The Unit for Corporate Governance in Africa (the Unit) at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) is proud to announce the 2009 Corporate Governance in Africa Case Study Competition (the Competition), sponsored by the UK-based Hermes Equity Ownership Services Ltd (Hermes).

Objective
There is a current lack of appropriate African case studies on corporate governance. This impedes teaching of corporate governance within an African context, both at postgraduate and executive education levels. Through this competition – made possible by a generous grant from Hermes – the Unit hopes to make a contribution to the establishment and development of a data base of African case studies. It is the intention of the Unit to publish a selection of cases in association with the Richard Ivey School of Business, the second largest producer of case studies in the world.

Format and financial support
The competition has two distinct phases. Phase 1 comprises a request for proposals only. Participants should submit a proposal for a case study to be written. Previously unpublished cases can also be submitted and will be considered for the main prize. The proposal should not exceed 500 words and should include a clear description of the governance issue that will be described. Information on the company and the key decision makers should be included. Authors should also indicate whether they have obtained permission from the relevant company to interview staff members or whether the case will be based on publicly available information only. The context and location of the case must be African and should be described in some detail. The Unit will shortlist 10 proposals of cases to be written that will be eligible for the prize. Financial support of R10 000 will be provided to all shortlisted participants. A period of two months will be allowed for submission of the final cases, after which a panel will select the winning case. More detail about the prescribed format of the case will be made available to shortlisted candidates, and will be based on the requirements of the Richard Ivey School.

A cash prize of R40 000 will be paid for the winning case.

For more information on the case writing process, click here.

Who can enter?
The competition is open to all individuals, except employees of the University of Stellenbosch.

Important dates
Phase 1

• Deadline for submission of 500 word proposals: 30 November 2008 (to be submitted electronically to governance@usb.ac.za)
• Announcement of shortlisted participants: 15 December 2008

Phase 2

• Deadline for submission of final case studies: 15 February 2009
• Announcement of winner: 15 March 2009