Bain Case Style - anyone else agree?

Hi,

You can use the following approach: 

1. Take a minute to look at the graph
2. Read the graph title
3. Look at the graph type and define the type (pie chart, line chart, etc)
4. Look at the legend (ask for clarifying questions if necessary)
5. Identify whats going on on the graph. Look for: Trends, % structures,
6. Look for unusual things - correlations, outliers,
7. Make 3-4 conclusions from the graph. Think of potential hypothesis on what could be the root cause / what are the consequences of correlations / outliers / anything unusual
8. Prioritize the most important for your current analysis and move forward with the case

Sources to learn from (prioritized):

1. Study "Say it with Charts" book by Barbara Minto
2. Learn basic statistics (Any GMAT or MBA prep guides)
3. Check all available MBB presentations and publications. Practice to derive conclusions and check yourself with the actual ones from the article / presentation
4. GMAT IR part (Official guide and Manhattan prep)
5. "Consulting Bible" and "Vault guide for consulting" - check the chapters on cases with graphs in these books

Good luck!

Would like to add to make sure you keep your awareness levels on high for potential linkages between graphs. The ability to generate insights by connecting data presented in different charts during interviews is critical.

Hope it helps,

Andrea

Hi there,

I’d recommend you ask your case partners on preplounge to give you real Bain cases they got from someone else - there are quite a couple circulating and they give you a good idea of what the cases are in reality. 

The cases focus often on PE, market sizing or profitability issues. If you practice these topics even using case book or other mbb cases, you should be good! Also you can try to do market sizing yourself talking out loud and try to think of two or three different approaches (e.g. supply or demand based)