Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
Sort by
Last Activity
Newest question
Newest answer
Answer upvotes
Most views
Most relevant
Limit Selection
Answered
Your Tag Subscriptions

How to find out categories of core business generate positive earnings contribution

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jan 20, 2024
Anonymous A gave the best answer on Jan 20, 2024
Since the profit margin keeps constant over years, I doubt the client did not have a proactive plan for supplier management. What they are selling can likely be found from many suppliers in China, Southeast Asia, etc. T ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
3.3 k
Views
36
Total Upvotes
on Jan 20, 2024 on Jan 20, 2024
Last Activity

gross profit margin planning

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jan 15, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 10, 2024) is from:
LK
Expert
50% off
LK
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 10, 2024
50% off
Hi Yiqing,The case uses the same distribution percentages because it is based on the same total sales number (EUR 590m) that still includes the sales portion of the <5 EUR category. You could use a new percentage dis ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
127
Views
32
Total Upvotes
on Jan 15, 2024 on Jan 15, 2024
Last Activity

Charge shipping

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Nov 04, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 04, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 04, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Could you flag the exact point in the case which you are referencing? In general, where data is provided, you cannot assume. Where data is NOT provided, you can estimate with reasonable logic.
2
Answers
245
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Nov 04, 2023 on Nov 04, 2023
Last Activity

Why do we use the revenue given in table 1 for the gross profit planning and not the revenue that we calculated before?

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Oct 12, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 12, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 12, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there! Great question. In theory, you could use both. The case is formulated in a rather convoluted way.  In the actual case interview, I'd discuss this with the interviewer. At the end of the day, that's what they'r ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
242
Views
7
Total Upvotes
on Oct 12, 2023 on Oct 12, 2023
Last Activity

Cat lavatories Labor costs

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jun 27, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 27, 2023) is from:
Andi
Expert
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Andi
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 27, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Hi there, Might be a bit of an inaccuracy in the case language here, which leads to confusion. technically, the $5m labor cost are linked directly to production here (reference below Table 3) and hence should be conside ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
396
Views
20
Total Upvotes
on Jun 27, 2023 on Jun 27, 2023
Last Activity

Cost of transport quantitative analysis

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on May 29, 2023
The best answer (on May 26, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on May 26, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Jaime, I *think* you're right. I didn't write the case so am not 100% sure. But having a quick look I agree with you
3
Answers
390
Views
23
Total Upvotes
on May 29, 2023 on May 29, 2023
Last Activity

Gross margin

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Mar 05, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 03, 2023) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 03, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: While I did not find any information about how the gross margin is calculated in this specific case study, I would advise you to assume that it follows the standard ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
497
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Mar 05, 2023 on Mar 05, 2023
Last Activity

Gross profit

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jan 18, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 18, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 18, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Moritz, You need to help us help you. There are about 10 different calcualtions in this case (difference price points, years, etc.) Can you please specificy exactly what section you're talking about and which exact c ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
536
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Jan 18, 2023 on Jan 18, 2023
Last Activity

Rohertragsmarge Prognose - 590 Mio.€ oder 501 Mio. €?

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jan 13, 2022
The best answer (on Jan 13, 2022) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 13, 2022
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hallo Lynn, vielen lieben Dank für die Frage, zu der ich sehr gerne meine Perspektive teile: In Schaubild 3 wird dargestellt, dass Katzentoiletten einen Umsatz im J3 von 70 Mio. EUR haben, wobei dieses Geschäftsfeld ja ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
726
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Jan 13, 2022 on Jan 13, 2022
Last Activity

Question about sales planning

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Recent activity on Jan 11, 2022
The best answer (on Jan 10, 2022) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 10, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Xuqi, In real life what you did is correct! In a case, they care more about just assessing certain things. The case may or may not have you assume growth - it's up to the case creator/interviewer. It's always good to ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
952
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Jan 11, 2022 on Jan 11, 2022
Last Activity

