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
Bain & Company
Bain Case: BeautyCo – Where Did the Profits Go?
4.6
52.0k 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
Smart Meters
4.4
35.1k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Market analysis
Market entry
New product
Operations strategy
Profitability analysis
The municipal utility Hamburg Energized is a local energy retail (power and gas) and distribution grid company active in(...)
The municipal utility Hamburg Energized is a local energy retail (power and gas) and distribution grid company active in the city of Hamburg. The majo(...)
Expert case by
FastFood Chain Turnaround
5.0
900+ times solved
Difficulty: Beginner
Candidate-led
Profitability analysis
Our client (FastFood Co) is a fast-food company that has > 20 restaurants in the city. Recently, the business has enc(...)
Our client (FastFood Co) is a fast-food company that has > 20 restaurants in the city. Recently, the business has encountered significant challenge(...)
Expert case by
BCG Round 1 Case: Telecommunication Troubles
5.0
800+ times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Profitability analysis
Your client, Convo Telco, is a leading national telecommunications player in a developing country. They offer both mobil(...)
Your client, Convo Telco, is a leading national telecommunications player in a developing country. They offer both mobile and fixed (e.g. broadband, i(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Sticky USB-Sticks
4.6
8.4k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Competitive response
Growth strategy
Operations strategy
Profitability analysis
Du berätst den USB-Stick Produzenten "Sticky". Das bisher profitable USB-Stick Geschäft wird dieses Jahr zum e(...)
Du berätst den USB-Stick Produzenten "Sticky". Das bisher profitable USB-Stick Geschäft wird dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal rote Zahlen schreibe(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Baby Clothing Market Entry
4.1
4.5k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Market entry
Profitability analysis
Our client is a consumer packaged goods company looking for top-line growth opportunities. They are considering extendin(...)
Our client is a consumer packaged goods company looking for top-line growth opportunities. They are considering extending its pre-existing baby produc(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Increasing net worth of Johnny Depp
4.3
2.6k times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Brain teaser
Market analysis
New product
Johnny Depp, now 56 years old, has started to feel that his acting career is about to get over. His net worth cross(...)
Johnny Depp, now 56 years old, has started to feel that his acting career is about to get over. His net worth crossed over $650 million at t(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Make Steakhouse Great Again!
4.4
7.8k times solved
Difficulty: Advanced
Candidate-led
Capacity change
Growth strategy
Operations strategy
Your client is a Franchisee of a popular Steakhouse-chain in Germany. The Franchisee currently owns 2 Steakhouse-restaur(...)
Your client is a Franchisee of a popular Steakhouse-chain in Germany. The Franchisee currently owns 2 Steakhouse-restaurants and wants you to investig(...)
Expert case by
Pets Medicine Profit Improvement
0.0
300+ times solved
Difficulty: Beginner
Candidate-led
Profitability analysis
Your client is a global drug company producing and selling medicine (pills, powder, ointments, injections, etc.) for a v(...)
Your client is a global drug company producing and selling medicine (pills, powder, ointments, injections, etc.) for a variety of pets (dogs, cats, bi(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
Deep Water Rescue
3.2
2.2k times solved
Difficulty: Advanced
Candidate-led
Market analysis
Profitability analysis
Deep water is a European manufacturer of small yachts and premium boats for private customers. The company operates in E(...)
Deep water is a European manufacturer of small yachts and premium boats for private customers. The company operates in Europe and the Middle East and(...)
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(...)
Company case by
FTI-Andersch AG
FTI-Andersch AG Case: Business Transformation – Global Plastics AG
5.0
300+ times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Interviewer-led
Growth strategy
Market analysis
Operations strategy
Die Global Plastics AG ist ein im M-DAX gelistetes Unternehmen mit weltweit 2.500 Mitarbeitenden und einer Gesamtleistun(...)
Die Global Plastics AG ist ein im M-DAX gelistetes Unternehmen mit weltweit 2.500 Mitarbeitenden und einer Gesamtleistung in Höhe von € 395,0 Mio. in(...)
Company case by
FTI-Andersch AG
FTI-Andersch AG Case: Turnaround – Global Plastics AG
5.0
700+ times solved
Difficulty: Beginner
Candidate-led
Restructuring
Sie wurden vom Vorstand der Global Plastics AG beauftragt, die wirtschaftliche Performance der Unternehmens-Gruppe im Ra(...)
Sie wurden vom Vorstand der Global Plastics AG beauftragt, die wirtschaftliche Performance der Unternehmens-Gruppe im Rahmen eines Independent Busines(...)
Expert case by
Chemical Merger Synergies
4.8
600+ times solved
Difficulty: Intermediate
Candidate-led
Mergers & Acquisition
Two global chemical companies announced their intent to merge. Senior management of the two companies called your firm t(...)
Two global chemical companies announced their intent to merge. Senior management of the two companies called your firm the day after the merger was an(...)
Case by
PrepLounge
The Madhouse Animation Crisis
4.2
6.7k times solved
Difficulty: Advanced
Candidate-led
Competitive response
New product
Profitability analysis
Your client is Madhouse Studios, one of the largest anime producers in Japan. The anime-industry is flourishing. Origina(...)
Your client is Madhouse Studios, one of the largest anime producers in Japan. The anime-industry is flourishing. Originally revenue was generated main(...)
Company case by
Oliver Wyman
Oliver Wyman Case: Full Electrons Ahead
4.4
134.5k 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(...)
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(...)
Expert case by
Paper Product Overseas Growth
4.0
400+ times solved
Difficulty: Advanced
Candidate-led
Growth strategy
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
Bodybuilding Made Easy
4.0
11.3k times solved
Difficulty: Advanced
Candidate-led
Market analysis
Market entry
Market sizing
New product
Operations strategy
Your client is a newly founded protein company. Its owners are two brothers. One of them is a chemist and the other one(...)
Your client is a newly founded protein company. Its owners are two brothers. One of them is a chemist and the other one is a very famous fitness model(...)

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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