How do I structure a qualitative case such that the structure is MECE? And how can I structure it in time constraint (below 5 mins)
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview
10
Qualitative Case
1
3.4k
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Vlad
on May 29, 2018
Coach
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi!
This is a very broad question. In fact, you have a minute to make a MECE structure.
It definitely comes with practice. Here is an algorithm how to develop this skill:
- Make sure you understand all the different types of cases that you may face
- Identify the most appropriate structure for each type
- Solve 30-50 cases and try to understand where do they fit in your categorizations
- Based on your experience think of the potential variations in structures within each of the case types
Here is some inspiration for you. Below you can find a list of the most common case types and some high-level recommendations on structuring:
- Market sizing - structuring from the supply or demand side. Structuring using a formula or using an issue tree
- Profitability - basic profitability framework. Remember about different revenue streams and product mix
- Market context cases (Market Entry, New product, Acquisition, etc). Always start with the big picture "market". Finish with something specific to the case (e.g. How to enter?"). Structure it as if you are defining the work streams for the real project.
- Operational math problem (e.g. Should we increase the speed of an elevator or just buy a second one? How should we reduce the queues? Etc.) - Structuring as a process / value chain, with inflows, operations, and outflows
- Cost cutting - I provided the recommendations on structuring it here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/operations-cases-mck-1105#a2134
- Valuation - Purely financial structure with cash flows, growth rate, WACC / hurdle rate, etc.
- Synergies - revenue synergies (price, qty, mix) and cost synergies (value chain).
- Social / economics cases (e.g. How to improve the quality of life in the city? How to increase the revenues of the museum?) - huge variability. Practice 3-5 social cases before the interview
This is just for inspiration. You should ideally make your own system.
Best of luck!
0 comments
Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Are some people simply not build to case?
8
on Oct 22, 2025
USA
6
300+
Top answer by
Annika
Coach
30% off first session | Bain | MBB Coach | ICF Coach | HEC Paris MBA | 13+ years experience
6 Answers
300+ Views
+3
Beginner Preparing for EY-Parthenon Take-Home Case
6
on Oct 22, 2025
Europe
2
100+
Top answer by
Cristian
Coach
Most Awarded Coach on the platform | Ex-McKinsey | 90% success rate
2 Answers
100+ Views
“Is a pivot into MBB Middle East still realistic at 33 with 9 years in energy investments?”
6
on Oct 22, 2025
Middle East
4
100+
Top answer by
Margot
Coach
10% discount for 1st session I Ex-BCG, Accenture & Deloitte Strategist | 6 years in consulting I Free Intro-Call
4 Answers
100+ Views
+1
Did Bain London close applications early?
7
on Oct 22, 2025
UK
3
100+
Top answer by
Kevin
Coach
Ex-Bain (London) | Private Equity & M&A | 8+ Yrs Coaching | The Reflex Method | Free Intro Call
3 Answers
100+ Views
Bain – Time Between Deadline and R1 Invites?
9
on Oct 23, 2025
Canada
5
100+
Top answer by
Cristian
Coach
Most Awarded Coach on the platform | Ex-McKinsey | 90% success rate
5 Answers
100+ Views
+2