How do I structure a qualitative case such that the structure is MECE? And how can I structure it in time constraint (below 5 mins)
Back to overview
12
Qualitative Case
1
3.5k
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Vlad
on May 29, 2018
Coach
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi!
This is a very broad question. In fact, you have a minute to make a MECE structure.
It definitely comes with practice. Here is an algorithm how to develop this skill:
- Make sure you understand all the different types of cases that you may face
- Identify the most appropriate structure for each type
- Solve 30-50 cases and try to understand where do they fit in your categorizations
- Based on your experience think of the potential variations in structures within each of the case types
Here is some inspiration for you. Below you can find a list of the most common case types and some high-level recommendations on structuring:
- Market sizing - structuring from the supply or demand side. Structuring using a formula or using an issue tree
- Profitability - basic profitability framework. Remember about different revenue streams and product mix
- Market context cases (Market Entry, New product, Acquisition, etc). Always start with the big picture "market". Finish with something specific to the case (e.g. How to enter?"). Structure it as if you are defining the work streams for the real project.
- Operational math problem (e.g. Should we increase the speed of an elevator or just buy a second one? How should we reduce the queues? Etc.) - Structuring as a process / value chain, with inflows, operations, and outflows
- Cost cutting - I provided the recommendations on structuring it here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/operations-cases-mck-1105#a2134
- Valuation - Purely financial structure with cash flows, growth rate, WACC / hurdle rate, etc.
- Synergies - revenue synergies (price, qty, mix) and cost synergies (value chain).
- Social / economics cases (e.g. How to improve the quality of life in the city? How to increase the revenues of the museum?) - huge variability. Practice 3-5 social cases before the interview
This is just for inspiration. You should ideally make your own system.
Best of luck!
0 comments
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Are consulting exit opportunities driven more by firm prestige or industry expertise?
8
on Feb 12, 2026
Global
8
100+
Top answer by
Alessandro
Coach
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
8 Answers
100+ Views
E
+5
Non-traditional candidate re-applying to the GCC
10
on Feb 13, 2026
Middle East
6
100+
Top answer by
Kevin
Coach
Ex-Bain (London) | Private Equity & M&A | 12+ Yrs Experience | The Reflex Method | Free Intro Call
6 Answers
100+ Views
+3
MCK R1
8
on Feb 13, 2026
USA
9
100+
Top answer by
Alessandro
Coach
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
9 Answers
100+ Views
+6
Should I cancel BCG interview R1?
9
on Feb 15, 2026
Europe
8
100+
Top answer by
Soheil
Coach
INSEAD | Strategy Consultant | EM | 5★ Case Interviewer | 50+ Live Case Interviews | 350+ Cases Solved
8 Answers
100+ Views
+5
Mckinsey Interviews
9
on Feb 18, 2026
Middle East
8
100+
Top answer by
Alessandro
Coach
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
8 Answers
100+ Views
E
+5