BCG Turnaround Cases: Complete Guide
Turnaround at BCG: What to Expect
Turnaround cases are occasional at BCG. As an candidate-led firm, BCG expects you to drive the case independently, demonstrating ownership of your analysis and recommendations. Structure is critical for these cases.
What Turnaround Cases Test
Crisis prioritization, rapid diagnosis, pragmatic thinking, stakeholder management, and implementation focus.
Common Scenarios
- •How do we avoid bankruptcy?
- •What costs can we cut immediately?
- •Which business units should we divest?
- •How do we restore stakeholder confidence?
- •What is the 100-day plan?
How BCG Approaches Turnaround Cases
BCG turnaround cases combine cost reduction with strategic repositioning. Expect to think about both survival and future competitive advantage.
Common Twists at BCG
- •Strategic repositioning
- •Business model pivot
- •Cost structure redesign
- •Growth investment amid cuts
What BCG Evaluates
Example Turnaround Case Prompts
Practice with these turnaround case prompts similar to what you might encounter at BCG:
Our client is a department store chain that has seen five consecutive years of declining sales and is now losing money. How can they turn around?
A manufacturing company is six months from running out of cash. What immediate actions should they take?
Our client, a restaurant chain, is facing bankruptcy. Develop a 100-day turnaround plan.
A media company's print business is declining rapidly. How should they restructure?
Our client is a legacy airline facing competition from low-cost carriers. How can they restore profitability?
Key Frameworks for Turnaround Cases
These frameworks are particularly effective for turnaround cases at BCG:
Practice Tips for BCG
BCG turnaround cases require rapid prioritization under pressure. Focus on cash flow first, then structural improvements. Drive the analysis with urgency while maintaining analytical rigor. Practice identifying quick wins and building pragmatic action plans.
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