1. Case Study Interview: Efficiency Question Framework
A common type of case study interview question is the EFFICIENCY question. Here is an
example of an efficiency case study question:
XYZ Company has had significant difficulties increasing production in a large plant they just
acquired. Their rationale for the acquisition was the expectation that they could integrate their
production process into this new plant and increase production by 20%. They have hired us to
help them diagnose the issue.
Efficiency questions typically deal with a deterioration or stagnation of production or service
delivery. In these types of cases the focus is typically on internal metrics (i.e. absolute measures
of performance) as opposed to external metrics (i.e. relative metrics vis-à-vis the broader
market). There are three primary factors that influence efficiency: people, process and
technology.
Below, I have outlined the three factors and provided a few initial questions that you
should ask during the interview to determine how critical each factor is to the central
issue of the case. Once you determine which factor is central, you can focus your
remaining questions and analysis on that issue and crack the case.
1) PEOPLE
Have there been in changes in LEADERSHIP / MANAGEMENT?
Does the project team have the necessary SKILL SET?
How are DECISIONS made within the organization / project team?
How does the team COMMUNICATE with each other?
2) PROCESS
What are the major STEPS within the production / service delivery process?
Where are the BOTTLENECKS in the process?
What is the CAPACITY of the process?
What are the major COSTS within the process?
What does the QUALITY CONTROL process look like?
What does the NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT process look like?
3) TECHNOLOGY

2. Has there been any recent INNOVATION in the process?
How have recent innovations been INTEGRATED into the process?
What TRAINING systems are in place