Berücksichtigung Lohnkosten Katzentoilette bei Rohertragsplanung

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Nov 10, 2021
The best answer (on Nov 10, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 10, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Answered here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/consideration-of-labour-costs-for-cat-toilet-in-gross-profit-planning-12070
1
Answer
677
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Nov 10, 2021 on Nov 10, 2021
Last Activity

Consideration of labour costs for cat toilet in gross profit planning

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Nov 10, 2021
The best answer (on Nov 10, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 10, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi David, I'm a bit confused by your question, but I do think the answer is in the case (See below): Termination of production and sale of cat lavatories Cat lavatories are a loss-maker as they do not generate gross pro ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
654
Views
7
Total Upvotes
on Nov 10, 2021 on Nov 10, 2021
Last Activity

Is it normal for a case to have this much information verbally communicated by interviewer?

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jan 26, 2021
The best answer (on Jan 25, 2021) is from:
Ken
Expert
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
Ken
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 25, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
Roland Berger cases are known to be a lot more detailed than an average case so I wouldn't be too worried!
5
Answers
981
Views
13
Total Upvotes
on Jan 26, 2021 on Jan 26, 2021
Last Activity

How do we put Cat Lavatories sales and costs in relation?

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jan 25, 2021
The best answer (on Jan 24, 2021) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 24, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello Eleonora! Though I see what you mean, I would honestly not read too much into it. When they tell you something as part of the prompt, in this case that sales are 70 million and gross margin is 0%, indeed the pur ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.0 k
Views
28
Total Upvotes
on Jan 25, 2021 on Jan 25, 2021
Last Activity

How do you know what factors to look for? Why product distribution and purchasing?

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Dec 14, 2020
The best answer (on Dec 13, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 13, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
In the initial prompt you are told "Combined with a significant increase in shipping costs, this led to a negative result for the first time"...and " Against the background of expected stagnating sales for the current f ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
875
Views
10
Total Upvotes
on Dec 14, 2020 on Dec 14, 2020
Last Activity

Why are gross profit margins calculated using last year's revenues (590 EUR) and not 501.5 EUR?

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Nov 13, 2020
The best answer (on Nov 13, 2020) is from:
Pankaj
Expert
Bain Manager and Ex- Accenture | >5 years of coaching experience | Experienced Interviewer | Personalised coaching
Pankaj
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 13, 2020
Bain Manager and Ex- Accenture | >5 years of coaching experience | Experienced Interviewer | Personalised coaching
Even if you use the 501.5 EUR number, the answer remains the same. In this case, the % share of sales would need to be updated now considering <5 EUR category doesnt exist anymore. For example, for category 6-10 EU ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
988
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Nov 13, 2020 on Nov 13, 2020
Last Activity

Shipping costs ?

improving profitability Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Oct 07, 2020
The best answer (on Oct 07, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 07, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Raouf, Two points here. 1) It's better to post your question directly on the case here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/roland-berger-case-onlinest ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
930
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Oct 07, 2020 on Oct 07, 2020
Last Activity

Gross Profit Calculation for the next year

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Aug 16, 2020
The best answer (on Aug 16, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 16, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Prakash, No we cannot do that. Remember, we're actually completely getting rid of the <5 Euro products. If we stop selling that product, it's not like people will end up buying other products from us. The produc ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
1.1 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Aug 16, 2020 on Aug 16, 2020
Last Activity

Another solution for Supplier delay problem & transportation costs

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jul 27, 2020
The best answer (on Jul 27, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 27, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi, I have a feeling you are the same person who asked the other "Price differentiations & brand development" question? I think you're forgetting the point of a case here! The goal is not to come up with all o ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
1.2 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Jul 27, 2020 on Jul 27, 2020
Last Activity

Price differentiations & brand development

Roland Berger Case: Onlinestar
Most recent answer on Jul 27, 2020
The best answer (on Jul 27, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 27, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, You're not wrong. But you're also not right ;) Never forget the OBJECTIVE. While you are right about the risk to cutting low margin products, in this case you can only include it as a risk. It's a good r ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
1.1 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Jul 27, 2020 on Jul 27, 2020
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 29 results
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely