This case is realistic in terms of the difficulty you will see in real case interviews with McKinsey, BCG and Bain. Cases can be interviewer led or interviewee led/candidate led. Shorter in length, more visual, written in understandable English, more culturally diverse, and accessible by a wide … Please confirm, if you accept our tracking cookies. In addition, a business case forecasts the costs, benefits, and risks of an initiative, so decision makers — and even the project initiators — can decide whether a project is worthwhile and why to choose one approach over … You usually have very little time to analyze the problem and develop a recommendation. Due to the limitations of the later, financial services would be deemed as the first description. Adding specifics would create a more effective discussion. ), As minimum wage gradually increases, the difference in pay between common crew members and their floor supervisors will also decrease. Training programs of many fast food chains are very simplistic and not taken seriously very often. Absolutely not. Establishing the type of workforce at McDonald’s enables the reader to understand where problems in training might exist and how to improve training. If so, this article will also be helpful to you. This lack of price change is mainly reflected in the salary cuts of higher-ups within the company. As we mentioned above, candidate-led cases are much harder than interviewer-led cases. The MCAPS system examines store traits and historical selling data to establish store specific modulars, which essentially plan the layout of products to best, suit a particular market. The challenging part is to work through the unimportant data and get to the core of the issue. (Read: How to Write an Essay Introduction in 3 Easy Steps.). And it does not matter who you are interviewing with: Bain, BCG or McKinsey. [5] Many of the employees who work for McDonald’s are high school students without a formal education. In the examples below, I’ve included annotations to help you see what these writers do well. The first factor of why Wal-Mart should pursue this strategy is that it can be easily facilitated in its current operations. This question is most useful because it is an easy question to practice. The second issue involves IT security issues. A market entry case which is good for beginners. Learn the skills to become a leader and contribute to the world. A review of food safety and food hygiene training studies in the commercial sector. Analysis Guidelines Received 5. Business Case Team Members 6. Business Case Analysis Process and Resources II. The Stress-Free Guide to APA Essay Format, Essay Formatting Survival Guide (Infographic), How to Write an Essay Introduction in 3 Easy Steps, How to Make a Thesis Statement the Easy Way (Infographic), How Good Transition Words Can Improve Your Writing, An overview of the company and the problem, Make sure you’ve used the correct citation format (and used the format correctly) for in-text citations. Highlight Your Past Successes to Attract Future Business. *[6] The above paragraph discusses recommendations to improve Walmart’s cost-lowering strategies. (Read: Essay Formatting Survival Guide (Infographic).). When using material from this website, including but not limited to tools, frameworks, concepts and methodologies, please provide the proper citations and attributions. Cases may require a framework or not require a framework. [8] Once again, the writer uses a question format to address the expansion strategy of Walmart. While the information is effective, it could be strengthened through use of evidence that would further support these strategies. Discuss what the main issues in the case are and what would be your approach in this situation. It should take you 15-20 minutes to solve this case. In some cases, business problems also threaten the long term survival of a firm. APA is usually the preferred citation style in business courses. or would this encompass investment accounts, etc. They have seen a decrease in profits of 10% over the last year and the CEO wants to know how to proceed.” Interviewee-led cases are generally much harder than interviewer-led cases because the interviewer is offering far fewer prompts. Business Drivers Triggering This Business Case B. [7] Still, the low pay and high turnover rates make many employees indispensable. Since it has become a common standard for chains such as Burger King and McDonald’s to underperform in terms of service and quality. Options Evaluated 3. Whether it’s through their own private satellite networks, or their EDI systems with suppliers or even the implementation of UPC scanners at the registers, Wal-Mart has been an industry leader in using technology to facilitate this strategy. *[11]. Wal-Mart has also successfully incorporated convenience in their strategy, as some stores are open 24-7, and if one was to look at the multiple services offered, whether it be the automotive garage, pharmacy, restaurant, photo lab, they are effectively becoming a one stop shop. This will further improve their distribution efficiency, as it will reduce the need for unloading to check products, as well as, serve as an internal control function in dealing with shrinkage. Here is a summary list: 5. AUTO MANUFACTURER PROFITABILITY DECREASE, 6. Cases can have the objective function to solve or lack an objective function. But it is a good question to practice with on your own. She also served as co-director of a campus writing center for 2 