Question:

A large healthcare company has hired you to determine a strategy for improving profitability through growth. The company hopes to reach its goal in three years. What do you advise?

Answer:

Note that your interviewer will often impose deadlines and other “constraints” that represent the wishes of the client (for example, the client wants to reach its goal within six months; the company wants to reach its goal without spending more than $5 million; etc.). You should not necessarily be constrained by the company’s hoped-for timelines or budget constraints, unless your interviewer tells you otherwise. In this case, you should question whether three years is a realistic or even optimal timeline. Your job is to recommend the best course of action, including an optimal timeline, not to take your client’s wishes as representing the best course of action.