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An assessment centre case study exercise simulates the type of situation you are likely to encounter in your new position.
The following competencies are typically assessed in the case study:
In general, case studies belong to one of two main groups:
Subject-Related Case Studies
Specific and professional knowledge of subject topics is required. In cases of candidates applying to a position in which industry knowledge is essential, the content of the case study is directly relevant to that role. In these cases, candidates are required to use their existing knowledge and experience to identify key information from the brief. For instance, project managers may be asked to plan for the release of a new product, which incorporates scheduling, budgeting and resourcing.
General Case Studies
These case studies are designed for a broad audience of candidates who are tested for different positions. Answering the case study questions does not require any specific knowledge, and most questions can be answered with common sense. Any information that is required for answering the case study questions is provided by the assessor, whether by word or through additional documentation. These case studies are much more popular as they are completed by a vast number of candidates who are applying for a wide array of positions.
Companies that Use Assessment Centre Case Studies:
Typically, a case study or analysis exercise introduces a series of fictional documents, such as reports and results from recent market research.
These documents may relate to hypothetical or real-life situations. You are asked to analyse the case at hand, make business decisions and/or give a brief verbal or written report of your recommendations.
You may also be given additional information to assess and respond to throughout the allocated time. In some instances, these exercises include content that is relevant to the company's affairs, giving candidates a taste of a real day-to-day task.
You may be asked to complete the case study as an individual exercise or as part of a group, which allows assessors to evaluate your ability to work as part of a team.
Some employers designate case study exercises as a discrete element of the selection process, while others may combine them with an interview.
Still unsure which topic you will speak on? Below is a list of ideas you may encounter:
A case study exercise is one of several tools used to evaluate a wide array of skills and abilities:
Aptitude Skills | Employment Skills |
---|---|
Analytical | Commercial |
Strategic | Marketing principles |
Creativity | Time management |
Problem-solving | Working under pressure |
Oral communication |
As there is a lot of data and documents to go through in a short period of time, your time management skills are being put to the test here. The key to success is working fast and efficiently, prioritising and identifying key issues while ignoring irrelevant information.
There are two types of questions that can be asked by the assessors. Questions of a quantitative nature would ask to perform some numerical calculations, requiring basic mathematical operations, nothing that exceeds the use of the four basic operations, percentages and ratios. Questions of a more qualitative nature can relate to strategic decisions, future projections, and market analysis. Popular questions would be:
The candidates are judged on:
The judgment is commonly made using a competency matrix. The candidate is assessed according to each competency displayed during the test, usually on a scale of 1-5.
Here we offer a unique preparation package designed specifically to help you prepare for your upcoming case study or analysis exercise.
This pack contains two complete written case study exercises that can be solved under test-like conditions.
Using the detailed solution guide, scoring form and presentation example, you are able to assess your own performance and draw valuable conclusions.
The guides included in this pack present you with all the information you need to know about the case study assessment.
They cover a variety of topics, including different types of case study tests, numerous solving methods and case study presentation tips and examples.