Darden Consulting Case Book
DARDEN CONSULTING CASE BOOK
2012-2013 EDITION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. The Consulting Case Interview
1. Structure of the Case Interview 2. Frameworks 3. The Math
2. Company Overviews & Interview Processes 3. Practice Cases
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Bike DVD Rental Service in NYC Dry Wall Competitive Threat Organ Donation Case Central Power Chemicals, Inc. Hospital Profitability Contact Lens Manufacturer Growth
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT’D)
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. E-commerce in the Airline Industry Big Green Biofuels New Rubber Plant Investment Asian Mobile Service Provider Radiator Lens for Defense Aircraft Capital Investment for Utility Electric Car Manufacturer Growth Miner’s Dilemma Big Truck Company Auto Spare Parts Machine Company Non-Profit Revenue Decline Gas Liquefaction
4. Acknowledgements
THE CONSULTING CASE INTERVIEW
STRUCTURE OF THE CASE INTERVIEW
The consulting case interview typically lasts between 20-30 minutes and consists of the following parts: • • • • • Case Overview / Prompt Clarifying Questions Structure / Framework Building & Explanation Problem Solving & Analysis Recommendation
The interview should be highly conversational and interactive. Depending on the firm, and depending on the round, some interviews can be more structured than others. Please see the subsequent section for more information on firm-specific preferences and formats.
STRUCTURE OF THE CASE INTERVIEW
Case Overview / Prompt
The case interview will start with the interviewer providing an overview of the client and the problem. Take diligent notes during this, as the overview will contain crucial hints and information that you will need later on in the case. Make sure you summarize the key points back to the interviewer to make sure you capture all the information correctly. Also, confirm the objective with the interviewer.
Clarifying Questions
After synthesizing the case facts, now is an opportunity to ask some clarifying
2012-2013 EDITION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. The Consulting Case Interview
1. Structure of the Case Interview 2. Frameworks 3. The Math
2. Company Overviews & Interview Processes 3. Practice Cases
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Bike DVD Rental Service in NYC Dry Wall Competitive Threat Organ Donation Case Central Power Chemicals, Inc. Hospital Profitability Contact Lens Manufacturer Growth
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT’D)
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. E-commerce in the Airline Industry Big Green Biofuels New Rubber Plant Investment Asian Mobile Service Provider Radiator Lens for Defense Aircraft Capital Investment for Utility Electric Car Manufacturer Growth Miner’s Dilemma Big Truck Company Auto Spare Parts Machine Company Non-Profit Revenue Decline Gas Liquefaction
4. Acknowledgements
THE CONSULTING CASE INTERVIEW
STRUCTURE OF THE CASE INTERVIEW
The consulting case interview typically lasts between 20-30 minutes and consists of the following parts: • • • • • Case Overview / Prompt Clarifying Questions Structure / Framework Building & Explanation Problem Solving & Analysis Recommendation
The interview should be highly conversational and interactive. Depending on the firm, and depending on the round, some interviews can be more structured than others. Please see the subsequent section for more information on firm-specific preferences and formats.
STRUCTURE OF THE CASE INTERVIEW
Case Overview / Prompt
The case interview will start with the interviewer providing an overview of the client and the problem. Take diligent notes during this, as the overview will contain crucial hints and information that you will need later on in the case. Make sure you summarize the key points back to the interviewer to make sure you capture all the information correctly. Also, confirm the objective with the interviewer.
Clarifying Questions
After synthesizing the case facts, now is an opportunity to ask some clarifying