years. This is an important consideration, yet this argument could be strengthened by adding additional examples and evidence from sources to support this information. It’s been estimated that such technology could unlock supply chain cost savings of 6%. This data is collected, integrated and analyzed in the various information systems, which serve both as great supply chain management tool and a way to establish purchasing patterns of target customers. However, the paper is missing an effective conclusion. The preliminary business case or feasibility study can be more 1,000 pages, including appendices and costing several million dollars.The full business case can cost many millions, and taking at least 12 months to develop and include significant community consultations during the … Your stand begins now. Approval is usually sought from the project sponsor and other interested parties. The specific text I’m discussing is notated with a bracket and a corresponding number [#]. This should be no more than one paragraph. They must solve the case together while the interviewer silently observes. Although on examining Wal-Mart’s practices, the focus is on operational excellence, if one was to look at a variety of the practices currently being used by Wal-Mart in its ability to market its merchandise in unique targeted ways, it becomes clear that Wal-Mart is also following a customer intimacy strategy. And it is probably the most difficult market entry case we can do because most market entry cases that most interviewers focus on have a strong market attractiveness element, market profitability element. Does financial services simply mean a financial institution where you can have a savings, chequing or credit card accounts and have other services such as payroll cheque cashing, money orders, etc. *[12]. This allows them to get away with poor work ethics and less-than-adequate training. What Is in a Business Case Analysis? Wal-Mart has thousands of stores, to facilitate this new in-store service; stores would only have to be slightly modified. Yet like previous sections, the details here are a little vague. In analyzing the various store formats and target markets within each format, it is first important to highlight why Wal-Mart expanded its operations then examine each expansion in some detail to highlight how Wal-Mart targets distinct markets. Before we dive into any particular business case example, you may be asking yourself do all consulting firms use similar interview style? What Is a Reverse Outline and Why Should You Use One? If a program in which verifiable progress is being made, new employees will likely face less confusion in their position. If the writer would like to include a discussion of hygiene concerns, the information should be included earlier in the paper. This paper, however, is missing a conclusion. Strategy, marketing, operations management, ecommerce, success orientations, and entrepreneurship. That is why we at FIRMSconsutling place so much more emphasis on teaching you how to lead cases vs. relying on the interviewer to lead. Quite simply as Wal-Mart developed over the decades, it continually sought ways to become more efficient and for new avenues in which to pursue profitable growth. 30 Examples of Business Problems posted by John Spacey, May 22, 2018. Business problems are current or long term challenges and issues faced by a business. If workers are paid appropriate wages, they will likely be motivated to work harder. Proven for international student learners. [6] Background information and a discussion of the problem should be supported with evidence. Another example of this segmentation is evident in Wal-Mart having 3 distinct store formats, which are also segmented to particular target markets. *[14]. [3] Many workers have minimal education and/ or work experience, and are often younger. Operations cases can be tackled in two ways: strategy and operations and within operations from productivity and the supply chain side. A business plan will show your ideas and include marketing plans and research, a SWOT analysis , and even outline how much capital funding you may need for investors. (If you want a refresher about the specifics, read How to Write a Case Study That Means Business.) Inadequate or no… Executive Summary A. To complete the All new businesses or potential business ideas do need a business plan–but, as you will see in our business case examples, a business plan is not the same thing as a business case. It helps more people find us. The use of business cases was developed by faculty members of the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in the 1920s. Decision Team Composition 4. It’s also missing in-text citations within the case study and a list of references at the end. During a case interview, an interviewer presents a situation or case and then asks the applicant to explore the From provoking robust student-led discussions to disentangling complex business concepts, cases are strong pedagogical vehicles for building the confidence and critical thinking students need to boldly take a position and convincingly express their ideas. *[14] The above three paragraphs provide a detailed overview of why Walmart’s current strategy is effective. [3] Many workers have minimal education and/ or work experience, and are often younger. Each of these case study examples does an excellent job of outlining the challenges, solutions, and results provided. Currently, references have been made to various regulatory problems that Wal-Mart has encountered. Most case studies follow a specific format and include an overview of the business, a discussion of the problem, proposed solutions, and recommendations. [2] In the fast food industry, it is not uncommon for customers to expect unsatisfactory service. The only “justifiable ” reasons for this are the low costs of food and the quick service, hence being deemed a “fast food” restaurant. If you are building a portfolio of case studies, use these excellent examples for inspiration and format. The quality of food and the competence of the employees is also evident of  this. In examining the difficulties or threats with providing such services, three immediate concerns must be addressed. If this information were broken up into several sentences or presented as a bullet list of facts, it would make the content more reader-friendly and clearer. The study generally utilizes social sciences. B usiness case studies unfold in innumerable ways in classrooms around the globe. (2007). Confidentiality requirements may require us to alter information presented on this website. Even after you’ve reviewed business case study examples and think you’ve mastered your writing technique, you can always improve. Tuna-Tuna Lactuna! As indicated, they have a variety of initiatives that are being examined. Written/Presentation Interview: In this scenario, you are given all the data upfront. For instance, the finance function may authorize funds and the IT department provide resources. While the case study does include a conclusion, it does not provide a specific discussion of how to implement the recommended solutions. [3] This paper will highlight how Wal-Mart has successfully implemented the operational excellence strategy, as well as consider future initiatives within this strategy that Wal-Mart can still incorporate. [3] These two sentences begin to narrow the focus of the paper: working qualifications and training. Scope of Business Case Analysis 1. *[11] Though this point about personal hygiene is discussed in the solution, it is not fully addressed in the background information. Get inspiration from over 500,000 example essays. [5] Has Wal-Mart reached the limits of lowering costs? The second initiative, involves improving its efficiency with customers. Check with your professor on the expected format for your paper. *[12]. (Read: How Good Transition Words Can Improve Your Writing.). If anything is not part of the key question, ignore it. [2] The opening line of the introduction establishes the broad focus of this case study: service at fast food restaurants. Once you master interviewee-led cases, interviewer-led cases become much easier to manage. They are usually Facebook Twitter Linkedin Google Plus Email. Case Study Examples. Fuji Xerox Australia Business Equipment Tripled leads for 60% less marketing spend Wal-Mart has also been successful in implementing a variety of IT systems that have also facilitated this strategy. Interestingly, after going through the process through the grapevine we found out they have not hired anyone during that recruitment period, probably because the acquisition was in the cards already. (Read: Why Third-Person Writing Is Critical to a Great Essay.). Other widely known facts regarding these establishments are the minimal level of qualifications required for holding a job, and the level of pay that reflects it. Yes, there are a few good business case examples you can use. And always use the case information provided and the appropriate language to push the case forward. Chipotle Salary Can Top $95,000 Annually. Case studies are narratives that tell the story of an actual business with a real problem or strategy. Think of it as painting a picture for a prospect to illustrate what a solution to their problem could look like. For both business case study examples, my commentary is below each paragraph. Before I took my corporate banking job during my MBA, I went through a case interview process with Monitor (that was before they became Monitor Deloitte). There are literally thousands of specific layouts, all of which can alter the size and merchandise mix for the target market. An event cost analysis, business case analysis, and any other types of analysis documents must be comprehensive so that they can be functional.Being able to come up with a complete discussion and an in-depth presentation can help all the stakeholders of the business or a project to be in the same page which can result to an … The business case is needed when resources or expenditure on a project has to be justified. Though this case study requires some revision, I’ve included it here as an example of a solid basic structure. *[16] This case study provides a detailed overview of Walmart’s business strategies and offers succinct recommendations. So what are some differences you may anticipate between consulting firms when it comes to the way they conduct case interviews? *[10]. There are no images to show what screw A or fastener B actually look like and no diagrams to show how to connect shelf 1 to bottom panel B. There are four main ways in which consulting firms conduct case interviews. It can be used as a marketing strategy to understand your leads and turn them into your customers. While increasing pay and improving training make sense, in the context of the current case study, the idea of improving hygiene is out of place here. If you know of any other “best business case examples” that should be included in this list let us know in the comments. Here is a public sector interviewer-led case. This is an average difficulty profitability case which the author mentioned is basically taken from his final interview with Bain. The Effect of the Minimum Wage on the Fast Food Industry. This is why it is justifiable for this fast food chain to pay their workers such low wages. Never miss an insight. Recommendation B. Purpose of This Business Case 2. doi:10.3386/w3997. The financial services could easily be added incorporating this strategy, whether it be through modifying their current IT systems or tailoring specific sites to offer specific products, depending on the target markets, Wal-Mart’s core strengths would make this service effective. (Read: 3 Types of Essay Support That Prove You Know Your Stuff.). The difficulty level is quite high and it is a great opportunity to practice with public sector cases. Different firms or interviewers can pull cases together with different components above since these are all mutually exclusive. Cannibalization can occur with the expansion and upgrading of this strategy, however, by the examination of the Neilson Panel Data, it clearly demonstrated that sales growth in the Supercenter’s were mainly derived from new shoppers, increased purchases from existing shoppers, competing shoppers and less than a quarter were actually from other Wal-Mart division stores. [6] Even the supervisors who oversee the operation of these establishments make an average of $18,230 annually (Bradford, 2013). 3 Case Interview Workbook A case interview is a type of job interview, used most frequently by consulting firms, that allowsan applicant to demonstrate his/her ability to solve a given business problem. This usually means either no business case was done or an insufficient business case was created. [10] As such Wal-Mart focused on this expansion and the following four retail formats were developed to target specific markets: Discount Stores – 1568 Stores (40 departments & limited grocery) -company’s leading retail format by number of stores (trend of converting to Supercenters) -potential customer base of at least 150,000 people -remained concentrated in small towns and rural areas – less competition -consumer target by income ($60,000 to less than $25,000) Supercenters – 1258 Stores (40 departments & full line grocery) -larger format that added a full-line grocery store to a Discount Store with ancillary or specialty departments -larger more focused on food (45% sales) -more ancillary businesses and services than direct competitors -potential customer base of 76,000 people were needed to generate the volume to break even -operating margins were smaller due to narrow margins on food in general -remained concentrated in small towns and rural areas – less competition -consumer target by income ($75,000 to greater than $25,000) Neighborhood Markets – smallMarts – 49 Stores (limited drug and grocery) -stores focused on groceries but also offered limited lines of general merchandise and photo processing -enter space constrained suburban areas -consumer target by income (greater than $75,000 to $25,000) SAM’s Clubs – 525 Stores (large format) -warehouse clubs – bulk buying and rapidly changing assortments of relatively few SKUs in warehouses -not industry leader – COSTCO -addresses a more affluent market segment than either Supercenters or Neighborhood Markets -consumer target by income (greater than $75,000 to $40,000) Walmart.com -access to higher income consumers (earning $75,000 and above) It is important to note that Wal-Mart not only targeted specific customers based on income, but targeted specific markets based on population, as this would be the key factor in deciding what store format could be developed. *[9] In the above paragraph, the writer addresses the recommendation of additional expansion strategies. [5] Has Wal-Mart reached the limits of lowering costs? written by professional consultants in an incomprehensible language Many fast food chains, including McDonald’s, start their crew members close to minimum wage, which does not significantly affect their prices (Katz & Krueger, 1992). The candidate’s performance could be a little better. +6 books. It is a complex case to master. Through a well-considered business plan, stakeholders … 22 Marketing Case Study Examples 1. [7] Still, the low pay and high turnover rates make many employees indispensable. A case study is a research method used to study a subject in depth. Whether it be through reducing costs, through its various relationships and practices with suppliers or controlling energy consumption by monitoring and controlling lights, heat, A/C, etc from their head office or even managing inventory efficiently, Wal-Mart has effectively minimized both variable and fixed costs while also ensuring stock outs are minimized. Which again, could be even easier facilitated if they choose to have this service in a kiosk, or in the middle of their store, like the photo labs. PODCASTS: If you enjoy our podcasts, we will appreciate if you visit our Case Interviews podcast or Strategy Skills podcast on iTunes and leave a quick review. In the examples below, I’ve included annotations to help you see what these writers do well. Customer Intimacy, as defined by Treacy and Wiersema means segmenting and targeting the markets precisely and then tailoring offerings to match exactly the demands of those niches. iOS + Android Apps, Apple TV, ROKU, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Amazon