Question - How would you coach an engineer struggling to understand the system?
Case Study Question
Overview of answers
Upvotes
Best answer
Hi Raj,
Could you please edit your question to provide a bit more detail? We're here to help you, but at this point you're not giving us a lot to hang on to. :)
Best,
Cristian
Was this answer helpful?
Hi Raj,
I think you're asking how we would coach you to solve these types of problems, is that right?
This is a process optimization/throughput problem. Essentially, whenever we're looking at throughput, we need to figure out which step/s is/are the bottleneck. The bottleneck = where there is less throughput.
Throughput = units/time.
So, in this case, we need to grab potential throughput and multiply it by entitlement to see how many products go through that step/sub-process. Then, within each process, we need to add those sub-process #s together.
The process with the lowest total # (throughput) is your bottleneck and is where we should focus our efforts!
Was this answer helpful?
You have three machines. The products goes through each of the three machines.
Each machine can do 3 different tasks, so you need to allocate time for each one.
Overall, the product will need to go through the 9 tasks.
So either you have to optimize the process (allocating different time), or find the bottleneck, or the max capacity of the process (which depends on the bottleneck). The question of course, depends on the case and questions being asked.
Was this answer helpful?
Hi there,
Not sure exactly you're after but there's a way to approach these types of questions in conjunction with big tables and lots of numbers.
The key is to create new numbers, but fewer, that collectively tell the story. The question is not testing your engineering skills but your ability to synthesize insights using quant.
Is this going in the right direction? Let me know - happy to elaborate more!
Best,
Moritz
Was this answer helpful?
As before, Just to add to what others are saying, if this is from a preplounge case, you should point us to it so we can have a look.
Was this answer helpful?
Hi Raj,
It is basically impossible to describe in a few sentences how I would be able to help you - especially since I doubt that the only weak spot you might have is understanding this specific system.
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
(edited)
Was this answer helpful?
Related Cases
Company case by Oliver Wyman
Style:
Topics:
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 year. However, sales have been far below the expected numbers. The management has engaged you to support them in understanding the reasons and advise
... (Open whole case)
111.3k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Company case by Roland Berger
Style:
Topics:
LumCO, a company producing injection-molded components for lighting applications, has operated successfully in its native European market. The company wants to open up one production facility each in China and the United States and establish their own distribution network in both countries to serve
... (Open whole case)
85.1k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Company case by zeb
Style:
Topics:
The bank "His Earlship Charles", a domestic retail and private bank is in a difficult situation. Profits have been declining over the past years due to the ongoing low interest rates set by the central bank. Additionally, the bank is suffering from a decreasing number of customers. The board of dire
... (Open whole case)
67.6k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Company case by Oliver Wyman
Style:
Topics:
TrainCo is a manufacturer of rolling stock, or trains, with production sites in three European countries. The company has seen declining profitability over the past years; however, they are currently in a very good position to bid for and win a big contract for regional trains for a Swiss national r
... (Open whole case)
64.6k
Times solved
Beginner
Difficulty
Style:
Topics:
A friend of yours recently got promoted to the position of director of a university library. Yesterday, your friend received a call from the Ministry of Education, who offered him to be part of a national RFID pilot with his library. As your friend is unsure if he should pursue this option, he asks
... (Open whole case)
73.5k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Content Creator
#1 McK Coach by rating & recommendation rate| Honest feedback: no sugar-coating | Success stories ➨ tinyurl.com/43rkxa8f
332
Meetings
8,264
Q&A Upvotes
60
Awards
101 Reviews
