A study by Chekitan Dev, associate professor of strategic marketing and brand management at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration, Laure Mougeot, a researcher at the Johnson School, and Frances Frei of the Harvard Business School is one of the most influential in the industry, according to the European Case Clearing House.

The 2007 study, "Westin Hotels and Resorts: Operations of a Lifestyle Experience," examined ways of building a brand that delivered consistent service on intangible values. Its conclusions led Westin to adopt a lifestyle brand strategy that provides guests with a new service experience, including "signature sensory experiences of light, music, white tea scent and botanicals"; in-room spa treatment; and menus featuring high-nutrient, high-antioxidant foods.

The prize recognizes cases that have led in worldwide adoption of their material, thereby having a significant global impact on business education.

The European Case Clearing House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the case method of learning. Its collection of management case studies and journal article reprints provides an accessible resource of teaching materials.