Guide to Interpreting Tables in Case Analyses in Assessment Center Exercises

During case analysis exercises, the most common challenge we observe among our clients is difficulties in accurately reading and interpreting tables. This often leads to incorrect or incomplete data analysis, causing them to deviate from the root cause within the case.

Since correctly interpreting tables in case analyses plays a critical role in successful analysis, data-driven decision-making, action planning, and strategic development, this blog post provides tips and examples on how to read and interpret the tables frequently encountered in case analyses. Let's dive in.

How to Read the Target Realization Table?

Example:

Period	Target Sales (TL)	Actual Sales (TL)	Target Realization Rate (%)
Q1	1,000,000	950,000	95%
Q2	1,200,000	1,100,000	91.7%

Interpretation:

• Comparison of Target and Actual Sales: Start by comparing target sales with actual sales. Are actual sales below or above the targets? This indicates how close the business is to achieving its goals.

• Target Realization Rate: This rate shows the percentage of the target achieved. A rate close to 100% indicates that the goals were largely met, while a rate below 100% suggests that the targets were not achieved. For example, if performance remains below 100% for three consecutive periods, this indicates the need for an immediate action plan. If the case includes other tables or related indicators, connect the data logically for a comprehensive analysis.

• Periodical Comparison: By comparing different periods, you can analyze when targets were more likely to be met or missed. Factors like seasonal effects or market conditions might influence this. If relevant tables or information are available in the case, link and interpret the data accordingly.

How to Interpret the Top 10 Best-Performing Products Table?

Example:

Rank	Product Name	Sales Volume (Units)	Market Share (%)
1	Product A	500,000	25%
2	Product B	450,000	22.5%
...	...	...	...
10	Product J	100,000	5%

Interpretation:

• Leading Products: Pay attention to the market shares of the top-ranked products. These products are typically strategic and might require more resources.

• Market Concentration: The total market share of the top 10 products indicates the market's concentration. A high share suggests market domination by a few products, which is essential for understanding competitive intensity and market dynamics.

• Ranking Changes: Analyze ranking changes to determine which products are gaining or losing momentum. This helps understand market dynamics and trends.

How to Conduct Profitability Analyses?

Example:

Product Name	Sales Revenue (TL)	Cost (TL)	Gross Profit (TL)	Gross Profit Margin (%)
Product A	1,000,000	600,000	400,000	40%
Product B	800,000	500,000	300,000	37.5%

Interpretation:

• Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin: Gross profit is calculated by subtracting costs from sales revenue. Gross profit margin, the ratio of gross profit to sales revenue, indicates product profitability. A high margin suggests high profitability.

• Cost Control: Examine the relationship between costs and gross profit. Monitor cost changes over time to determine if costs are under control. If costs are rising while the gross profit margin is decreasing, this indicates issues in cost control.

• Product-Based Profitability: Compare profitability across products to identify which ones contribute more to the business. Focusing on more profitable products can enhance overall profitability.

How to Interpret Population Growth Rates?

Example:

Year	Population (Million)	Growth Rate (%)
2020	80	1.2%
2021	81	1.25%

Interpretation:

• Annual Growth Rate: This rate shows the pace of population growth within a year and is crucial for demand forecasting and marketing strategies. High growth rates indicate market expansion potential, while low rates may signal market saturation.

• Trend Analysis: By analyzing multiple years' data, you can observe trends in growth rates. An increasing trend suggests market expansion, requiring further investment, while a declining trend indicates potential market contraction, necessitating alternative strategies.

• Demographic Differences: Growth rates may vary among demographic groups. For example, if the growth rate is high among younger populations, products or services may need repositioning to cater to this segment.

How to Calculate and Interpret Market Share Index?

The Market Share Index shows a product's or brand's relative power in the market, especially compared to competitors. It is calculated by dividing the product's market share by the largest competitor's market share and multiplying by 100.

Formula:Market Share Index = (Product Market Share / Largest Competitor's Market Share) × 100

Example: Market Share in the Pharmaceutical Sector

Product Name	Market Share (%)
Product A	40%
Product B	30%
Product C	15%
Product D	10%
Product E	5%

Since Product A has the largest market share, the market share indices of other products are calculated relative to Product A.

• Product A: Index = (40/40) × 100 = 100 → Market leader.

• Product B: Index = (30/40) × 100 = 75 → Strong second but needs significant growth to lead.

• Product C: Index = (15/40) × 100 = 37.5 → A smaller player needing significant growth to compete.

• Product D: Index = (10/40) × 100 = 25 → A weak competitor.

• Product E: Index = (5/40) × 100 = 12.5 → Almost negligible market presence.

How to Calculate and Interpret Growth Rates?

1. Total Market Growth Rate Calculation

   • Previous Period Total Market Size = 1,000,000 TL

   • Current Period Total Market Size = 1,090,000 TL

   • Growth Rate = ((1,090,000 - 1,000,000) / 1,000,000) × 100 = 9%

2. Product-Specific Growth Rates

   • Product A: Growth Rate = ((550,000 - 500,000) / 500,000) × 100 = 10%

   • Product B: Growth Rate = ((320,000 - 300,000) / 300,000) × 100 = 6.67%

   • Product C: Growth Rate = ((220,000 - 200,000) / 200,000) × 100 = 10%

General Interpretation:

• Overall Market Growth: A 9% growth indicates expanding market demand.

• Product A: Outperformed the market growth rate, increasing its market share.

• Product B: Grew slower than the market, losing market share, requiring strategic focus.

• Product C: Grew at the market rate, maintaining its market share.

These tips show how to interpret various tables in case analyses, helping you understand not just the numbers but the story behind them. Practicing with different examples is the best way to prepare for case analysis exercises. Our professional team is here to support you with this.

Author: Elif İlknur Tüzün