Learn the case interview basics, practice with 200+ cases, and benefit from extensive test materials, and interactive self-study tools.
Topic Overview
Topic Overview
Getting Started
Learn how to prepare for your case interview in a structured and efficient way, and maximize your chances of success.
Preparation Plan
Self Study
Practice With Peers
Practice with Coaches
Learn all about the different types of cases in consulting interviews and how to be well-prepared for every challenge.
Market Sizing
Market Entry
Brainteaser
Growth Strategy
M&A Cases
Pricing
Competitive Response
Valuation Cases
Profitability Cases
Structuring
Understand why a clear structure is crucial in case interviews and how it helps you solve complex cases efficiently.
Approaching a Case
How to Build a Good Structure
How to Communicate Your Structure
How to Practice Structure
Math in Case Interviews
Learn about the most common mathematical requirements in case interviews and how to handle them confidently and efficiently.
Why Math Matters
Fast Math
How to Practice Math Skills
Back to overview

Business Sense

Business sense refers to the ability to quickly grasp economic dynamics and make decisions that are both strategically and commercially sound. In consulting, it’s not enough to repeat theories from your business degree. What matters is a deep understanding of how companies operate, what drives markets, and what different stakeholders are aiming to achieve.

Consultants with strong business acumen can quickly adapt to new industries, understand client needs, and set priorities that make economic sense. They don’t just ask, “What is analytically correct?” – they also ask, “What truly benefits the company?” This mindset often makes the difference in a case interview.
 

Why Your Business Sense Matters in Consulting

As a consultant, you’re expected not only to analyze complex problems but also to think in a solution-oriented and entrepreneurial way. A strong business mindset helps you put analyses into context, assess actions realistically, and focus on generating maximum client value.

In day-to-day consulting, you're working under pressure, collaborating with decision-makers, and constantly weighing trade-offs. Those who think commercially and can strategically prioritize have a clear edge.

In a case interview, showing that you understand markets and business models is key – it sets you apart and proves your readiness for the job.

👉 In our Case Library, you can prepare effectively with curated practice cases and put your business sense to the test.

