I CASE STUDY

Building Research and Problem-Framing Skills through Real-World Context

Context: Tackling Global Food Waste

Designed and facilitated a Discovery & Problem Framing Workshop using research, data, and insights to foster critical thinking, structured problem analysis, and data-driven decision-making. The workshop guided participants through a process of insight synthesis, visual data interpretation, and collaborative problem framing, resulting in greater clarity and alignment on key business challenges.


Challenge

A multidisciplinary student group from diverse academic backgrounds—including management, game design, finance, and technology—was tasked with understanding the global food waste problem. The objective was to develop applied research and problem-definition skills by exploring the real-world complexities of food waste across consumer, supply chain, and policy segments.


Approach

Using Questum’s REAL Framework (Real-world Experiential Action Learning), we facilitated a two-week intensive workshop focused on discovery and problem framing. Participants conducted primary and secondary research, built data collection tools, performed stakeholder analysis, competitive analysis, and applied systems thinking to map the problem landscape. The sessions encouraged divergent thinking, collaboration, and convergence of ideas to narrow down and define high-impact problem statements. Participants also engaged in user journey mapping, storytelling, and evaluation of existing solutions to assess impact at the socio-economic level, using qualitative and quantitative insights.

Outcomes

• Developed strong foundational skills in research methodology, divergent and convergent thinking and problem definition

• Exposure to real-world complexity, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and systems thinking

• Successfully framed multiple problem statements across food waste domains

• Enhanced ability to evaluate solutions based on user behavior, impact, and feasibility

• Improved team effectiveness and co-creation capabilities in a short sprint
  

Workshop on Design Thinking & Megatrends – CMR University, Bangalore

Challenge

Global megatrends—climate change, automation, geopolitics, and shifting demographics—are reshaping jobs and industries. Students often struggle to connect these changes to their careers and skill development.

I CASE STUDY
Preparing Students for a Changing World

Outcome
Students gained clarity on how global shifts affect their futures and how to prepare for careers in tech, sustainability, and innovation. Faculty saw strong engagement and potential to align this thinking with placement and curriculum goals.

Approach
Delivered a hands-on session using Design Thinking to help students explore these megatrends and their impact. We discussed how to tackle complex problems creatively, use AI as a thought partner, and identify emerging opportunities.

I CASE STUDY
Preparing Students for Big 4 and Early-Career Consulting Roles

Workshop @ Christ University, Bangalore

Challenge

Majorly, it has been observed that students often struggle with structured thinking, problem breakdown, and personal branding during campus placements for Big 4 and consulting roles—despite strong technical skills.This gap impacts interview performance and final outcomes.

Approach & Outcome

The workshop was designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world consulting expectations. It focused on building structured thinking, problem-solving, and personal clarity using tools like SWOT, PESTEL, and STAR/SAR. Through interactive case simulations and personal branding exercises, students developed a lateral thinking mindset and learned to communicate with clarity—equipping them to lead conversations and stand out in Big 4 and consulting interviews.