumbai – 400058