Company case by
Oliver Wyman
Oliver Wyman Case: Full Electrons Ahead
4.4
133.3k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Growth strategy
Market analysis
Market sizing
Operations strategy
Your client, large automotive OEM WyCar, has developed its first fully electric vehicle (EV) and introduced it as a pilo(...)
Your client, large automotive OEM WyCar, has developed its first fully electric vehicle (EV) and introduced it as a pilot on the Austrian market last(...)
Company case by
Bain & Company
Bain Case: BeautyCo – Where Did the Profits Go?
4.6
48.9k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Market analysis
Profitability analysis
Our client BeautyCo is a large European perfumery company with 500 shops across Europe. However, BeautyCo has been strug(...)
Our client BeautyCo is a large European perfumery company with 500 shops across Europe. However, BeautyCo has been struggling with a decrease in profi(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Overseas Market Growth - 1st Round BCG Type
4.6
8.2k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Growth strategy
Market analysis
Operations strategy
The client is an Indonesian producer of paper boards which can be further processed into paper boxes, shopping bags, etc(...)
The client is an Indonesian producer of paper boards which can be further processed into paper boxes, shopping bags, etc. They sell in both their dome(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Staubige Wälzer
4.4
4.7k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Market analysis
Mergers & Acquisition
Organizational behavior
Profitability analysis
Dein Klient ist der Vorstand des großen deutschen Lehrmaterialverlags Bego. Er stellt Dir zunächst Daten bereit, zu dene(...)
Dein Klient ist der Vorstand des großen deutschen Lehrmaterialverlags Bego. Er stellt Dir zunächst Daten bereit, zu denen er ein paar Fragen hat.
Company case by
Simon-Kucher
Simon-Kucher Case: GST Cruise Company
4.5
71.0k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Growth strategy
Pricing
Cruise company German Sea Tours (GST) is a successful operator of international cruises. GST currently offers several cr(...)
Cruise company German Sea Tours (GST) is a successful operator of international cruises. GST currently offers several cruise trips, lasting between 5(...)
Expert case by
CoffeeWorks reusable cups
4.1
4.2k times solved
Difficulty: Advanced
Interviewer-led
Market analysis
Market entry
New product
Profitability analysis
CoffeeWorks is one of the leading coffee retail chains in the UK. The client is planning to introduce reusable cups with(...)
CoffeeWorks is one of the leading coffee retail chains in the UK. The client is planning to introduce reusable cups with an aim to decrease the consum(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
PE Portfolio Strategy
4.1
9.1k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Growth strategy
Profitability analysis
We are a private equity firm operating primarily in the automotive industry. We would like you to figure out whether we(...)
We are a private equity firm operating primarily in the automotive industry. We would like you to figure out whether we should increase our portfolio(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
A DSL Provider
4.3
13.8k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Competitive response
Market entry
Profitability analysis
Your client is a large company in the Polish telecommunication sector, providing and maintaining the infrastructure for(...)
Your client is a large company in the Polish telecommunication sector, providing and maintaining the infrastructure for telephony and ADSL and offerin(...)
Expert case by
MBB Second Round - CodeWave employee turnover challenge
0.0
2.8k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Brain teaser
Growth strategy
Organizational behavior
Profitability analysis
Restructuring
Assume our client is CodeWave, a large software development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley. The company has a soli(...)
Assume our client is CodeWave, a large software development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley. The company has a solid reputation in the tech indus(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
In-flight Broadband
4.5
22.8k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Market entry
Pricing
Profitability analysis
Our client is a startup that can deliver broadband internet aboard commercial flights.The company owns a patent on a nec(...)
Our client is a startup that can deliver broadband internet aboard commercial flights.The company owns a patent on a necessary technology. They w(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Music Streaming - Market Sizing
4.4
9.1k times solved
Difficulty: Beginner
Interviewer-led
Brain teaser
Market sizing
Profitability analysis
Your friend is an aspiring artist and is asking for your consulting advise on a problem that he has been struggling with(...)
Your friend is an aspiring artist and is asking for your consulting advise on a problem that he has been struggling with. Your friend (the artist) is(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Electric Mobility
4.2
13.8k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Market analysis
Operations strategy
Our client is a start-up company that wants to mass-produce an electric vehicle for the US market.So far it has develope(...)
Our client is a start-up company that wants to mass-produce an electric vehicle for the US market.So far it has developed a prototype all-electric veh(...)
Expert case by
Opportunity Assessment: Alternative Revenue Streams for a Salt Mine
0.0
500+ times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Market analysis
Market entry
Market sizing
Sustainability
Salty Boy Inc. is an underground salt mine in Texas whose new leadership are supporters of the circular economy. Circula(...)
Salty Boy Inc. is an underground salt mine in Texas whose new leadership are supporters of the circular economy. Circular economy provides a pathway t(...)
Company case by
OC&C
OC&C Strategy Consultants Case: Expansion einer Schmuck Agentur in China
4.6
19.6k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Market analysis
Market entry
Profitability analysis
Unser Kunde, Schmuck Agentur, ist ein führender europäischer Fachhändler für Accessoires und Schmuck. Der Kunde ist derz(...)
Unser Kunde, Schmuck Agentur, ist ein führender europäischer Fachhändler für Accessoires und Schmuck. Der Kunde ist derzeit nur in Europa aktiv und ve(...)
Expert case by
SuperMovil - Telco startup market expansion
4.6
13.2k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Market analysis
Market entry
Market sizing
Mergers & Acquisition
Your client is the CEO of a Europe-based mobile Telco operator, SuperMovil. Their business model is very unique: th(...)
Your client is the CEO of a Europe-based mobile Telco operator, SuperMovil. Their business model is very unique: they are a “virtual Telco”. They(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Carmatics
4.3
18.4k times solved
Difficulty: Beginner
Candidate-led
Market analysis
Market entry
Market sizing
Your client, Virgin Mobile, is interested in offering telematics services to vehicles in the USA with a new brand: Carma(...)
Your client, Virgin Mobile, is interested in offering telematics services to vehicles in the USA with a new brand: Carmatics.Should they enter this ne(...)
Expert case by
Bain Case Style - Growth offensive at ChemCorp [NEW]
4.3
8.8k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Growth strategy
Market analysis
Your client is the Performance Chemicals division (revenues of $500 million) of a Specialty Chemicals Company with total(...)
Your client is the Performance Chemicals division (revenues of $500 million) of a Specialty Chemicals Company with total revenues of $14 billion. The(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Derivatives & Hedging – Interview Questions for Finance
5.0
< 100 times solved
Difficulty: Advanced
Interviewer-led
Mergers & Acquisition
This question set explores how companies use forwards, swaps, and options in practice to manage risk. You’ll cover theor(...)
This question set explores how companies use forwards, swaps, and options in practice to manage risk. You’ll cover theory, applications, and calculati(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Retirement homes
4.5
15.6k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Profitability analysis
Your client is a 5-year-old company that operates retirement homes (where elderly people can receive appropriate care) i(...)
Your client is a 5-year-old company that operates retirement homes (where elderly people can receive appropriate care) in Germany.A few months ago, th(...)

