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Laying out the structure of a two-part question? Full framework from the beginning?

Structure
Recent activity on Jan 07, 2019
3 Answers
1.8 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 06, 2019

Hey guys - I have a question on laying out the initial structure of a two part question.

Example objective: Our client would like to know 1. what is causing profits to decline, and 2. what they can do to reverse this trend.

My question - Should I attempt to write a framework for Part 2. at the beginning of the case, or should I leave writing a framework for Part 2. until after I've solved Part 1?

It seems like until Part 1. is answered, it's hard to know what to put in the Part 2. structure. But, at the same time, I've read that it's important to layout a full structure from the very beginning.

Any suggestions on how to approach and structure this type of two-part question would be much appreciated.

Cheers

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Best answer
Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 07, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

You should only provide the structure to answer the first question.

Once you find out the root cause of the problem - you can start proposing the recommendations and answering the second question.

Best

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Guennael
Expert
updated an answer on Jan 07, 2019
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

This will actually happen often in MBB cases. As Sidi explained, you can only highlught there will be a second part, but don't yet have all the information required to structure that section. Dont forget / feel free to ask for a minute of reflection when you get there, always better than trying to think on the fly.

(edited)

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Sidi
Expert
updated an answer on Jan 06, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi Anonymous,

you only outline your approach: two steps to take, step 1 will be the diagnostic which you can detail out (quantitative and qualitative analysis of root causes for profit decline). Step 2 will then be an outline of measures to address the precise reasons that you will have identified during the diagnostic. No further detailing is needed (and possible!) for step 2 at the initial structuring. You detail it out it once you are done with the diagnostic (step 1) and understand WHAT has happened and WHY it has happened.

Cheers, Sidi

(edited)

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