Back to topicsTechnology · firm-agnostic
5 cases

Build vs Buy

Build, buy, or partner — platforms, apps, vendors. These cases aren't tied to any firm — they can come up in any consulting interview.

Build vs Buy · Hard · 35-45 min
Build or License a Software Platform

An automotive company wants a connected-vehicle software platform (telematics, OTA updates, in-car services). It can build in-house, license from a specialist v…

Build vs Buy · Easy · 20-30 min
Banking App — License the Core or Build It

A retail bank needs a new mobile app. It can license a white-label banking app platform (fast, proven, but generic) and build only its personalization and loyal…

Build vs Buy · Medium · 25-35 min
E-commerce Platform — Build, Buy, or SaaS

A $500M-revenue retailer's e-commerce platform is creaking and limits growth. Options: adopt a hosted SaaS commerce platform, license a packaged platform to sel…

Vendor Selection · Easy · 20-30 min
Choosing Between Two Software Vendors

A company is choosing a new CRM. Vendor A is the market leader — feature-rich, expensive, heavier to implement. Vendor B is cheaper, simpler, faster to deploy,…

Make / Buy / Partner · Medium · 25-35 min
Acquiring a New Technology Capability

A consumer-goods company wants a direct-to-consumer data and personalization capability it doesn't have today. It can build the team and tech, acquire a small m…

Not affiliated with any firm. Cases are independent practice material inspired by public industry knowledge.