GD Topic: Methods to approach & tackle Case Study Group Discussions at top B-schools

Feb. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- The GD processes that are conducted in the B-School admission process can be of several types. While the common ones are on current affairs or abstract topics, Group Discussion on a Case Study is also a growing form of Case Study in the top B-schools. This article of MBAUniverse.com will discuss on preparing and tackling a Case Study GD.

IMT Ghaziabad, VGSoM IIT Kharagpur and many top B-schools including IIMs conduct case based GD in the final round of selection process. Dr. A M Sherry, Admission Chairperson, IMT Group of Institutes describes the process as, “First the candidates will be asked to read the case. After that, they will analyze the case and write the key points. After that, they will discuss the case on the basis of the points with the group members.” He also adds, “This year, our main focus is on the business aptitude. That is why in the GD we are having only business case study this year.”

Basically, in a Case Study GD, caselets dealing with real life situation in the corporate world are given for discussion. You will be given a set of information, a situation, a problem and you will be expected to produce the probable solution of the case.

The group members are either assigned any particular role or they have to discuss the case from the point of view of the stake holders, based on the method followed by the B-schools.

You must remember that discussing a case involves a certain methodology wherein the background of the situation is stated along with the objective of the stakeholder; various options are evaluated and then a choice is made with mention of a fallback plan. At the end of the discussion, the group should be able to come up with a unanimous decision.

Points to keep in mind

You need to follow certain points during a Case Study GD.

-- If you are given a role which you are supposed to play at the end of the caselet then in such a scenario you should step into that X/Y/Z's shoes, look at the problem from his/her angles, and discuss the case accordingly.

-- If you are to discuss it from a third party point of view, you have to look at it in a more holistic way. In case, the case is not specific in this regard, then you could assume the role of a third- party consultant, look at the case objectively from all angles, and discuss it likewise.

-- You will need to develop and present a framework. Always remember to include SWOT - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats while discussing the case study. You don't need to stick rigidly to a framework but use it to frame your answer.

Method to tackle Case Study GD

Identify the problem: At first you will have to understand what the problem is and exactly which the area you need to look at is. For example, if the case is about a company undergoing a loss, then you will have to review what the reason is. Is it the product or something else?

Give two to three different possibilities: On the basis of the problem, you need to come up with two to three possible solutions that you think will work for the particular situation.

Analyze:  After that you need to analyze the pros and cons of the suggestions you have made. Then finalize which one is the most feasible option to approach.

Recommendations: You have to give your recommendations on the basis of the solutions made by you or the other members of the group.

How to use the available information

-- Analyze information, conclude, act and recommend action

-- If you are making an assumption, state it, and then proceed.
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-- Be logical and clear in your reasoning. But you must not get carried away by others.

-- It is quite possible that your other group members may not logically solve the case in the manner desired. It is recommended that you stick to the structure while analyzing the case to shape your thought processes, as your attempts will definitely stand out and be noticed.