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Case Preparation - Frameworks

A framework is a structure that helps you organize your thoughts and analyze the case in a logical manner. Often, you have to cut and paste from numerous frameworks to answer a single case question.

After years of development, testing and refinement Cosentino developed The Ivy Case System®.

The difference between a framework and a system is that a framework is really a tool, while a system is a process. Instead of memorizing 7 individual frameworks and then trying to decide which one(s) to apply, you learn the system, which already has the tools built in.

The Ivy Case System is a 2-part system made up of 4 easy steps to get you going and 12 popular case scenarios, each equipped with a collection of ideas and questions that will help you structure the remainder of your response. If you follow through the outline given for each scenario, you can be confident that your response will be logical and cohesive.

The First 4 Steps

1. Summarize the question
2. Verify the client’s objective
3. Ask clarifying questions about the company, industry, market, products and competition.
4. Layout your structure

For more detail on the First 4 Steps see: Case Commandments.

The 12 Most Popular Case Scenarios

Business cases traditionally have focused on either business strategy or business operations. However, with today’s more complex cases, candidates are getting cases that cover both categories and multiple scenarios.

Entering a New Market – Things you need to be thinking about.

Step 1: Investigate the current market to determine whether entering the market would make good business sense.

• Who is our competition?
• What size market share does each competitor have?
• How do their products/services compare to ours?
• Are there any barriers to entry? Such as government regulations, access to distribution channels, capital requirements.

Step 2: If we decide to enter the market, what is the best way?

There are three main ways to enter a market.

• Start from scratch
• Acquire an existing business
• Form a joint venture

Analyze the pros and cons of each. This is sometimes called cost-benefit analysis. You can use this whenever you are trying to decide whether or not to proceed with a decision.

For more on the 12 Case Scenarios read "Case in Point."

THE FIVE C’s and 4 P’s

There are two elementary frameworks that can do the job. You’re not going to blow anyone away with these, but you won’t drown either. They will allow you to touch on all the main points and appear fairly well organized.

For additional frameworks including Porter’s 5 Forces, the BCG Matrix and an Income Statement please read Case In Point.