Expert case by
Ian

MBB - Sky China

Case Prompt:

Sky China, a government-backed Chinese airline, has recently seen profits plummet due to COVID-19. Profits are down 80% in the months of February and March, but are showing early signs of a rebound in April. 

They've brought you in to first investigate what can be done immediatedly to prevent hemorrhaging cash and surive in the short-term. They are also looking to see how the current situation can be viewed as an opportunity, and what can be done to prepare for the future. 

Overview of All Exhibits
Practice makes the difference
Practicing alone helps – with a partner it’s even better. Solve this case in a realistic mock interview.
Schedule on Meeting Board

I. Cost cutting - Airline Cost Brainstorming

Show additional information Hide additional information
Show solution Hide solution

I. Cost cutting - Cost Drivers – Possible Cost Cutting

Show solution Hide solution

I. Cost cutting - Cost Reduction Estimations

Show additional information Hide additional information
Show solution Hide solution

I. Cost cutting - Cost Reduction Calculations

Show additional information Hide additional information
Show solution Hide solution

II. Revenue fixes (including Future Plans)

Show additional information Hide additional information
Show solution Hide solution
Practice This Case With Peers Who Are Currently Looking for Interview Partners.
Do you have questions on this case?
Ask our community and receive answers and tips directly from our experts.
Ask a question Ask a question
Related Case Interview Basics Articles
Public Value Strategic Triangle
Useful Business Analysis Tools
The Strategic Public Value Triangle is a conceptual framework developed by Prof. Mark H. Moore to guide public managers in creating public value. It emphasizes the interplay between three key elements: public value proposition, the operational capacity to deliver, and the legitimacy and support of the authorizing environment.Prof. Mark H. Moore is a distinguished academic known for his work in public management and leadership. He is the Hauser Professor of Nonprofit Organizations at the Harvard Kennedy School. Moore's research and teachings have significantly influenced the field of public administration, particularly with the introduction of the Strategic Public Triangle in his seminal book "Creating Public Value: Strategic Management in Government" published in 1995.
To the article
Charts and Data in Case Interviews
Consulting Skills & Preparation
When it comes to case interviews, data interpretation is a crucial skill that sets top candidates apart. Whether you're analyzing market trends, customer segments, or financial figures, your ability to quickly understand and communicate data-driven insights can make or break your performance. In this guide, we'll break down the process into three simple steps to help you excel in reading and interpreting charts and data during your interviews.
To the article
The Roots and Effects of Inflation
Common Terms of Business
Inflation is an economic phenomenon that almost all of us have experienced at some point – and not just at the grocery store. Simply put, inflation means that the prices of goods and services rise, and your money becomes less valuable. For example, if you can buy something for 10 euros today, you might be able to buy less of it in a few months with the same amount. 😅But how does inflation actually happen? It usually results from an imbalance between supply and demand. A common cause is demand-pull inflation: when the demand for goods and services exceeds the supply, companies can raise their prices because they know that customers are still willing to pay more.Another frequent cause is cost-push inflation. When companies face rising production costs – for example, due to higher wages or increased raw material prices – they often raise their prices to cover those additional expenses. 
To the article
The Competing Values Framework
Useful Business Analysis Tools
The Competing Values Framework (CVF) is a robust model that helps organizations better understand, assess, and ultimately transform their cultures.The Competing Values Framework was developed in the 1980s. It began with a research study by Robert Quinn, John Rohrbaugh, and other colleagues aimed at identifying key indicators of organizational effectiveness. They conducted a factor analysis of existing organizational assessments and identified two main dimensions that formed the basis for the framework: internal vs. external and flexibility vs. control.Quinn is co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizations at the Ross School of Business. His research has helped advance the concepts of positive organizational science, which focuses on strengthening and improving organizations by building positive attributes, rather than focusing only on fixing deficits. John Rohrbaugh is a professor in the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany, State University of New York. His research interests are in strategic management, organizational behavior, and decision-making.Developed in the 1980s by Robert Quinn and John Rohrbaugh, the CVF has served as a prism for studying organizations.How Can the Competing Values Framework (CVF) Help to Transform Organisational Cultures?The CVF divides organizational cultures into four main quadrants: Clan, Adhocracy, Market, and Hierarchy. These quadrants reflect the tensions between internal and external factors, and between stability and control on the one hand and flexibility and change on the other.Clan (Collaboration) - "Doing things together" / Long-Term Development: Clan culture is characterized by strong internal focus and flexibility. It is characterized by collaboration, participation and communication. The clan quadrant is often described as an extended family where employees feel a high degree of loyalty and belonging. In this culture, the main activities are often focused on teamwork, consensus building, and internal harmony. The main purpose is to create a harmonious work environment where employees feel comfortable and can best utilize their skills. The typical type of employee in a Clan culture is team-oriented, more loyal, and maintains strong personal relationships in the workplace.Adhocracy (Creative) - "Doing things first" / Innovations:Adhocracy is characterized by a high degree of flexibility and external focus. In this culture, innovation is at the core and there is a dynamic and entrepreneurial atmosphere. Main activities in Adhocracies are experimentation, risk taking and adaptation to change. The purpose of such a culture is to achieve competitive advantage through innovation and creativity. The typical type of employee is creative, entrepreneurial, and willing to take risks.Market (Competition) - "Do things quickly" / Short-Term Performance:The Market focuses on external factors, with a high priority on stability and control. This culture emphasizes competitiveness, results orientation, and performance. The main activities in Market cultures focus on transactions, competition, and achieving market goals. The purpose of this culture is to achieve market dominance through superior performance. The typical type of employee in a Market culture is results-oriented, goal-oriented, and competitive.Hierarchy (Control) - "Doing things right" / Working incrementally:The Hierarchy culture emphasizes internal factors and values stability and control. Here, the emphasis is on order, rules, and uniform procedures. The main activities in Hierarchical cultures involve coordination, organization, and efficiency. The main purpose is to ensure smooth operations and reliable performance. The typical type of employee in a hierarchical culture values consistency, order, and structure.Benefits and Possible Applications for ConsultantsFor consultants, the CVF provides a precise tool for analyzing their clients' organizational culture. It helps them understand their clients' current strengths and weaknesses, plan relevant changes, and design effective interventions.Knowledge of organizational culture can also help consultants develop customized solutions that meet the organization's specific needs and priorities. By using the CVF, they can determine, for example, whether an organization is willing to take risks and embrace innovation, or whether it values stability and control more.In addition, consultants can use the CVF to assess the impact of change on the organization. They can predict how a change will affect the existing culture and how to shape the change initiative to meet the needs and priorities of the organization.Overall, the Competing Values Framework provides a comprehensive map of organizational culture. It provides consultants with a clear path to understand and navigate the often-nebulous aspects of culture, and it provides an effective framework for designing and implementing change. It is an indispensable tool to help consultants help their clients adapt to an ever-changing business environment.
To the article
The Role of the Hypothesis in Consulting
Common Terms of Business
In the field of consulting, the hypothesis plays a central role in the analysis of problems, the development of solutions and the derivation of strategic recommendations. A hypothesis is a preliminary assumption or conjecture made on the basis of existing information and data. It serves as a starting point for investigations to gain empirically verifiable knowledge. This article explores the meaning, purpose, and application of hypotheses in the consulting context. 
To the article
Practice makes the difference
Practicing alone helps – with a partner it’s even better. Solve this case in a realistic mock interview.
Add invitation
Do you have questions on this case?
Ask our community and receive answers and tips directly from our experts.
Ask a question Ask a question