【正文】 step. ? Based on your questions, the interviewer will often provide you with more details about the case. By structuring your questions, you will cue the interviewer to how you plan to work through the problem. It is important to be flexible in your approach and open to multiple solutions. If the questions you are asking do not yield useful answers, try switching to an alternate approach. Remember, you are being partially evaluated on your ability to ask insightful questions. Listen to Case Clarify Problem Depose Problem Test Hypothesis Summarize Findings State Hypotheses 10 169。 20xx Accenture All Rights Reserved. ? Once you have stated and clarified the problem, you need to depose it in an exhaustive, logical manner. By using an issue tree, you can break the problem into smaller pieces and illustrate logical relationships among the ponent parts. ? Basic issue trees are structured as follows: ? To develop a good issue tree, you should ensure that the subponents are linked in a logical manner, that it prioritizes the issues, and that it reveals possible solutions. Also, each branch of the tree must not overlap with another (mutually exclusive), and the branches should thoroughly represent contributing elements (collectively exhaustive). .... .... .... .... Problem (., declining profitability) Issues/Causes (., declining revenues) Issues/Causes (., increasing costs) Depose Problem Goal: Identify Root Causes of Problem Activities: ? Break the problem into its ponent parts in a structured manner Listen to Case Clarify Problem Depose Problem Test Hypothesis Summarize Findings Depose Problem State Hypotheses 11 169。 20xx Accenture All Rights Reserved. State Hypotheses Goal: State Hypotheses/Potential Solutions Activities: ? Review problem deposition ? Identify potential hypotheses/solutions ? State your assumptions ? Choose appropriate framework to test hypotheses (see ―Sample Frameworks and Applications‖ section) for example: ? Porter’s Five Forces ? 4 P’s of Marketing ? Profitability Analysis ? Three ―C’s‖ ? Use sketches—Graphics can be a powerful tool Listen to Case Clarify Problem Depose Problem State Hypotheses Test Hypothesis Summarize Findings State Hypotheses Once you are confident you understand the problem, you should list out potential hypotheses that may resolve the core problem. You will then need to choose a framework (or analysis tool) to structure your hypotheses (see ―Sample Frameworks and Applications‖ section), but do not feel constrained by these since many cases will not fit neatly into one of those frameworks. The framework is a key to structured thinking it allows you to approach a problem in a holistic manner, while directing your analysis to each of the ponents within the framework. 12 169。 20xx Accenture All Rights Reserved. ? Once a framework is selected, you must analyze each ponent of the framework in a logical manner. Discuss the analyses you would perform to determine if your initial hypotheses are true. You may have to ask additional questions of the interviewer to get the information needed to develop these analyses. Often times, you may be asked to perform an analysis with simple data supplied by the interviewer. ? If you find that your analyses are not confirming your initial hypotheses, develop new ones. If your analyses do not appear to be enlightening, the interviewer may direct you towards another path. Take advantage of these hints if they are offered. Test Hypotheses Test Hypotheses Goal: Apply framework to Test Hypotheses Activities: ? Describe analyses to be applied ? Break problem into its ponent parts in a structured manner ? Apply framework and discuss findings/implications to solution definition ? Probe for concurrence/additional information ? Present hypotheses for future testing/discussion Listen to Case Clarify Problem Depose Problem State Hypotheses Test Hypothesis Summarize Findings 13 169。 20xx Accenture All Rights Reserved. Summarize Findings Goal: Summarize Findings/Implications Activities: ? Succinctly remind interviewer of issues covered ? Present solutions ? Present alternative scenarios Listen to Case Clarify Problem Depose Problem State Hypotheses Test Hypothesis Summarize Findings Summarize Findings Finally, summarize the framework and analyses you utilized in the case. Suggest remendations for the client and potential next steps the client should take. The interviewer may tell you what happened with the real project situation on which the case was based. However, don’t worry if your methodology or answer did not match the real project situation because you are being evaluated on your thought processes and not against some predetermined answer. 169。 20xx Accenture All Rights Reserved. “Soft” Evaluative Criteria 15 169。 20xx Accenture All Rights Reserved. “Soft” Evaluative Criteria In addition to your ability to ask probing questions, create frameworks, and develop analyses in the case, you will also be evaluated on many intangible qualities. While interviewers look at these