case competition workshop co-sponsored by: consulting club, graduate marketing association, finance...
TRANSCRIPT
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?