The Case Prompt
Prompt
When receiving a case prompt, the most important thing is to ensure you understand what is being asked. You are not only allowed to ask questions, but are absolutely expected to ask clarifying questions. These questions should be used to ensure you are aligned on the objective, target, and timeline of the case, as well as any other details you’re unclear about.
When you receive the prompt, consider this your “safe zone” to share what you’re unclear on, ask anything to be repeated or share an assumption you hold. You may also want to probe the case giver about what other information is available (sometimes there is!). For instance, certain case facts and data are not provided unless explicitly asked for.
Below are three sample case prompts.
For each case, brainstorm a list of clarifying questions you might ask. To simulate the time constraints of a true case, initially try limiting this brainstorm to 5 minutes per case.
Case 1:
Our client, Shasta Boating, is a major manufacturer of houseboats. In the past three years, the company has experienced declining profits and has asked your team to determine what is causing profits to decline and identify potential opportunities to increase overall company profitability.
Case 2:
Our client, HarvestFarm, is a popular and growing plant-based bakery chain. The bakery offers common staples such as breads, pastries, and sandwiches made entirely with vegan ingredients. Founded in 2014 in San Francisco, the chain has opened an average of 5 stores per year (it currently has 32 stores) and increased revenue by an annual Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15%.
The CEO of HarvestFarm has come to us to identify how to increase its current growth path.
Case 3:
Our client, Luna Brewing, is a large Mexico-based beer producer that sells an incredibly popular line of light beers. In recent years, Luna has faced trouble fending off competition from new beverage offerings from competitors, causing its share of the US market to decline from 4.5% to 3.8% over the past 3 years.
With increasing consumer interest in hard seltzers, Luna Brewing wants to evaluate the option of expanding its product range to offer a hard seltzer beverage. The client wants our advice on how to evaluate this option.
Details
Read the case prompts above. For each case, brainstorm a list of clarifying questions you might ask at the beginning of an interview.
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