How much can you ask for scope after the prompt?

Most of your questions are a bit too detailed for the clarification. 

You want to understand exactly what the company wants to achieve with the introduction of meals and what it currently does in terms of in-flight service and business model more generally.

Remember that you can have a framework which is MECE but not hit all buckets during the case.

The only relevant question to ask our of the ones you stated was the one around whether they want to focus on the how as well as this would change your structure. 

Hi there,

I think the prompt here is very clear, hence I would refrain from asking for buckets that could be part of your framework (you would not ask a client those questions either).

Rather, you should focus on asking clarification questions around

1. The goal (operationalize it)
2. The situation and/or client

Regarding the number of questions you should ask, it is not about the quantity but the time you need to get through it. Some candidates are very efficient and ask 8 questions in 2 minutes, others need 2 minutes to get through 2 questions…

Cheers,

Florian

Clarification questions should be targeted at 

1. Understanding the prompt
2. Identifying the objective and making it SMART
3. Understanding the business model or the "mechanics"

It is wrong to ask questions on whether we should take into account risks, costs, and implementation of the initiative. Those three things are a fundamental part of the answer, so it is obvious you should consider them. 

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• It can be a good idea to specifically check if the client wants to focus on certain aspects, as this can help to ensure that you are addressing all of the relevant considerations in your analysis. However, it's important to only ask questions that could potentially alter the structure of the analysis, rather than simply seeking confirmation of your own assumptions. By asking specific questions about the factors that the client is interested in, you can ensure that you are providing a comprehensive assessment of the issue at hand.
• In the example you provided, it would be appropriate to ask questions about risks, benefits, costs, and competitors, as these are all important factors to consider when deciding whether to introduce a fresh-cooked menu in business class flights. However, it's important to avoid trying to solve the problem at this stage, and instead focus on clarifying your understanding of the issue and the client's priorities. By asking these questions, you can help to ensure that you are considering all of th

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

Very much agree with my fellow coaches i.e., limit your questions to understanding the problem at that point. What I would like to add is this: Have the confidence to do as you deem right for solving the problem.

Candidates often ask the most basic things instead of showing some confidence and owning the process it. e.g., “do we need xyz”, “should we do abc”, “is it OK to round this number”, etc. Your questions fall into that category.

This doesn't mean that you should be resistant to being steered and by pushy, both of which happens sometimes and is really bad. However, it's equally bad when a candidate is asking the interviewer everything as if this were an exam and a conversation between pupil and professor. The case interview is not an exam (at least you shouldn't think of it as one). It's an eye-to-eye conversation between two professionals about solving a problem. This is the mindset you should get into!

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Hi there,

Nicolas is exactly right. You are already trying to solve the problem. That's not a framework!

Clarifying questions are that which you do not understand. You need to ask things that will help you come up with an approach to solving the problem.

Risks should always be considered. Costs should always be considered where profits are involved. Competitors is trying to solve the case. 

Your only “good” question here is #2 because it's looking to confirm/narrow the scope of your framework/case.

Here's some further reading:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

Hello! 

That is a great question - the general guideline is: “A clarification question after the prompt should not focus on SOLVING the problem but rather UNDERSTANDING the problem”. 

So ask questions if you feel you don't understand the context / industry / product (e.g. pill 236 might be aspirin). 

In your example, the 3 questions you mentioned would help you SOLVE but not UNDERSTAND, so I would not ask those questions. Rather include them in my framework and then prioritize based on your hypothesis (which one might help you answer the prompt the best). 

Hope this helps! 
Cheers