Unnecessary data / columns

Hi there. When it comes to maths/calculation, the best way and the safest way is to organize your thinking (some may call it structure) before digging into the numbers, meaning you need to know what you're calculating and what numbers you will need before starting the actual calculation. 

For example, interviewer may ask you "Do you think the new strategy will bring us more profit next year?" What you need to do/say is as below:

Step 1: "In order to know whether the new strategy will bring us more profit next year, we need to calculate how much profit we are making right now, and how much profit we will be making after implementing the new strategy next year"

Step 2: "Therefore, in order to calculate our current profit, we need to know our current revenue and current cost. In order to calculate the new profit, we need to know the new revenue and new cost. Do you have these numbers for me?"

Step 3: If the interviewer gives you a table or ton of numbers, you will be able to quickly select the ones you need and use them for your calculation

Just a simple example. The point is if you're clear with your thinking structure, numbers, excessive or not, will never hurdle your case solving.

Hope this helps!

Yes absolutely,

I will say that in exhibits (table, graphs, charts) generally only some data are relevant to answer the question - other could be superflous or less relevant.

When data are given verbally its less frequent but could also happen.

To avoid errors I suggest

a - repeat the questions to the interviewer to be sure you got it correctly (e.g., if he/she asks profitability verify if he/she wants profitability in % or the dollars value)

b - always explain how you are structuring your calculation and how do you plan to get to the results before deep dive into calculation

This will help you in figure out if you are not using data because you are missing a part of the calculation or because there are extra data

This is a double-edged sword.

• On one hand - the data could be excessive
• On the other hand - the might actually be useful in some way that you might have overlooked

The best way get over this is through a systematic approach. 

• Create a robust case structure
• Once you receive data points - keep them all together on one sheet
• As you keep useing data points - keep striking them off
• If you feel your analysis is complete and there are unused data points - give one attempt to think of how those data points can be used. You might get some ideas at this stage so hurray!
• If they don't fit in your structured approach, or your rethought approach - then it would probably be an excessive data point.

Do also have a look at this question for more details - https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/improving-case-flowmath-10988

Hi there,

Yes, it absolutely happens! The entire point of a case is to minimize the noise. All cases/projects have an immense amount of data/information. If you are not objective-driven you try to boil the ocean and get lost. As such, this complexity/uneeded info isn't just buried in the prompt, but also in the charts, exhibits, etc.

Be objective-driven and you will navigate those waters!

Yes!