7. IU Case Study Notes

Case studies are widely used in universities because they let students apply theory to real-life situations.
Instead of just learning concepts, students analyze a practical problem, figure out what’s important, and propose solutions.
Often, case studies don’t give all the information, simulating real professional challenges where managers must make decisions with limited data.

Introduction – Describe the context and explain the case.
Body – Present the case, analyze it, and suggest solutions.
Conclusion – Discuss findings and consider how they apply elsewhere.
Other headings can be used as long as the structure is logical and easy to follow.

Length: $7-10$ pages of text.
Paper size: DIN-A4.
Margins: Top: 2 cm; Bottom: 2 cm; Left: 2 cm; Right: 2 cm.
Font: General text: Arial 11 pt.; Headings: 12 pt., justified.
Line spacing: $1.5$ .
Footnotes: Arial 10 pt., justified.
Paragraph spacing: 6 pt space after line break.
There is no single correct answer; the focus is on how well the solution is justified.
Analysis should apply knowledge, not just repeat theory.
Academic standards must be followed, including citations and bibliography.

Every case study should include:
- Title page
- Table of contents
- Lists of figures/tables and abbreviations (if needed)
- Text with introduction, body, and conclusion
- Bibliography
- Appendices and materials (if needed)
Case studies help students prepare for real work challenges by practicing analysis, decision-making, and applying theory to practice (IU, 2020).
Formal Document Requirements 7.1. The IU Case Study 2.

Section/subsection levels: Maximum three levels: 1. Main heading, 1.1 Section, 1.1.1 Subheading.
Numbering: Only chapters numbered consecutively; other sections (e.g., figures, bibliography) are not numbered.
Text styling: Do not use underline; use italics sparingly to emphasize passages.

The project report must be submitted online through the Turnitin portal, following instructions on myCampus. You cannot submit it by email or any other way.
Before submitting the report, you must submit the required affidavit electronically via myCampus; the report cannot be submitted without this (IU, 2020).
For the case study, the course provides several topic options, and details about the task are given in the respective courses.
Students can ask their tutor questions about formal requirements or general guidance, but the tutor does not review drafts or outlines, because independent work is part of the assessment (IU, 2020).
Using the available support opportunities is optional but encouraged. Further details and guidelines can be found in the Exam Guide and course-specific instructions on myCampus.

Emphasis on independent work promotes academic integrity and fairness.
The affidavit requirement and Turnitin submission reinforce originality and proper citation practices.
Limited information in cases mirrors real-world decision environments, highlighting uncertainty, risk, and the need for justification rather than perfect data.
Encourages critical thinking about which data are relevant and how to justify chosen actions under ambiguity.

Case studies bridge theory and practice by requiring real-world application rather than rote recall.
They train skills in identifying key issues, prioritizing information, and proposing actionable solutions.
The approach aligns with foundational principles of professional decision-making under uncertainty.

For the case study, the course provides several topic options, and details about the task are given in the respective courses.
Students can ask their tutor questions about formal requirements or general guidance, but the tutor does not review drafts or outlines, because independent work is part of the assessment (IU, 2020).
Further details and guidelines can be found in the Exam Guide and course-specific instructions on myCampus.

The IU Case Study guidance appears across pages 1–3 of the transcript as an outline for expectations, structure, formatting, and submission procedures.
The material emphasizes isolated, justified decision-making, and formal compliance with institutional procedures (IU, 2020).