Overview
This lecture outlines five techniques for creating MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) structures in case interviews, focusing on how to generate multiple, custom frameworks for any problem.
The Importance of Custom Structures
- Structuring problems well is essential to succeed in case interviews.
- Mastering custom structures allows you to approach any case with confidence and flexibility.
- Over-reliance on standard frameworks limits creativity and performance.
The 5 MECE Structuring Techniques
- Three core techniques: Algebraic structures, Process structures, and Conceptual frameworks.
- Two supporting techniques: Segmentations and Opposite words.
Core Structuring Techniques
- Algebraic Structures: Use equations to break down metrics (e.g., Profits = Revenue - Costs).
- Process Structures: View problems as sequential processes with clear steps or phases.
- Conceptual Frameworks: Organize ideas into categories (e.g., 3Cs: Customer, Company, Competition; 4Ps: Product, Price, Place, Promotion).
Supporting Techniques
- Segmentations: Divide problems into slices (e.g., customer types, regions) to identify patterns or focus areas.
- Opposite Words: Use simple pairs (e.g., internal vs. external) to quickly frame a problem, providing instant but basic structure.
Mastery Benefits
- Mastering these five patterns ensures you can generate structures for any business problem.
- Advanced structuring includes issue trees, context-driven, and objective-driven structures, building on these core techniques.
Key Terms & Definitions
- MECE — Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive; ensures problem breakdowns are non-overlapping and cover all possibilities.
- Algebraic Structure — Problem breakdown using equations and quantitative relationships.
- Process Structure — Structure based on the sequence of actions or steps.
- Conceptual Framework — Organization of qualitative ideas into categories.
- Segmentations — Dividing a problem into distinct, meaningful groups.
- Opposite Words — Using contrasting pairs to create structure quickly.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the next article in the series on Algebraic structures.
- Practice creating multiple structures for sample case questions to build flexibility.