How MBA Students Can Present a Case Analysis Clearly

What evaluators are listening for

Faculty and interviewers are not only checking whether you found the right concept. They are listening for structured thinking, business judgement, evidence and the ability to respond to questions.

A clear recommendation is more useful than a long summary of the case.

Use the REARN framework

1. 1Recommendation: State what the organisation should do.
2. 2Evidence: Give the two or three facts that support the decision.
3. 3Alternatives: Show that you considered other realistic options.
4. 4Risk: Name the most important risk and how it can be reduced.
5. 5Next step: Explain the first action, owner or measure.

A concise opening

Our recommendation is to pilot the new service in two high-potential cities before a national launch. Customer demand is promising, but the operational assumptions are not yet proven. A controlled pilot will test acquisition cost, service quality and repeat usage while limiting risk.

Make evidence do work

• Use a fact only when it supports a decision
• Separate case facts from your assumptions
• Explain what a number means, not only what it is
• Prioritise two strong points over six weak points
• Never invent data that the case does not provide

Handle alternatives fairly

Do not dismiss another option without explanation. State its benefit, then explain why your recommendation better fits the current objective or constraint.

Example: A national launch may create faster awareness, but it increases operational and financial exposure before unit economics have been validated.

Respond to questions under pressure

1. 1Pause and identify the exact question.
2. 2Answer the main point in one sentence.
3. 3Give one supporting reason or case fact.
4. 4State an assumption if the evidence is incomplete.
5. 5Close by connecting the answer to your recommendation.

Useful presentation language

• The central decision is...
• Our recommendation is based on three factors...
• The strongest alternative is...
• The main risk is..., which we would reduce by...
• The first measure of success should be...

Practice plan

1. 1Deliver a 90-second version without slides.
2. 2Ask a partner to challenge one assumption.
3. 3Answer without repeating the full presentation.
4. 4Record the final version and remove unnecessary jargon.
5. 5Check that every slide supports the recommendation.