If the case deals with a decline in a financial metric (say profits or revenues),
1)is it fine to ask by how much it has declined (either as a % or numeric value) in the clarifying q to get a sense of the scale of the issue..or should you reserve this question for the analysis part?
2) Is it ok to ask if this is a client problem or industry wide problem in clarifying q or is this more relevant in analysis section?
Hi there,
In regards to #1 I'd say it's fine but it's probably a lower priority question. I'd rather understand the business we're in, try to understand the range of options on the table etc. Generally, hearing 10% decline versus 30% decline isn't going to change much. That said, it doesn't hurt to ask, just make sure you clarify that you're trying to figure out the scale of the problem and therefore the scope of solutions required.
In regards to #2 yes it's fine but you need to word it better than that. I would say "Do we know if others in the industry are experiencing the same problem or if there's been a major market-moving event recently?"
You're going about this exactly the right way!
Hi there,
You can ask both questions as clarifying questions, no issues with that.
I would recommend to make it clear you are going to present a structure after the questions, as if you don’t, the interviewer may feel you have no intention to present a structure at all.
Best,
Francesco
Yes, good questions to ask. But dont take your eye off understanding & analysing the "why" i.e why is revenue/profit declining. Your framework/structure needs to be on this if thats what the case is about.
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