Framework Primer
A Primer on Case Frameworks
Everything you need before your first session — what a framework is, what a strong one looks like, and exactly how your performance will be scored.
Start Practicing →What Is a Framework?
A framework is a structured breakdown of the problem into 2–5 top-level buckets, each with sub-points, that you present verbally before diving into analysis.
Interviewers evaluate how you think, not just whether you reach the right answer. A structured framework signals logical rigor, business intuition, and communication skill.
Format: Think of it as an outline. State your top-level categories first (‘I’d break this into three areas: X, Y, and Z’), then walk through what you’d explore under each one.
Example
What Good Looks Like
E-commerce Fulfillment Optimization
Our client is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce company that sells athletic apparel. Over the past year, their average delivery time has increased from 3 days to 7 days, and customer complaints about late deliveries have tripled. The COO wants to understand what is causing the delays and how to fix them. How would you structure your analysis?
In a real session, you’d read this, ask clarifying questions, then have 2 minutes to build your framework.
Example Framework Response
Capacity Analysis
- •Current vs. required throughput
- •Bottleneck identification
- •Peak period stress testing
- •Expansion options and timeline
Process Efficiency
- •Order processing workflow
- •Customization handling impact
- •Pick/pack/ship optimization
- •Technology and automation gaps
Carrier Strategy
- •Single carrier risk assessment
- •Multi-carrier diversification
- •Regional carrier options
- •Rate negotiation leverage
Network Design
- •Geographic coverage gaps
- •Third fulfillment center business case
- •3PL partnership options
- •Inventory positioning strategy
Why this works
This framework examines internal capacity constraints, process inefficiencies from the new customization offering, external carrier dependencies, and the overall network design to identify both quick wins and structural improvements.
Scoring Rubric
How Your Framework Is Scored
Every framework you submit is evaluated across six dimensions. Here is what each one measures and how to perform well on it.
What it measures
Each bucket covers a distinct, non-overlapping part of the problem. Taken together, all buckets fully cover the problem space with no major gaps.
How to do it well
Before presenting, ask yourself: 'Do any two buckets overlap?' and 'Is any important area of the problem uncovered?' If yes to either, restructure.
What it measures
How tailored your framework is to the specific case prompt. A generic template applied to every case of the same type will score poorly here.
How to do it well
Read the prompt carefully for unique details — industry, competitive context, the specific ask. Build at least one bucket using case-specific language, not just a standard template.
What it measures
Whether you state upfront where you believe the answer lies and which bucket you'd prioritize first — and why.
How to do it well
After laying out your buckets say: 'My hypothesis is that the issue is on the cost side — specifically X — so I'd start with [Bucket Name].' Even if wrong, this signals business judgment.
What it measures
The quality and specificity of sub-points under each top-level bucket. Weak frameworks have no sub-points, or generic ones like 'analyze revenue.'
How to do it well
Aim for 2–3 sub-points per bucket that are concrete and case-specific. Instead of 'revenue analysis', say 'price per unit vs. competitor rates' and 'volume by customer segment.'
What it measures
What you chose to ask before building your framework — relevance, prioritization, and whether your questions would actually change your structure.
How to do it well
Ask 2–4 questions before building. Focus on: what does success look like, what constraints exist, what data is available. Don't ask things you can infer from the prompt.
What it measures
How clearly and confidently you present your framework out loud — top-down structure, signposting language, and covering each bucket before sub-points.
How to do it well
Always open with the count: 'I'd break this into three areas.' Name each bucket before its sub-points. Close with your hypothesis and where you'd start.
Recommended Resources
Go Deeper
These are the resources experienced case coaches most recommend. None are affiliated with CaseCoach — just genuinely useful.
YouTube
Case Interview Frameworks — Full Walkthrough
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Mock Case Interview at Bain — Full Walkthrough
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