Prioritize between solving a case linearly and time

The Issue Tree is a valuable tool for analyzing the causes of issues during a case interview. When faced with a complex issue, the Issue Tree helps you break it down into its components. By focusing on the most urgent aspects and employing a hypothesis-driven approach, you can progress more quickly—a skill highly valued in consulting. 🚀🔎 In this article, you'll learn how to effectively use the Issue Tree, understand the differences between problem-based and solution-based trees, and how to leverage this technique to excel in your case interviews. Problem-Based Tree vs. Solution-Based TreeIn case interviews, two main types of Issue Trees are utilized:Problem-Based Tree: This helps you identify and understand the root causes of the issue and why it occurred in the first place.Solution-Based Tree: This is used to develop recommendations and clarify how the issue can be resolved.Ensure that the issues are MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive). Otherwise, it will be challenging to address each area effectively. Use a hypothesis-driven approach to tackle the most significant issues first (see Pareto Principle).In consulting, the preferred approach is "answer-first" or "results-first." This involves starting with the main solution or conclusion and then working out the rationale. This is closely related to the Pyramid Principle.💡 Prep Tip: Practice these and other essential frameworks with our drills! Issue Tree as a Foundation for Consulting ProjectsAt the start of a new project, your team typically creates an Issue Tree. Once you agree on all relevant sub-issues, you gain an overview and focus on the key questions based on your hypotheses (answer-first style). Since all branches of the Issue Tree are MECE, the project manager can efficiently distribute the workload across the team. Each branch leads to a separate workflow that can be worked on independently, avoiding unnecessary interfaces that could cause inefficiencies. This explains why a small consulting team can achieve a lot in a short time.Once the causes of an issue are identified, the team uses a solution-based tree to determine how the issue can be resolved. Example of an Issue Tree in a Case InterviewImagine you need to calculate how many people can stand simultaneously on an airport runway during a case interview.Step 1: Problem Analysis with the Top-Down ApproachIn the top-down approach, you start by structuring the main problem or the case question and systematically break it down into its individual components. The goal is to identify all relevant areas or factors that influence the problem.First, you consider the overarching components (e.g., the total area of the runway) and then break these down into more specific details (e.g., the width and length of the runway).Step 2: Solution Development with the Bottom-Up ApproachIn the bottom-up approach, you focus on concrete numbers and data at the most detailed level of the problem and work your way up. You estimate necessary values, such as the width and length of the runway, and use these in your calculations to solve the main problem.As you can see, the top-down approach allows you to systematically break down the main problem into its components and identify all relevant influencing factors. The bottom-up approach then helps to develop a well-founded solution to the main problem by analyzing specific numbers and data.💡 In our case library, you'll find over 200 cases on various topics that will help you practice creating an Issue Tree! Check them out. Key Takeaways on Issue Trees in Case InterviewsThe Issue Tree is a central tool for structuring your case and developing hypotheses.Differentiate between problem-based and solution-based Issue Trees.Use hypotheses to quickly identify the root causes of the issue.Ensure Issue Trees are MECE to avoid inefficient dependencies between branches.👉 Prep Tip: Practice your cases with peers and arrange meet-ups on our meeting board.

Design Thinking is more than just an approach or a method – it's a non-linear, iterative process that places creativity and problem-solving at its core. To understand this mindset, let's look at the three essential elements of Design Thinking: People, Process, and Place. These elements form the foundation for applying Design Thinking in business consulting.The Evolution of Design ThinkingOriginally emerging in the creative environments of design studios, Design Thinking began to establish itself as an approach to creative problem-solving in the 1960s and 1970s. Rolf Faste, a professor at Stanford University, coined the term "Design Thinking" in the 1980s. Evolving from a purely design-focused approach, Design Thinking has become an interdisciplinary method that extends far beyond the boundaries of traditional design. Companies and organizations have recognized that this mindset is applicable not only to product development but also to complex systems, services, business models and social innovations.The Three Elements of Design Thinking1) People: The key roles of individualsDesign Thinking focuses on people, their needs, and perspectives. People are at the center of the development process, whether it's designing products, services, or corporate strategies.2) Process: Six iterative stepsEmpathize: Understand users by observing and interacting with them to grasp their thoughts and feelings.Define: Analyze gathered information to identify user problems and recognize opportunities for innovation.Ideate: Generate creative ideas, encouraging quantity over quality, to address unmet user needs.Prototype: Build tangible representations of selected ideas to evaluate their feasibility and impact.Test: Collect feedback from users to assess whether the proposed solutions meet their needs and improve their experiences.Implement: Execute the chosen solution, emphasizing that the success of design thinking relies on translating ideas into tangible outcomes that positively impact users' lives.3) Place: The space for creativityThe physical and social space where Design Thinking takes place also plays a crucial role. Open and collaborative spaces encourage the exchange of ideas and facilitate effective collaboration. Special workshops or Design Thinking labs can create a space that fosters creativity and innovation.Key Insights into Design ThinkingDesign Thinking is a powerful mindset that has successfully established itself in various areas. Emphasizing People, Process, and Place allows for the development of creative solutions that not only are functional but also place the needs of people at the forefront. The iterative application of the six steps provides a structured path from defining the problem to thoughtful prototypes and ultimately to innovative solutions.