Case 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) (1 st 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 s! Apply as required Understand the selection processes  Self-selected (L’Oreal e-Strat)  Third-party  Club leaders’ decision Prepare as appropriate

Questions?