Procurement cases

I probably wouldn't advise last minute case prep like this, but sure, here's some info to help:

Remember for procurement/supply chain, first you need to ask objective. In general this will either be "Reducing Costs" or "Fixing/Optimizing Production"

Within Reducing Costs, this could be contract renegotiation, finding new supplies, locking in futures contracts, automating processes (replace labor), changing transport methods, etc.

Within Optimizing Production, this could be a lot of the same i.e. automating processes, finding new suppliers, changing transport methods

Generally, you'll want to segment the supply chain/procurement process to identify problems (i.e. where taking the longest or costing the most).

For Practice Cases Try The Following

1) Search on Operations here (already done): https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases?language=en&topic[]=8&sort=real-case-desc&page=1&perPage=20

2) Google and casebooks are your friend. For example (https://managementconsulted.com/case-interview/case-interview-examples-master-list/)...go to Accenture, Amex, AT Kearney, Deloitte, and LEK sections which specifically call out operations.

3) Send me a message and I can provide you with a few good ones and/or case you in them!

Hi!

Check out the case library here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases

Use ‘procurement’ as a key word to find out the cases that fit best. 

You can also leverage ChatGPT to generate you cases specifically from this industry. 

Sharing with you a few cases of my own (not only from Procurement but containing detailed interviewer notes which will help with setting your expectations):

• https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/intermediate/element-mobile-expands-into-refurbished-phones-mbb-2nd-round-302
• https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/advanced/mbb-first-round-soy-technologies-303
• https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/advanced/mbb-second-round-codewave-employee-turnover-challenge-304

Good luck!
Cristian

Hi,

good comments here in terms of overview. As a general remark, your questions seem very fundamental. It's probably not a good idea to address them only one day before the interview. If you are not already familiar with the stuff, there is a high likelihood that you won't be able to sufficiently digest it all before the interview - even if you received the best practice cases here.

I hope your interview went well but I would recomment to allow yourself some more time to prepare next time around.

Best of luck

Hi,

Congrats on the interview invite. 

Considering its a procurement consulting firm, it is not unreasonable to expect a procurement focus/slant in the case questions. 

But the reality is that even within procurement, there could numerous permutations of specific case ‘topics’ you could get

• E.g. it might be a case on how to reduce cost for a key product category
• E.g. it might be a question on improving negotiation / client enablement 
• E.g. it could be a case on how to improve procurement department's processes
• E.g. it could be a case to help client decide if they implement a new technology/software for procurement

All of the above are case types that I've done myself or have seen in the offices I was at.

The best structures are structures that answer the question/objective and is tailored to the context of the case. A good structure breaks down a concept or question into MECE drivers. Therefore the most useful thing for you to ask is “what drives this?” and think of an appropriate MECE breakdown.

The questions that you will need to ask to investigate will also really depend on what the case context/prompt is and what key question you are trying to answer. 

Hi!

I used to work as an in-house operations consultant at an e-commerce startup. Some of my projects were procurement related. Also I've got a couple supple chain / procurement cases in my library.

DM me if interested, 1st session is 50% off.

Regards,
Nick

Hi Tia,

happy to help with my bank of cases:

#1: Strategic Sourcing for a Pharmaceutical Company: A pharmaceutical company is looking to optimize its procurement strategy for key raw materials used in drug manufacturing. How would you approach this?

#2: Procurement Process Improvement for a Retailer: A large retail corporation is experiencing inefficiencies in its procurement processes, leading to delays and increased costs. Propose actionable recommendations to streamline the procurement process and reduce operational costs.

#3: Vendor Selection for a Technology Firm: A technology company is in the process of selecting a vendor for a critical component in its flagship product. What factors should the firm consider when deciding on a vendor?

#4: Sustainability in Supply Chain for an Automotive Manufacturer: An automotive manufacturer is committed to enhancing its sustainability practices. Evaluate the environmental impact of the current supply chain, propose sustainable alternatives and outline a plan to integrate eco-friendly procurement practices.

#5: Global Expansion Procurement Strategy for a Logistics Company: A logistics company is planning to expand its operations to new international markets. Identify potential procurement challenges in the new regions.