This article is from a series of articles on management consulting. You can access the previously published resources at:
This article will deal with frameworks for case solving in consulting interviews.
What are frameworks?
A framework is a logical structure used to analyze a given problem or situation. It is essentially a way to structure your analysis. A framework is basically used to aid you, as you attempt to solve a specific case. There are dozens of frameworks available on the internet and in case books. Below is an example of a very basic framework used to solve a profit maximization case.
Which frameworks to use?
As you begin with your preparation, you will notice that each case book has given you its own set of frameworks. It then becomes confusing to choose between different frameworks from different sources. You can make this selection in two steps:
Step 1: Only consider a framework if it is MECE (discussed in this article)
Step 2: Amongst the MECE frameworks, pick the framework that makes the most logical sense to you. You can try using different frameworks while solving a certain type of case and judge for yourself which framework is more effective.
Bear in mind that a framework should not be very specific. It should apply to several variations of a given case type. Two sources that have excellent frameworks are the books Case Interviews Cracked and the IIM-A case book.
How to make the best use of frameworks?
The role of a framework in your preparation changes and evolves through three stages:
Stage I - Starting your case preparation
In the initial stages of your case preparation, you need to pick a framework relevant to the type of case you’re solving, learn its various components, and attempt to implement it as you solve the case. Here, the framework will essentially help you to structure your thoughts, to be MECE, and it will guide you to solve the case.
Stage II - Personalizing Frameworks
As you progress with your preparation, you need to start developing and personalizing the frameworks that you use. This way you can make the framework more comprehensive and put it in a form that you’re comfortable with. This also helps to distinguish you in an interview from candidates who use typical frameworks right out of a book. You should ideally have a basic framework for each main case type. (List of case types given here).
Stage III - Moving beyond Frameworks
Remember that frameworks are only meant to guide you as you solve a case. However, you should never be bound by any framework, or try to force-fit a framework where it is not applicable. As you move closer to your interview date, you should attempt to solve cases where typical frameworks cannot be directly applied. Here, you will need to develop a framework on the go, as you solve the case. This is very typical of a partner round interview, wherein your pre-prepared frameworks may not be of much use. (Read about different rounds of interviews here)
You've now understood how to effectively use frameworks as you prepare and participate in consulting interviews. The key is to really practice solving cases using frameworks. There is no point in reading framework after framework unless you are skilled in using these frameworks to solve a variety of cases.
You can connect with me for a session to help you better prepare for an interview or if you want to solve mock cases with me. Wishing you all the best.
Further Reading:
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