Case Competition WorkshopCase Competition Workshop

Co-sponsored by:

Consulting Club, Graduate Marketing Association, Finance Association

November 30, 2005

Agenda

Case competition basics Why compete? Analyzing the case Presenting analyses & recommendations Critical success factors Spring 2006 case competitions Getting involved

Case Competition Basics

Key Constants Two or more teams Case

Key Variables Number of teams Team composition (single-school vs. mixed) Supplemental resource utilization Duration of analysis and presentation times Oral presentations vs. written reports or both Sponsorships

Why Compete?

Analyze an actual business problem Present recommendations to real-life

decision-makers Raise awareness of the Smith School Network with employers and other

students from top MBA programs Win $$$

Analyzing the Case

Familiarize yourself with case documentation

Identify strategic issues

Set goals and objectives

Generate strategic options matrix

Select best alternative

Create steps for implementation

Presenting Your Analysis and Recommendations

Set the stage

Deliver the recommendation

Outline goals and objectives

Describe and support the action plan

Explain the implementation plan

Highlight strengths and challenges of the recommendation

Presenting Your Analysis and Recommendations

Set the stage

Deliver the recommendation

Outline goals and objectives

Describe and support the action plan

Explain the implementation plan

Highlight strengths and challenges of the recommendation

Set the Stage

Get the audience’s attention Establish credibility Identify common themes Highlight key issues and facts

Presenting Your Analysis and Recommendations

Set the stage

Deliver the recommendation

Outline goals and objectives

Describe and support the action plan

Explain the implementation plan

Highlight strengths and challenges of the recommendation

Deliver the Recommendation

Make ONE recommendation

Describe the path you will take to support the recommendation

Presenting Your Analysis and Recommendations

Set the stage

Deliver the recommendation

Outline goals and objectives

Describe and support the action plan

Explain the implementation plan

Highlight strengths and challenges of the recommendation

Outline Goals and Objectives

Describe the goals of your strategy* Report the metrics used to evaluate

the success of your strategy Financial Efficiency Market-related, etc.

Give a time frame within which the goals will be achieved

*Return to these goals at the end of your presentation

Presenting Your Analysis and Recommendations

Set the stage

Deliver the recommendation

Outline goals and objectives

Describe and support the action plan

Explain the implementation plan

Highlight strengths and challenges of the recommendation

Describe and Support the Action Plan

Provide rationale for the plan Case facts Analysis (use necessary frameworks; not by name) External information (as appropriate)

Source every assertion Articulate the linkages between facts,

analysis, and outcomes Consider big-picture strategic perspective Address tactical/operational aspects of

implementation

Presenting Your Analysis and Recommendations

Set the stage

Deliver the recommendation

Outline goals and objectives

Describe and support the action plan

Explain the implementation plan

Highlight strengths and challenges of the recommendation

Explain the Implementation Plan

Outline the steps Logical sequence Detailed information about each

Quantify each step Scope Duration

Address functional areas involved with completing each step

Presenting Your Analysis and Recommendations

Set the stage

Deliver the recommendation

Outline goals and objectives

Describe and support the action plan

Explain the implementation plan

Highlight strengths and challenges of the recommendation

Acknowledge Challenges

Identify the most risky part(s) of the strategy

Consider how risks may change over time Internal conditions External environment

Articulate plans to manage or eliminate risks

Highlight Benefits

Quantify results of implementing the strategy Financial Efficiency Market share, etc.

Demonstrate how benefits correspond with the goals [outlined earlier in the presentation]

Utilize graphs, charts, and pictures

Discount Next-Best Alternative

Compare and contrast: recommended vs. next-best strategy

Demonstrate the superiority of the recommended strategy Greater benefits Fewer risks Faster result (if applicable)

Concluding the Presentation

Summarize the main points Highlight key themes Reiterate the benefits of your

recommended strategy Open the floor to questions

Presentation Pointers

Know your audience Be confident! Substance matters, not style Ensure that all text and values are legible

from afar Anticipate questions: prepare backup slides Keep track of the time All team members should remain attentive No more than two people should respond to

the same question

Critical Success Factors

Individual level Strong aptitude in at least one functional area Ability to work under pressure Determination to excel Stamina

Team level Diverse skill sets Effective interpersonal relationships Leadership Strong presentation skills

Spring 2006 Case Competitions*

All: Smith Case Competition (Fall 2006)

Marketing Wake Forest (2/9 – 2/11) Chapel Hill (UNC) Simon (Rochester) (1st Years Only; April) Cadillac National Case Study Competition (1/31)Consulting VCIC Booz Allen GW (Consulting; March/April)Finance Asset Management (Spring 2006)

*Smith students participated last year in competitions in bold

Getting Involved

Read Club e-mails! Apply as required Understand the selection processes

Self-selected (L’Oreal e-Strat) Third-party Club leaders’ decision

Prepare as appropriate

Questions?