How Business Sense Shows Up in Case Interviews

Your business sense won’t be tested directly – but it shows up in your thinking, your assumptions, and your recommendations. Here are five moments when it really counts:

5 tips on how to show business sense in case interviews

1. Define a clear objective.

Clarify what the company wants to achieve in the case. Is it short-term profit, long-term growth, or a stronger market position? A well-defined goal aligns your analysis and recommendations – and shows you understand the business context.

2. Develop sound hypotheses.

Top candidates derive economically plausible hypotheses. If revenue is dropping, explore potential causes like demandpricing, or competitive pressure.

3. Evaluate actions realistically.

Go beyond theory. Consider real-world feasibility, conflicting objectives, and strategic risks. Instead of simply saying “raise prices,” consider price elasticity, customer segments, and likely competitor reactions.

4. Interpret numbers in the right context.

Numbers only make sense when interpreted correctly. High margins might signal a premium position – or upcoming competitive threatsBusiness sense means understanding what the numbers imply in context.

5. Make a well-founded recommendation.

Your final recommendation should be logical and economically viable. Acknowledge risks or gaps, and show that your solution could succeed in the real world.
 

How to Train Your Business Sense

Business sense isn’t innate – it’s a skill you can develop. The key is to build a solid understanding of economic principles and learn how real-world decisions are made.

Start by regularly reading business news. Outlets like New York Times, the Wall Street Journal or the Financial Times will help you get a feel for marketsbusiness models, and strategic thinking. Go beyond the facts – try to understand the economic rationale behind each story.

When practicing case interviews, stay sharp and reflective. Ask yourself: Is my reasoning not only logical but also economically sound?

Mock interviews with peers are especially helpful. You’ll improve your communication skills and receive valuable feedback.

👉 Use our Meeting Board to find peers and practice together.

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Also, think like an entrepreneur in daily life. Observe companies, analyze new strategies, and reflect on what drives success or failure. The more often you go through this process, the sharper your business intuition becomes – and that’s what sets you apart in interviews.
 

Key Takeaways

Business sense is one of the most important success factors in both consulting and case interviews. It reflects your ability to quickly recognize economic patterns, form sound assumptions, and make realistic, client-oriented decisions. In interviews, what sets top candidates apart isn’t memorized theory but the ability to see the bigger picture: understanding what really matters to a business, prioritizing strategically, and proposing solutions that are both practical and value-driven.

To demonstrate your business sense, it’s crucial to clearly define the objective of the case, develop plausible hypotheses, assess potential actions not only analytically but also from a business standpoint, and interpret numbers within the correct context. Your final recommendation should be not just logical, but economically viable and well thought through.

The good news is that business sense can be learned. By regularly reading business news, reflecting on strategic decisions, working through case interviews critically, and actively seeking feedback, you’ll build a strong foundation in economic thinking. Over time, this mindset will not only boost your interview performance but also set you up for long-term success in consulting.

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