Case Research Foundation

This program provides fellowships to doctoral students and junior faculty in the first three years of a tenure-track or equivalent appointment to be trained in case research, writing, and teaching at the annual meeting of the North American Case Research Association (NACRA). In 2015, the CRF awarded its first fellowships. Fellowships were awarded in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. 

Many questions are answered in the flyer announcing the 2024 Fellowship. Additional questions and answers follow.

Fellowship FAQ

The fellowship announcement uses the phrase “in business and related disciplines.”  What does that mean? 

Most of our fellowship recipients are trained in business disciplines, such as marketing, strategy, organizational behavior, human resources, supply chain management, international business, accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, sustainability, ethics, corporate governance, and leadership. We also consider applications from individuals trained in related disciplines, such as engineering management and education management. If you are uncertain if your discipline is “related,” please contact us as CRFapply@gmail.com for clarification.

The fellowship announcement uses the phrase “tenure track appointment…or its equivalent.”  What does that mean? 

We are aware that not all universities have a tenure system, such as is common at most universities in the United States and Canada.  Our intention is to offer fellowships to faculty who are in a career appointment, rather than temporary or adjunct instructors.  If you believe your appointment is equivalent, please explain your situation in your application.

If I applied in an earlier year and did not receive a fellowship, can I apply again? 

Yes, so long as you currently meet the eligibility requirements.  However, you will need to submit a new application, CV, and letter of recommendation.

The deadline for 2024 is earlier than in some prior years. Why?

We decided to move the application process earlier in the year so fellowship recipients would be notified in time for them to submit a full case and teaching note for presentation at the conference, if they wish to do so. The application deadline is April 1, 2024. We will notify fellowship recipients by May 6, 2024. The NACRA submission deadline is June 17, 2024.

The application says I have a choice of submitting either a start-up case or a full case, if I am awarded a fellowship. Why is that?

We want fellowship recipients to get maximum value from the conference. If they have completed a full case, we want to give them to option to submit it for full review. If they have not, they still have the option of developing a short proposal for the start-up session.

I do not live in the North America. Am I still eligible to apply? 

Yes.

If I start my application but do not finish, can I save my answers and come back later? 

No, you will not be able to save a partially completed application.  You can see all questions before you begin, so you may want to prepare your responses in a separate file and “cut and paste” as you go.

If I receive a fellowship, how much money will I receive? 

If you receive a fellowship, the Foundation will pay a stipend intended to cover your NACRA registration fee, travel, and lodging for the 2024 conference. The fellowship amount is capped at $1500 for recipients from North America and $2500 for others.

How will I be paid? 

We will pay your registration fees directly. You will receive a check for your lodging and travel at the conference. We are also able to make an electronic transfer to your bank account if you prefer.

Can I be paid in cash? 

No, we are unable to pay in cash. 

If I receive a fellowship, how will you select my senior mentor? 

We pair you with an experienced case writer and teacher who shares substantive interests with you.  If you would like to be paired with a specific person, please let us know after you have been awarded a fellowship.

Why are there two different application forms? 

We ask slightly different questions of doctoral student and early-career faculty applicants.

I am currently serving in a faculty appointment and completing my PhD at the same time.  Should I use the student or faculty application? 

You should use the faculty application.

If I receive a fellowship, will the Foundation make my travel arrangements? 

No, you will need to make your own arrangements.

Where should my recommender send their letter of recommendation? 

They should upload their letter of recommendation on official letterhead at the designated place on the applications page of the website.