End Recommendation Delivery

Question

The end recommendation was not given in a top down/pyramid format. In what circumstances would you say the recommendation should be given like in this case instead of the pyramid principle.

Answer 1

Never ever assume that the suggested answers you find in any online case or MBA case book are good.

In many instances they are quite off the mark. It's a shame, but it is what it is. Take cases more as food for though, and as examples of the type of questions you may get - but don't take their answers too seriously. I've seen suggested approaches that would lead me to fail a candidate if it were a real interview.

Answering the questions: YES, always top down communication.

Regarding “risks”, I prefer thinking of:
1) “caveats” showing the limitations / the negatives of your own recommendations;
2) “missing analysis”: highlighting analysis that were not performed but that could materially change your answer

Hope this helps,
Pedro

Answer 2

Hi Adnan,

Just be careful with taking online cases literally :)

Recommendations should be given as:

Recommendation: Leading with rec, then key supporting facts
2-3 risks
2-3 next steps including those that mitigate the risks

Answer 3

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