As a consultant to the Managing Director of KC Switches, the Participant is asked to advise on the production strategy for a new type of switch. Also, more generally, recommendations are requested concerning the business and organisation of KC Switches Ltd. Detailed information is supplied on the current product mix and market influences. The analysis is to be delivered in the form of a presentation containing the recommendations and supporting reasons.
Competencies: Problem Analysis
The Participant assumes the role of a newly-appointed Trainee Resource Co-ordinator for Mitzo Solutions, a small but rapidly growing IT solutions provider. The Participant is asked to review four potential telephone systems suppliers and recommend which supplier Mitzo Solutions should outsource their phone systems to, as well as outline a plan for the implementation of the new equipment. The Participant is provided with a range of quantitative and qualitative data including the Boards decision-making criteria, departmental requirements (including disability issues), employee and customer complaints and a range of financial data in relation to each of the four potential options.
The Participant assumes the role of a Regional Manager for a large book retailer, Malden Books. They are required to review data which has been identified through a number of nationwide audits, analyse the performance of their region and of the organisation in relation to its competitors, and provide recommendations. The Participant is provided with details of the marketplace as a whole, competitor activity, regional performance, staffing information, and surveys from customers and staff. Participants are also asked to consider how their recommendations should be communicated to key stakeholders.
Participants assume the role of Operations Director of Porion Group, an international Market Research Company. Porion is considering acquiring one of three smaller companies to further continue its growth strategy and global expansion. Participants must analyse quantitative and qualitative data, choose one option and justify their recommendation to the CEO. Participants must also consider any practicalities to ensure the acquisition proceeds smoothly.
As a Graduate Trainee at Personal Care Products, a small manufacturer of personal hygiene products, the Participant is responsible for doing some research into the varying success of one of the Company’s premier brands in the marketplace. Detailed qualitative and quantitative information on trends is provided for analysis, which is to be prepared and presented, requiring a succinct summary of the salient points together with recommendations for future action.
The Participant assumes the role of Project Manager at Arion Capital, a leading provider of life insurance, pensions and asset management services. The Company, which was formed following a merger, is currently going through considerable change. The Participants role is to manage the implementation of a new e-learning system. They must analyse information and make recommendations as to which supplier or suppliers should be chosen to undertake the system implementation. The information provided is both qualitative and quantitative and includes company details, financial and cost data and associated risks and benefits.
An Express version of this exercise is now available.
The Participant assumes the role of Head of Commercial Operations at Redisso, a medium-sized software solutions business. A Non-Executive Director on Redisso’s Board has voiced concerns about declining profit margins and highlighted a need to re-structure the business and realign its growth strategy. The Participant must carry out a detailed review of Redisso’s financial and commercial performance and set out recommendations for how this might be improved in the short, medium and long term.
An Express version of this exercise is now available.
The Participant assumes the role of Procurement Manager for Hampshire Public Health Service Trust. The PHS Trust is re-developing one of its hospital sites and aims to achieve best service delivery and value for money through partnership with a private organisation. The Participant is required to analyse a range of numerical and textual information, including a risk allocation matrix, to assess submissions from potential partners. The Participant must provide a considered proposal, making recommendations as to which submissions will be short-listed to the next stage. The Participant does not need any knowledge of procurement procedures in order to complete this exercise.
An Express version of this exercise is now available.
Participants assume the role of a Trainee Business Analyst working for a global consultancy, Tanzecure, which specialises in providing financial data and market intelligence to their clients. A client has asked for information on five different products to be analysed in order to decide which product to invest in and launch. Participants are presented with comprehensive information about the market, customers, competitors and the five products in question and must make recommendations having analysed all available information.
The Participant is asked to assume the role of an Administrative Assistant in the non-fiction section of the Marketing Department of Somersby Books Ltd, a medium-sized publishing company. Having been with the company for about six months and keen to make their mark in the department, the Participant is producing a sales analysis report which they intend to submit to the Marketing Manager in time for the meeting on the forthcoming product catalogue. The Participant is required to analyse a range of data and produce a presentation which includes their recommendations on which titles to exclude from the catalogue.
