What are the main case interview frameworks?

The five most important case interview frameworks are: Profitability (revenue minus costs decomposition), Market Entry (market attractiveness, competitive landscape, capabilities, entry mode), M&A (strategic rationale, valuation, synergies, integration risks), Pricing (cost-based, value-based, competition-based), and Growth Strategy (organic growth, inorganic growth, new markets, new products).

Should I memorize case frameworks?

No. Memorized frameworks sound generic and mechanical. Instead, understand the underlying logic of each framework and adapt it to the specific case. The best candidates tailor their structure to the unique situation presented. PrepPilot helps by suggesting a customized framework based on the specific case details rather than a generic template.

How does PrepPilot suggest frameworks during a live case interview?

When the interviewer presents the case prompt, PrepPilot transcribes it in real time, identifies the case type, and generates a tailored framework on the invisible overlay within 4 seconds. The suggestion includes specific branches to explore based on the details mentioned in the prompt, not a generic textbook framework.

Which framework is most common in consulting interviews?

Profitability cases are the most frequently tested framework, appearing in roughly 40% of case interviews across all major consulting firms. Market entry is the second most common at about 25%, followed by growth strategy, M&A, and pricing.

Case Interview Frameworks with AI Real-Time Coaching

Five essential frameworks for consulting case interviews, with examples of how PrepPilot's AI suggests tailored structures during live interviews. Updated March 2026.

1. Profitability Framework

The profitability framework is the most common case type, accounting for roughly 40 percent of all consulting case interviews. It applies whenever a company is experiencing declining profits, underperforming margins, or needs to evaluate cost-cutting or revenue growth opportunities.

Core Structure

Profit = Revenue - Costs

Revenue = Price x Volume (decomposed by product, segment, channel, or geography)

Costs = Fixed Costs + Variable Costs (decomposed by category: COGS, SGA, R&D, overhead)

Example prompt: "Your client is a mid-size coffee chain with 200 locations. Profits have declined 15 percent over the past two years despite revenue growing 5 percent. They want to understand why and what to do about it."

PrepPilot AI suggestion (appears on overlay): This is a profitability case where revenue is growing but profits are declining, indicating a cost problem. Suggested framework: (1) Revenue analysis: break down the 5% growth by same-store versus new-store to see if existing locations are healthy. (2) Cost analysis: investigate COGS (coffee beans, milk, food items), labor costs (wages, overtime, benefits), rent/occupancy, and overhead. Look for cost categories growing faster than revenue. (3) Key hypothesis: with 200 locations, new store openings may be driving revenue growth but at higher costs (new market rent, training, ramp-up period). Ask about the timeline of new store openings versus the profit decline.

When to Modify This Framework

The profitability framework should be adapted to the specific case. For a manufacturing company, decompose costs by raw materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead. For a SaaS company, decompose revenue by MRR, churn rate, and expansion revenue, with costs split into customer acquisition cost (CAC) and serving costs. PrepPilot's AI performs this adaptation automatically based on the industry mentioned in the case prompt.

2. Market Entry Framework

Market entry cases ask whether a company should enter a new market, geography, or product category. They require analysis of market attractiveness, competitive dynamics, the company's capabilities, and execution strategy.

Core Structure

Four pillars: Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape, Company Capabilities, Entry Strategy

Market: size, growth rate, profitability, regulatory environment

Competition: major players, market share, barriers to entry, differentiation

Capabilities: core competencies, gaps, required investment

Strategy: build vs. buy vs. partner, timeline, go-to-market approach

Example prompt: "A European luxury fashion brand is considering entering the US market. They currently sell in 12 European countries. Should they enter, and if so, how?"

PrepPilot AI suggestion: Market entry case for luxury fashion into US. Suggested exploration: (1) US luxury market size and growth, target customer profile, online vs. retail split. (2) Competitive landscape: existing luxury brands in the US, department store partnerships, direct-to-consumer trends. (3) Brand capabilities: brand recognition in the US (likely low), supply chain readiness, price point alignment with US market. (4) Entry options: partner with US department stores (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus), open flagship stores in key cities (NYC, LA), or launch DTC e-commerce first. Ask about current brand awareness in the US and their budget for market entry.

3. Mergers & Acquisitions Framework

M&A cases ask whether a company should acquire another company, merge with a competitor, or divest a business unit. They require evaluation of strategic fit, financial viability, and execution risks.

Core Structure

Three lenses: Strategic Rationale, Financial Evaluation, Integration/Risks

Strategic: market expansion, capability acquisition, vertical integration, competitive elimination

Financial: standalone valuation, synergy identification and quantification, deal structure

Risks: integration complexity, culture clash, customer retention, regulatory approval

4. Pricing Framework

Pricing cases ask how to set or change the price of a product or service. They require understanding of costs, customer willingness to pay, and competitive positioning.

Core Structure

Three approaches: Cost-Based, Value-Based, Competition-Based

Cost-based: unit cost + target margin = price floor

Value-based: quantify customer value delivered, price as a fraction of that value

Competition-based: benchmark against competitors, position relative to them

The optimal price typically sits at the intersection of these three perspectives.

5. Growth Strategy Framework

Growth strategy cases ask how a company can grow revenue or market share. They map to the Ansoff matrix: existing products in existing markets (penetration), existing products in new markets (expansion), new products in existing markets (development), and new products in new markets (diversification).

Core Structure

Four quadrants: Market Penetration, Market Expansion, Product Development, Diversification

Organic: pricing changes, marketing, distribution expansion, product innovation

Inorganic: acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, licensing

Evaluate each option by expected revenue impact, investment required, time to value, and risk level.

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