Kindle, +6,200 strategy episodes all by ex-McKinsey, BCG et al partners. *[12] A discussion of how to implement solutions is key to a successful case study. Although, on examining the Wal-Mart website’s financial services page, it only offered credit cards, which is interesting. Perhaps your organisation is embarking on a major project to develop a new product. Business Case Study Examples. Basically, cases represent detailed descriptions or reports of business problems. In many instances, job training is not enforced thoroughly. [6] Even the supervisors who oversee the operation of these establishments make an average of $18,230 annually (Bradford, 2013). in which employees would have to be very thoroughly trained and certified. Cases can be answer-first or not answer first. Don’t just repeat all the data you have already reported – aim for a clear statement of the overall result that directly answers your main research question. It allows your prospects to see how your solutions address their needs. Fast food establishments are no exception. Case studies have been widely accepted as one effective way of exposing students to the decision-making process. Most case studies follow a specific format and include an overview of the business, a discussion of the problem, proposed solutions, and recommendations. I call this theme: “Promising careers are also a Venus flytrap.” When I work with clients, I ask them how their…, Amazon and Knowing That One Thing That Drives Your Strategy The next big theme I want to talk about is a little bit close to me because I used to be a corporate strategy senior partner, is what I call Amazon and knowing that one thing that drives your strategy. A business case is a formal, structured document; an informal, short document; or a verbal exchange that defines the benefits of an initiative or project.. Viewing a business case example can be helpful in illustrating how key elements of the structure for business cases and presentations are properly used. Confidence in the ESL classroom! The final line of the introduction is the thesis statement and establishes the problem to be analyzed: modification of the training program at McDonald’s. McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Roland Berger etc. Wal-Mart is also using this strategy in its practices of empowering store managers with the autonomy of sourcing locally and running particular promotions in which they feel target their specific market. In the fast food industry, it is not uncommon for customers to expect unsatisfactory service. [8] By providing a more higher hygienic standards, reasonable pay and a training program which is more enforced, McDonald’s has the potential to reclaim its positive status in the fast food market. You need a business case when you have to justify a resource or expenditure on a project. The quality of fast food is one of the most notable consequences of consuming it. (Read: What Is a Reverse Outline and Why Should You Use One? The driving force behind every Wal-Mart initiative was and is the continued growth and profitability of its operations. GOLDMAN SACKS GOLDMINE IN MONGOLIA ACQUISITION CASE, CANADIAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION SWIFT FOX POPULATION DECREASE, Promising Careers Are Also a Venus Flytrap, Amazon and Knowing That One Thing That Drives Your Strategy. By continuing to train and even cross train employees it will also facilitate this strategy, as associates will be more knowledgeable and helpful to customers. (Read: How to Write a Thesis Statement in 5 Simple Steps.). The product leadership strategy of offering customers leading edge products and services that consistently enhance customer’s use or application of the product has not been a strategy that Wal-Mart has actively employed. [13] The writer uses APA format to cite sources, but the capitalization on some of the titles is incorrect. However, you may be just starting your case interview preparation and not ready yet to commit the resources, time, the effort that is required for serious preparation. We did this recording a few months after we completed the training with Rafik (TCO I). This is one of the most complex market entry cases we had to put together. The product leadership strategy will also be briefly discussed, however, due to its limited scope in this particular environment, it will not be emphasized. how many years were they with the firm. We'll email you when new articles are published on this topic. Those building the fiinancial business case can find practical help and useful ideas by studying someone else's work on the same subject. *[13] Again, the writer begins a new section with a question. This case is a McKinsey style case, of medium level difficulty. The Consulting Offer within our Premium membership is, by far, the best way to prepare for case interviews. Create a print booklet of case studies to send to prospects and clients via snail mail or distribute at trade shows. *[4] In this paragraph, the writer provides background information and discusses the strategies Walmart has implemented in order to lower costs. Further growth opportunities will then be evaluated, as well as the potential for the cannibalization of sales within Wal-Mart’s expansion objectives. This is your time. It is a barter. [5] Here, the writer successfully transitions from an overview of current Walmart practices to a discussion of how to improve Walmart’s current cost-lowering practices.

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