HBS Case Method Playbook

VincePrep Advisory

🎯 Purpose of the Case Method

At HBS, the case method is an interactive, student-driven exploration of real business challenges. You’ll face incomplete data, time pressure, and uncertainty—often with no single “right” answer.

The goal is to:

• Sort facts from noise.

• Apply relevant frameworks.

• Articulate and defend decisions.

• Learn from multiple perspectives.

• Build confidence, analytical skill, and attention to detail.

📚 Four Common Case Types

1. Problem Cases

• Outcome is clear; cause is not.

• Identify the real problem quickly.

• Think cause-and-effect, and support your hypothesis with data.

2. Decision Cases

• Explicit choice to be made (e.g., launch a product, enter a market).

• Compare options against criteria and stakeholder perspectives.

• Defend your decision while respecting alternatives.

3. Evaluation Cases

• Judge the value or effectiveness of a performance, outcome, or decision.

• Use clear criteria, acknowledge limitations, and recommend next steps.

4. Rule Cases

• Apply a given set of rules or frameworks to decide or classify.

• More structured, but still require judgment.

🛠 Five Steps to Analyze Any Case

1. Situation (5 min)

• Read first and last sections for context.

• Identify case type and likely frameworks.

2. Questions (15 min)

• Ask: What do I need to know? What’s missing?

• Tailor to the case type.

3. Hypothesis (45 min)

• Draft a tentative answer backed by evidence.

• Use quantitative data where possible.

4. Proof & Action (40 min)

• Synthesize into a clear recommendation and action plan.

5. Alternatives (15 min)

• Identify other viable options and prepare to defend your choice.

🔍 Key Elements by Case Type

Problem Cases

1. Problem definition

2. Diagnosis

3. Cause–effect analysis

4. Apply framework

5. Action
   
   

Decision Cases

1. Options

2. Criteria

3. Option analysis

4. Recommendation

5. Action
   
   

Evaluation Cases

1. Criteria

2. Terms

3. Analysis

4. Judgment

5. Qualifications

6. Actions

💡 Success Factors

• Active Reading: Highlight, annotate, reorganize information.

• Time Discipline: Move fast—never get stuck.

• Framework Mastery: Keep 3–5 go-to frameworks ready (e.g., 4Cs, 5 Forces, SWOT).

• Critical Thinking: Question the protagonist’s role and perspective.

• Balanced Participation: Build on others’ points and challenge constructively.

🗣 For HBS Interviews

In interviews, you won’t be handed a framework—you must create and apply one in real time.

• Structure your thinking quickly.

• Organize information logically.

• Support ideas with qualitative and quantitative evidence.

📦 Practice Resource

If you want to purchase real cases to practice with, visit:
HBR Case Studies Store

⚡ Quick Reference 

Situation (5 min)

- What’s happening?

- What type of case?

- Which frameworks might fit?

Questions (15 min)

- What do I need to know?

- What’s missing?

- Tailor to case type.

Hypothesis (45 min)

- Tentative answer?

- Evidence & data to support it?

- Which framework clarifies the cause?

Proof & Action (40 min)

- Final recommendation?

- Concrete action steps?

- Data visualization if needed.

Alternatives (15 min)

- Other viable options?

- Weaknesses in my argument?

- How to defend my choice?

Problem Case Focus

- Define problem → Diagnose → Cause–effect → Framework → Action

Decision Case Focus

- List options → Criteria → Analyze → Recommend → Act

Evaluation Case Focus

- Criteria → Terms → Analysis → Judgment → Qualifications → Actions