International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies (7 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Assessing the impact of an NGO on the identity construction of homeless youth: the CASP case, a French NGO  
  by Julien Billion, Catherine Lejealle, Pascale Ezan 
  Abstract: The Centre d’Action Sociale Protestant (CASP) is a French non-profit organisation (NGO) recognised as being of public utility, whose mission focuses on combating social exclusion. It operates several support programs aimed at helping homeless youth reintegrate into society. Juliana Haure is a facility director who oversees the reception and support of homeless youth in a district of Paris, France. In May 2025, she began to question the impact of the NGO’s actions on the identity construction of these young people. With the support of a researcher, she interviewed 20 of them in order to draw managerial implications. This case study analyses the motivations of young homeless to construct and maintain one’s self-identity. Additionally, the study examines their agency and the way it could be used by NGO. Finally, it makes recommendations for practitioners.
  Keywords: homeless; self-identity; motivations; agency.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.10076179
   
  
• Beyond the CV: signalling theory and the fight against information asymmetry at Hiry  
  by Catherine Lejealle 
  Abstract: Traditional entry-level recruitment is plagued by high search costs and profound information asymmetry, where the true capabilities of students remain opaque to prospective employers. This case study examines Hiry, a French HR-tech platform, through the lens of asymmetry theory and Spences signalling theory. By replacing subjective CVs with standardised technical challenges, Hiry acts as a credible third-party intermediary that transforms cheap signals into costly, verifiable ones. The case explores how Hiry mitigates adverse selection (the lemons problem) and moral hazard, ultimately proposing technological advancements to solidify the permanence of these talent signals in a competitive digital economy. It offers recommendations for the founder to enhance his solution.
  Keywords: asymmetry information theory; signalling theory; adverse selection; moral hazard.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.10079966
   
  
• A beginners dilemma in mutual fund investing in India  
  by Ashish Sharma, Madhumita Das 
  Abstract: The case focuses on how financial planning, risk assessment, time frames, and behavioral factors influence investment decisions amid prolonged market volatility. The protagonist of the case, Riya Sharma, is a young salaried individual who wants to make financial decisions. The case provides insight into how, in addition to economic factors, behavioral and sociological elements can shape investment decisions. Even with a sufficient salary, adequate savings, and insurance coverage, the question of allocating money between more secure investments and equity mutual funds arises for Riya Sharma in view of the 14- to 16-month period of market volatility due to various macroeconomic and geopolitical factors. The case sheds light on the impact of conservative financial socialisation, loss aversion, fear of missing out (FOMO), regret avoidance, and market timing on investment decision-making.
  Keywords: mutual funds; financial planning; investment strategy; personal finance; risk assessment; behavioural biases; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.10080262
   
  
• Navigating hybrid tensions in an inclusive business model - the case of the French coffee-shop chain Cafe Joyeux  
  by Jérémie Renouf, Sabine Bacouel-Jentjens, Natalia Hartinger 
  Abstract: This case study examines Cafe Joyeux, an inclusive coffee shop chain founded in France in 2017 that employs predominantly individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. Operating in the highly competitive hospitality sector, Cafe Joyeux combines a strong social mission with commercial objectives and international growth ambitions. The case explores how the organisation designs its recruitment processes, organises work, develops it branding strategy, and structures its governance mechanisms to reconcile social inclusion with economic profit objectives. By highlighting the tensions inherent in such hybrid organisations, the case invites students to analyse how competing institutional logics are managed in practice.
  Keywords: social entrepreneurship; disability inclusion; hybrid organisation; institutional logics; inclusive management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.10080770
   
  
• Beauty, responsibility, and the bottom line: ESG strategy and ethical tensions at LOr?al  
  by Safa Arbi, Sabine Jentjens 
  Abstract: This case study examines LOr?al, the worlds largest beauty company, through the lens of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks. Drawing on the companys publicly stated sustainability program, LOr?al for the Future, and wider academic literature on corporate sustainability, the case explores three central ethical tensions: the risk of greenwashing in the communication of environmental claims, the trade-off between sustainable ingredient sourcing and product performance, and the authenticity of corporate inclusivity commitments. Grounded in stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and the business case for sustainability, the case invites students to evaluate how a global firm navigates competing pressures from investors, regulators, consumers, and civil society. The case is designed to stimulate critical discussion regarding the strategic, ethical, and governance dimensions of ESG implementation in multinational corporations and is suitable for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate courses in corporate strategy, business ethics, sustainability management, and international business.
  Keywords: ESG; corporate sustainability; greenwashing; L’Oréal; stakeholder theory; inclusivity; governance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.10080790
   
  
• Student experiences with large language models in multidisciplinary thesis-preparation assignments  
  by Jon Williamsson, Gabriela Schaad, Anders Sandoff 
  Abstract: The ubiquitous use of large language models (LLMs) raises concerns about potential negative effects on self-regulated learning (SRL) among university students. This study investigates how corporate sustainability (CS) students use LLMs when writing a research proposal. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative survey data from two cohorts (n = 122) with a qualitative analysis of 50 student reports. Students reported benefits from using LLMs for inspiration, language-related tasks, and improved understanding. However, they also expressed concerns about hallucinations and potential overreliance. Students were apprehensive about losing opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, evaluate information, and cultivate their own writing style. The use of LLMs was most diverse during the performance phase and least diverse during the reflection phase. LLMs can support SRL when thoughtfully integrated into course design and teaching, but educators should provide phase- and topic-specific guidance on their use, emphasising prompt engineering, critical thinking, and academic integrity.
  Keywords: large language models; LLM; self-regulated learning; SRL; higher education; corporate sustainability; CS; interdisciplinary teaching.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.10081014
   
  
• Leadership ambiguity and role conflict in multidisciplinary academic teams: a teaching case for management and education  
  by Roberto Garrone 
  Abstract: This teaching case examines leadership ambiguity and coordination dynamics in a multidisciplinary academic project that integrates digital, analytical, and social-scientific perspectives. It explores how ambiguous communication, intermittent engagement, and selective reward distribution affect collaboration, trust, and performance. Drawing from theories of social exchange, symbolic control, and moralised leadership, the analysis interprets these dynamics as a pattern of reciprocal but asymmetric dependence, following Salisburys framework of institutional power. The case encourages reflection on how symbolic recognition, feedback structures, and fairness norms shape academic teamwork and how procedural reforms can transform discretionary authority into transparent and ethical leadership. Designed for courses in management, organisational behavior, leadership, or higher-education administration, it helps students analyse subtle power mechanisms and propose governance solutions for collaborative environments.
  Keywords: leadership ambiguity; role conflict; multidisciplinary teams; symbolic control; organisational behavior; academic management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.10081088