What is most recommended way to present the final suggestions in the case

Hi there,

There are many frameworks out there, but here’s my favorite approach:

1. Answer the main question.
   Start by directly addressing the case prompt. Is it about profitability, market share, a factory location? Always begin with a clear answer on what the CEO should do.
2. Take a stand.
   Avoid vague “it depends” responses. Even if the solution isn’t obvious, choose a position and defend it with confidence.
3. Give your reasons.
   Just like in structuring, support your answer with three clear reasons why you believe it’s correct. List the reasons (preferably 3) and go over then with calm and confidence
4. Acknowledge risks and assumptions.
   Your answer won’t cover everything and that’s fine. Call out assumptions, such as access to capital or successful due diligence, and highlight risks that could affect your recommendation.
5. Suggest next steps.
   Once you’ve taken a stand and flagged the risks, propose what should happen next. This could be conducting market research, testing a pilot, or setting up a dedicated team.

Hope this helps!

Hi there

Q: What is the most recommended way to present the final suggestions in the case

I would recommend the following:

1) Repeat the objective. This will ensure you are answering what is relevant to the case. If you don’t repeat the objective, you might answer the wrong question. As an example:

• “Our goal was to understand (i) why profits are declining and (ii) how we could increase profits by XYZ.”

2) Provide an answer-first solution. You don’t have to present everything you found in the case, only the answer to the question you just repeated and its supporting factors. You should use points analyzed during the case to justify your recommendation:

• “After our initial analysis, we found that profits are declining due to a decrease in revenues in Division 1 and that, in order to increase profits, with the information we have so far, it seems a good idea to enter Market A. This is based on the following reasons:
  • [SPECIFIC FINDINGS 1]
  • [SPECIFIC FINDINGS 2]
  • [SPECIFIC FINDINGS 3]”

3) Provide risks/next steps suggestions. You can always include risks and next steps in your conclusion. You can refer to the elements that you did not have time to cover present in your initial structure or to risks related to the analysis you have performed during the case:

• “As next steps, we would also like to consider the following… [RISKS/NEXT STEPS]”

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

The recommended way to present final suggestions in a consulting case is to structure your conclusion like a mini client presentation:

1. Start with the answer upfront – be decisive and state your recommendation in one clear sentence (e.g., “I recommend the client enters Market X through a JV”).
2. Support with 2–3 key reasons – summarise only the most critical drivers that led you there, not the full analysis.
3. Address risks / caveats – show awareness by highlighting potential concerns or assumptions.
4. End with next steps – suggest concrete actions the client should take to move forward.

This way, your conclusion is clear, concise, and client-ready – exactly what interviewers want to see.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.
 

Best, 

Evelina 

All answers very similar, but never the same.

So let me highlight a couple of things.

1. You should repeat the objective. This makes clear that the recommendation is tied to achieving a specific objective

2. I'm not fully aligned on the on the "risks" and "next steps". I don't think most candidates understand correctly what is meant here. Let me break down into what really comes at the end:

1. Next Steps: this is further analysis that is required to come up with the final recommendation. Basically stuff you wanted to do but can't because time is up, and need to give a recommendation without all the required information. (e.g. we have the right product and price, but we have not analyzed distribution channels);
2. Caveats: Factors that work in the opposite direction (e.g. this is the recommendation but... "we have a higher price vs. competition)
3. Risks: sensitivity analysis... things that change the answer if they suddenly change (e.g. "answer would be different if cocoa price increased by 30%") 

What is critical here is that you NEVER come up with next steps / caveats / risks that you didn't consider during the case. Next steps arise from the initial approach or subsequent discussion; Caveats from your findings; and Risks from your previous analysis.

The final recommendation is your chance to show the interviewer that you are client-ready.

It’s not just about the right answer; it’s about proving you can confidently and clearly present to a real client.

You should start with your confident recommendation, followed by the top 2-3 reasons from your analysis. Then, outline the high-level next steps for the client and briefly mention any key risks. End by asking a question to get their buy-in and show you’re collaborative.

Hey there :)

I recommend keeping it really crisp: start with one clear introduction sentence with your main suggestion, then back it up with three reasons or supporting statements. That way you’re structured, persuasive, and easy to follow.

best, Alessa :)