Writing a Holistic Management Decision Case

By the White Eagles (Version 1.1)

 

1.    Case Idea and Opportunity

a.   What are the key elements of the case

                                                                     i.    Ecosystem

                                                                    ii.    Social

                                                                  iii.    Financial

b.   Identify the key resource persons

c.   What can the case teach and to whom?

 

2.   Building the Case

a.   Clarity of purpose and decision

b.   Negotiate the ground rules with case owners/resource persons

c.   What are the information needs (interview protocol)

d.   Gather the data

                                                                     i.    Background information (relevant literature, maps, HM materials – Whole, Holistic Goal)

                                                                    ii.    Interviews (build trust, listen with respect, patience, inquiring/probing, gather stories and quotes, photographs on site)

 

3.   Writing the Case (first draft)

a.   Revisit the learning objective and audience (teaching guide, will it meet multiple audiences)

b.   Outline the case (what is the decision?, what are the key quotes, what is the time line?, what are the necessary exhibits?)

c.   Write the story (natural structure, first paragraph to decision question, keep it short (10-20 paragraphs), past tenses, avoid jargon)

d.   Craft the exhibits (what media are appropriate?)

e.   Test with a confidant (check in on the what makes a good case, learning objectives and necessary information)

 

4.   Finalizing the Case (second draft)

a.   Review the case with the original resource person/case owner (will it need to be distinguished?)

b.   Tighten the case

c.    Fine tune the exhibit

d.    Test drive

 

5.   The Teaching Note

a.   Putting the pieces in place (overview, objectives, road map, questions to guide toward learning objectives, analysis, HM diagnosis,)

b.   Other information needed (e.g. testing questions, feedback loop)

c.   Different ways to teach (skits, role plays)

d.   Lessons learned