Create pedagogically rigorous business case studies following "The Ultimate Case Guide" methodology (Kupp & Mueller). This skill guides you through the structured "Case Development Funnel" to produce teaching cases that effectively combine compelling narratives (Lead) with specific learning objectives (Need). Output is a `.qmd` file ready for Quarto Single Source Publishing. Works in both German and English. Use this skill whenever the user mentions case studies, Fallstudien, teaching cases, business cases for classroom use, Kupp & Mueller, case method, case development, or wants to create narrative-driven learning materials about a company or business situation. Also trigger when the user wants to write a case for exam preparation, classroom discussion, or executive education, even if they don't explicitly say "case study".
A good case study works like two-component epoxy adhesive — it only functions when two elements are firmly bonded:
Without the Lead, it's a dry textbook exercise. Without the Need, it's just a newspaper article. The case only works when both are present and tightly connected.
Two concepts are easy to confuse but must stay distinct throughout:
Before writing a single word of text, clarify these four foundations. Ask them together in one message — don't trickle them out one by one.
Educational Need (Underlying Issue): Which theoretical concept should students learn? Be specific. Not "innovation" but "Disruptive Innovation nach Christensen" or "Blue Ocean Strategy nach Kim/Mauborgne".
Case Lead: What's the story? Company, situation, context. A rich real-world scenario works best.
Strategic decisions to settle:
Sources & Release: Is this based on a real, identifiable company? Does the user have internal data or does it rely on public sources? Will case release (company approval) be needed?
Wait for answers before starting Phase 2. A case built on vague foundations cannot be fixed in editing.
Opening Paragraph — the most critical part of the entire case. Must contain: protagonist by name, organization, specific point in time, and the immediate issue. Max 200 words. If this paragraph doesn't hook the reader, the case is dead.
Company Background: Relevant history, business model, key figures. Only what's needed to understand the decision — not a Wikipedia summary.
External Context (if relevant): Industry dynamics, competitive landscape, regulatory environment. Serves to sharpen the decision's stakes.
The Core Problem Area: The section that develops the underlying issue without naming it explicitly. This is where analytical depth lives.
The Decision: The options available to the protagonist at the cut-off point. Present them fairly — the case must allow multiple defensible positions.
Closing Paragraph: Returns to the protagonist and the immediate issue. Creates urgency. Often ends mid-thought, with a question hanging in the air, or the protagonist staring at an email they haven't yet answered.
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