Hi there. The type of question you mentioned is very similar to the brainstorm question you get during case interview. However, the difference between this kind of question and brainstorm is that, for brainstorm, which usually comes towards the end of a case, you've already presented your main structure before, and have done some deep analysis on the hypothesis, while for this one you'll need to wire back and start from structuring.

Therefore, if this is the only question you get, you should treat it as a mini-case - so you follow the same steps as case cracking, i.e. structuring, prioritize, build hypothesis, verify hypothesis, provide insights and recommendation.

For the online banking profitability question you used as an example, I would suggest you start with the profitability structure for initial analysis. Then you can use the growth structure to brainstorm ideas on growth levers. If entering a new market proves to be a viable option, then use market entry structure to build a valid strategy.

Hope this helps! If you need further elaboration, feel free to send me a direct message :)

Erica is spot on. Treat such questions as mini-cases and follow the same steps.

One extra tip would be to be bold/innovative in your solution ideas- think digital, AI, ML, Sustainability etc.

For the specific question on bank profit, this is your classic profitability case. So start there and build on it and provide good ideas/solutions.

(edited)

Hi there,

Most cases actually are some combination of case types (and there's often overlap even when thinking across case types).

Think of this as primarily a profit case. That said, if cutting costs and adjusting prices doesn't increase profits enough, then growth elements now exist. If part of that growth is launching new products or entering new geographies/customer groups, then it's now also market entry!

My honest structure though would be 1) Look to optimize the existing business and 2) Look to grow profits in related products 3) Look to grow profits in related industries.

#1 would need a set of subbuckets to ensure you're doing due justive to the primary prompt question.