I. Background, Setup, and Recap
Make sure the candidate follows these steps:
01 - Restate the prompt: Candidates are expected to restate the prompt briefly to make sure they are on the same page with the interviewer
02 - Add colors (optionally): Candidates can react to the prompt by providing some quick thoughts which will demonstrate candidates’ business acumen, e.g.: “This is very interesting! Studying at a global MBA program myself, I do have exposure to what the program could look like and would be happy to support its design!” or “Education program design is something very unique and it would be great to see the process followed to do the same!”
03 - Ask 2-3 clarifying questions: It is common that candidates ask 2-3 clarifying questions before designing their framework. Typical questions include:
- Geography of client’s operations/delivery
- Client’s goal/objective
- Business model of the client
04 - Ask for a moment to structure: Typically, candidates ask for a couple of minutes to structure their approach
II. Solution building
Question 1: What do you think are the key factors affecting an applicant’s decision of which Bachelor program to attend?
Sample Answer
- Program content/curriculum: e.g. Types of courses, Pedagogy of learning (lecture-based or case-based method), Global nature of courses
- Program quality and faculty: e.g. Track record of professors, Visiting or industrial faculty from top universities/firms, Professor ratings and outlook of students, ranking/reputation of the program
- Recruiting/career services: e.g. Career advisory services, Internship and Full-time job search support, Employment outcomes (industries, firms and compensation), Access to firm offices and proximity to them
- Cost: e.g. Tuition and living expense cost structure of the program, Scholarships or Financial Aid, ROI of the program in financial and non-financial terms, Opportunity cost of giving up other education opportunities
- Student body: e.g. Domestic vs. International students, Admissions criteria, Friendliness of students and culture of school
- Location: e.g. Availability of basic amenities and infrastructure, Safety of campus and housing area, Affordability, Walkability, Temperature and weather conditions
III. Solution building
Question 2: The universities have defined the goal of having an entry class of 400 students, with a 60-40 split between students from the home country and students from abroad. It is assumed that the 100 bachelor students currently enrolled in the local programs would attend the GBM program. The team’s first task is to decide whether this is a feasible goal.
Sample Answer
Total number of students needed=400 (240 domestic and 160 international)
Currently enrolled in existing programs: 100 x 30%=30 (international), 100 x 70%=70 (domestic)
Additional students needed: 130 (international), 170 (domestic)
Capture rate being 10% for international students, which means 1300 international student applications needed; capture rate being 50% for domestic students, which means 340 domestic student applications needed
This would equal: 1300/30,000=4.33% of the qualified international students; 340/50,000=0.68% of qualified domestic students
Feasible for domestic students, challenging for international students
IV. Solution building
Question 3: What might be some ways to attract applicants from foreign countries?
Sample Answer
Program-Specific Differentiators: Global exposure through curriculum, Faculty and research strengths in global topics, Global mobility programs such as exchanges, partner universities
Financial Incentives: Scholarships and Financial Aid, Part-Time work authorization, Post-Graduation Employment Pathways for global candidates
Cultural Integration Support: Onboarding Services, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, Local community interactions or industrial visits
Marketing and Outreach Strategies: Targeted Digital Marketing, Partnerships with Global Schools, Alumni and Ambassador Programs and country-wise chapters
V. Solution building
Question 4: (Provide Exhibit B) What other measures can the university take to ensure a good global ranking?
Sample Answer
In terms of gaps with the GBM goals, there are two areas that have a big gap in scores.
To increase these scores, the university can focus on:
Research output -
a. Increasing Research Funding
b. Collaborating Internationally
c. Encouraging High-Impact Publications
International Reputation - The university would benefit from the international nature of the class composition but can also focus on:
a. Increasing Global Partnerships
b. Focusing on International Recruitment and Diversity
c. Offering Global Courses and Academic Opportunities to students