September 19, 2014

CASE CRACKIN’

Agenda

• Overview• Case Competitions• Introduction• Section Highlights• Q&As• Hints ‘n Tips

Case Competitions• Teams of 4 students (most cases)• MBA International Case Competition

– 3 hours prep– 25 minute presentation– 15 minutes of Q&A

• Research competitions– Longer case– 20-30 minute presentation– 20-30 minutes of Q&A

Storytelling 101• Every good story has a beginning,

a middle and an end– Effective means of communication

• Focus on the lessons– Make sure everyone understands

• Consider the flow of your arguments and analysis

• Tell a good story!

Case Analysis Structure• Introduction

– Problem statement• Analysis

– Internal and External• Alternatives• Implementation• Financials

– Financial health & forecasting

Introduction• Effective opener

– Charismatic speaker• Content

– Identify audience• Who are you presenting to?

– Introduce team– Provide context

Problem Statement• It’s not given• It’s not a symptom• It’s the root of the issues• Put it into context

– Because of factor A and factor B, problem X exists

External Analysis

Example: External Analysis

Unattractive Industry

Low entry barriers

Suppliers and

buyers are strong

Many product

substitutes

Intense rivalry

Growth Necessity

Internal Analysis

Physical Resources

Technological Resources

Human Resources

Organizational Resources

Innovation Resources

Reputational Resources

Financial Resources

Internal Analysis• Core competencies

– Valuable– Rare– Costly to imitate– Non-substitutable

• SWOT Analysis (Back-up)– Internal lessons highlight Strengths and

Weaknesses– External lessons highlight Opportunities and

Threats

Internal Financials• Solvency

– Debt/Equity– Debt Ratio

• Liquidity– Quick Ratio (low means high risk)– Current Ratio– Times Interest Earned

• Profitability– Profit Margin– EPS (Earnings per Share)– P/E ratio (Price/Earnings)– ROA (Return on Assets)

Alternatives• Options to solve the problem

derived from the key points of the analysis

• Usually 3 or more presented• Clearly identify criteria to assess all

alternatives• Build your story to lead audience to

your recommendation

Example: AlternativesCriteria Leave Fiji Progressive

TaxHalfsies

Reputation of Fiji Water + + +

Welfare of Fijians - / +

Advantage for government - + +

Profitability - - +

Sustainability - / +

Recommendation

One of the alternatives that directly addresses most or all of the issues identified in the problem statement

Implementation• Action plan to resolve the Problem

Statement• Identify goals

– Aligned with your strategy• Short-, Medium- and Long-term

– 1-5 years, or 1-20 years, depending on industry benchmarks

• Consider value chain, risk & mitigation, financial forecasts

Example: Implementation0-1 year 1-5 years 5-10 years

Protect Strategy (PC, Developed Market)

Attack Strategy(PC+, Emerging Markets)

Develop encryption to allow for enterprise synergy bundle*

Acquire HP (increase Americas market share)

Branding marketing campaign to increase Lenovo brand awareness and loyalty (Highlight new addition to the family: HP)

Brand campaign in India to push Lenovo premium line**

Begin distribution of PC in Brazil (emerging market)

Build e-commerce portal on Lenovo site to serve Brazil market

Launch a social media campaign to build brand awareness in Brazil

Run ongoing social media presence to engage and retain customers, while building brand loyalty

Set up supply chain in Brazil through CCE to establish local supply chain

Maintain presence in India with current product mix of premium and low-cost smartphones and tablets

* For small and medium businesses: includes office supplies (HP printers & monitors), Lenovo smart device integration (print from phone or tablet anywhere), enterprise data network & storage solutions, all encrypted communications, one-stop-shop

** Over time, the disposable income in emerging markets will increase, demand for premium devices will increase, Lenovo will be well-positioned to meet the demand; Campaign launch during the Indian Premier League in May 2018 ($65 Mil USD)

Example: Implementation

Immediate Term

Get Licensee Agreements• Negotiate with

Disney• Use Developing

Duplo as leverage• Secure other

licensee agreements

Short TermDevelop Duplo & Online Serv.• R&D• Development Focus• Online tracking of

development

Medium Term

Sell to Parents & Schools• Promote benefits of

online service• Marketing campaign

launch

Long Term

Enhance Service• Issue annual

development reports• Tentatively enter new

markets• Extend Development

services

Closing• Review the problem• State your solution• Remind the audience how your

solution solves their problem… and more

• Be EXCITED – you just solved a problem!

Q&A• Prepare with back-up slides• Team has to stick together

– Make sure everyone is on board• One person answers the question

– An important point needs to be made in case of “add-on”

– Establish who takes the question• Beware! Leading questions

Hints ‘n Tips• Keep it simple – less is more• Back-up slides to the rescue• Use diagrams and pictures• Make sure you have a clicker• Do not put your hands in your

pockets– Watch your body language

Thank you!

Upcoming Events

• NUS Cerebration– September 19

• Case Comp Try-Outs– September 27

• Loblaws Internal Case Comp– October 6 or 7

• Sharp Presentations Workshop– October 10