The International Business Case Review (IBCR)

IBCR is the world’s largest academic business journal, written by high school and college students. Guided by the intellectual standards of elite universities and the strategic rigor of top consulting firms, IBCR provides a platform for exceptional secondary school students to publish original, research-based case study recommendations.

Each article is modeled on the Harvard Business School case method, requiring authors to analyze real-world companies, apply formal business frameworks, and propose actionable solutions to contemporary challenges.

Our Editorial Philosophy

IBCR exists to bridge two worlds: the analytical depth of academic publishing and the practical relevance of professional consulting. Submissions must demonstrate:

  • Strategic thinking informed by real data and industry context

  • Application of business theory and frameworks

  • Clarity, originality, and academic rigor

All accepted articles undergo a two-stage review process and are published in the official IBCR Online Journal. Outstanding submissions may be nominated for additional editorial spotlight.

The Two-Part Process: Learning and Publishing

1. Case Development (Mentorship Track)

Students begin by participating in guided workshops led by industry professionals from firms such as Deloitte, McKinsey, and Citibank. These experts provide structured guidance in business analysis, problem framing, and recommendation design.

Mentors are involved in teaching, not reviewing. This ensures that all final publications remain academically impartial.

2. Independent Publishing Review (Editorial Track)

Submissions are formally reviewed by the IBCR Publishing Board, a distinct group composed of:

  • PhDs, university faculty, and academic researchers

  • External industry experts unaffiliated with the mentorship process

  • Alumni from institutions including, Harvard Business School, The University of Pennsylvania, and more

This clear division preserves the journal’s academic independence and protects the integrity of the review process.

Author Eligibility

To be considered for publication, authors must meet the following criteria:

  • Currently enrolled in secondary school or college

  • Able to provide proof of academic standing (e.g., transcript, report card, or school letter)

Submissions may be written individually or in teams of up to four students.

Submission Requirements

Manuscript Guidelines

  • Article Type: Case study recommendation

  • Word Count: 1,500–3,000 words

  • Format: PDF or Google Doc

  • Font: Times New Roman or Georgia, 12 pt

  • Spacing: 1.5 or double-spaced

Required Structure

  1. Cover Page (title, author name(s), school, grade, word count)

  2. Executive Summary

  3. Company Background & Industry Context

  4. Problem Statement

  5. Strategic Analysis (including frameworks)

  6. Recommendation

  7. Conclusion

  8. References / Appendix (optional)

Review Process & Timeline

All submissions undergo a two-stage blind review:

Stage 1 – Editorial Review:
Conducted by the IBCR student editorial board to ensure formatting, clarity, and structural consistency.

Stage 2 – Expert Review:
Completed by one academic reviewer (PhD or faculty member) and one professional reviewer (from our external panel). Reviewers will not include any individual who mentored the author(s) during development.

Average review timeline: 4 weeks
Only accepted submissions will be published. Authors of selected articles may receive additional opportunities for editorial spotlight or partner features.

How to Submit

To submit a manuscript for consideration, please complete the submission form linked below.

You will be asked to provide:

  • Author name(s), school affiliation, and grade level

  • Academic transcript or equivalent

  • Final manuscript (PDF or Google Doc)

  • A brief author bio (2–3 sentences)

IBCR Citation Guidelines

Modeled after Harvard Business Review. Built for Practitioners.

The IBCR Journal is a practitioner-focused publication. Citations should reinforce credibility, enable reader follow-up, and reflect real-world relevance.

Cite When You Use:

  • Strategic frameworks and models (e.g., Porter’s Five Forces, BCG Matrix)

  • Company reports (e.g., annual reports, 10-Ks, investor updates)

  • Industry research from reputable sources (e.g., McKinsey, Bain, Statista, IBISWorld)

  • Market and trend commentary from credible business media (e.g., Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Bloomberg)

  • Official company websites when referencing product information, pricing, or corporate initiatives

Format

  • Use numbered superscripts in the text, followed by footnotes at the bottom of the page or end of the document (depending on layout). Format each source as follows:

  • Author or Organization, Title of Report or Article, Source or Publisher, Date (if available), accessed Month Year, URL.

Example Citations

Frameworks & Models

  1. Michael E. Porter, Competitive Strategy, Free Press, 1980.

  2. Boston Consulting Group, The Product Portfolio, BCG, 1970.

Company Reports

  1. Nike, Inc., Form 10-K 2023, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, accessed March 2025, https://www.sec.gov.

  2. Unilever, Annual Report and Accounts 2023, accessed March 2025, https://www.unilever.com/investors/.

Industry Data & Reports

  1. McKinsey & Company, The state of fashion 2024, accessed February 2025, https://www.mckinsey.com.

  2. IBISWorld, Fast food restaurants global market report, January 2024, https://www.ibisworld.com.

  3. Statista, “Cosmetics market revenue worldwide from 2014 to 2024,” accessed March 2025, https://www.statista.com.

Final Note

The IBCR Journal values professionalism, clarity, and evidence-based writing. Citations are not a formality — they are a reflection of the seriousness of your insights and the respect you show for the business community’s shared knowledge base.