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

Quantify objective

Hi, 

Do we need to quantify & timebound the objectives in all situations?

If the case is "shall we enter this market or introduce this product or buy that new technology etc." how can we approach quantifying? 

4
2.8k
10
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Serhat
Coach
on Apr 22, 2019
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries

Yes, you should. E.g. if it is an investment decision, you can quantify by indexing your approach on NPV. 

Overall NPV in as-is situation vs investment decision.

You can check Moldovian Coffin case for more details

Best

Serhat

Deleted
Coach
on Apr 03, 2019
McKinsey Associate | Coached 80+ MBB candidates | INSEAD MBA & CDI MBA

Hi,

the example you provided is pretty vague, so it's difficult to help.

For sure, you would definitely not jump into the "resolution mode" at that stage.

  • First, try to frame the situation: get a general understanding of the topic, have clear what are you discussing about;
  • Second, try to frame the question: make sure you understand what the interviewer is looking for.

Ps. Time is always a dimension to take in consideration, but rarely the only one.

on Apr 04, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

as mentioned by Vlad, yes, you can quantify the objective also in the cases you mentioned; however, you should first clarify what is the goal of the client. Once understood what is the objective - eg. increase revenues - you can then clarify the amount and time to achieve it.

Best,

Francesco

Vlad
Coach
on Apr 04, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Yes, absolutely! The interviewer will not always have an answer, but you should always try!

In the examples that you provided you can ask one of the following:

  • What will be the criteria for success for us?
  • Do we have any numerical objective in mind?
  • How do we define success?

Remember that even a simple market entry case can have different objective and completely different structures!

Best!

Similar Questions
Consulting
MBB Digital - Last Minute Case Prep
on Jul 16, 2024
Global
4
1.1k
Top answer by
Michael
Coach
Ex-McKinsey EM | I help aspiring consultants from atypical background to nail case interviews
24
4 Answers
1.1k Views
+1
Consulting
Which strategy to adopt for a second time case prep for MBBs?
on Aug 10, 2024
Global
4
1.0k
Top answer by
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
30
4 Answers
1.0k Views
+1
Consulting
How could I best structure and present a 10-min answer for a mini case study of a 10-min duration?
on Jul 18, 2024
Global
2
1.4k
Top answer by
Ariadna
Coach
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
24
2 Answers
1.4k Views