Help with solving a case, a very ambiguous one!

When tackling an ambiguous case like the one you described, the key is to impose structure and logic where none is explicitly provided. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can approach it:

1. Start with Clarifying Questions

• Ambiguous cases often lack critical details. Ask targeted questions to define the scope:

  • What is the budget for the investment?
  • What is the target market (luxury, mid-tier, backpackers)?
  • Are there specific goals (e.g., profitability timeline, market share)?
  • What constraints or challenges are anticipated (e.g., regulations, competition)?

  Avoid overloading with unnecessary questions—focus on those that help frame the problem.

2. Build a Custom Framework

• Instead of relying on a generic framework, tailor one to the case. For a resort investment, consider these dimensions:

  • Market Analysis: Demand for resorts in Southeast Asia, target customer demographics, and seasonality.
  • Competitive Landscape: Existing resorts, differentiation opportunities, and pricing strategies.
  • Location Feasibility: Accessibility, infrastructure, and local regulations.
  • Financial Viability: Initial investment, operating costs, and revenue projections.
  • Risks and Mitigation: Political, environmental, and operational risks.

  Use an issue tree to break down these areas logically.

3. Prioritize and Hypothesize

• Identify the most critical areas to focus on first. For example:
  • If the case hints at a competitive market, prioritize differentiation and pricing.
  • If the location is vague, focus on feasibility and accessibility.
• Formulate a hypothesis early, such as: “The resort’s success hinges on targeting high-income tourists in underdeveloped but scenic locations.”

4. Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

• Use numbers to back up your reasoning. For example:
  • Estimate the number of tourists visiting the region annually and their spending habits.
  • Calculate potential revenue based on occupancy rates and pricing tiers.
• Combine this with qualitative insights, like cultural preferences or unique selling points.

5. Synthesize and Communicate

• Summarize your findings clearly and concisely:
  • “Based on the analysis, the resort should target eco-conscious luxury travelers in Bali, leveraging its natural beauty and growing demand for sustainable tourism.”
• Be ready to defend your approach and adapt if the interviewer challenges your assumptions.

Specialty Firms for Such Cases

• Firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain (MBB) often handle ambiguous, high-level strategy cases like this. Boutique consulting firms specializing in travel, hospitality, or emerging markets (e.g., LEK, Roland Berger) may also offer expertise in this area.

Pro Tip

• Practice ambiguous cases deliberately. As highlighted in WSO’s top-rated threads, focus on creating frameworks from scratch and contextualizing your approach to the case facts. Avoid “templated” frameworks that don’t fit the scenario.

Good luck with your preparation! If you need more specific tips or resources, feel free to ask.

Sources: Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, What did you wish you knew when entering consulting recruitment?