Hi there,

I'm not sure I understand your exact pain point, which may relate to data sufficiency and/or building fit for purpose formulas.

Let's test by looking at some scenarios:

• Scenario 1: You have a fit for purpose formula laid out, given to you or derived by yourself based on context and objective → In this case you must ‘simply’ slot in the values you have and make estimations for those you don't have, ideally in agreement through conversation with the interviewer. Data insufficiency and the need for estimations and purposefully placed in the case.
• Scenario 2: You have a number of variables but no formula to solve for a given objective → In the absence of a formula that is fit for purpose, you won't be able to tell as to whether your data set is sufficient/insufficient. In this case, you must be clear on the objective you're solving for and develop a formula with unknown variables, including units (e.g. x US$ revenue/unit sold).
• Scenario 3: You neither have formula nor variables, which is more common than you think e.g. market sizing → In this case you must be clear on the objective you're solving for and develop a formula with variables that you can entirely estimate.

Reflect on the above and let us know which scenario we're talking about - this will allow us to guide you better.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Hello!

First, you don´t need to know right from the start whether you have everthing or not, you can finds this out as you progress in the problem. 

What always helps is try to break down the calculations in all the little pieces at the beginning, and then see what you have and can get, and what is missing. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi there,

This is all founded on good case leadership!

You need to develop your ability to drive the case forward.

To do so, you need to be extremely clear on the objective. Then, at every stage of the case you need to use frameworking to figure out the pathways of where you might go.

If you can determine what you need to calculate and why, then you can setup the general formula to get there and see what variables/data are missing!

This is extremely hard to learn on your own…if you're struggling, consider getting a coach to help you with the case (math) leadership!

Hi there, 
Math portion of a case is heavily dependent on whether your equation solves the problem statement. Once you have laid out the equation correctly you have won 70-80% of the battle, the rest is assessing if I already have the data or do I need additional data or taking logical assumptions (in case of market estimation) to do the computation. I would suggest you focus on estimation drills to improve your ability to convert a problem into a math equation 

Thanks

Ashwin 

You have many great answers here to draw from.

In general, I would say the easiest way to know this is by first aligning on the approach with the interviewer. Once you do that it should become clearer what data points are needed to solve the question. It is also okay to ask for the data points once you start solving it.