FLP 210. How Students Are Succeeding in the Operational Case Study (OCS)

Kevin Gormley: Hello. Thanks for listening to the Finance Leadership Podcast. It's the latest update and, uh, news about the Finance Leadership program. It's produced by AICPA and CIMA together as the association of International Certified Professional Accountants. You can find out more@, uh, AICPA, SEMA.com or enroll.cgma.org which is usually joined by myself, Kevin Gormley. And today we have the pleasure of three students that are currently studying on FLP that have agreed to join the POD today to talk about their experience, in particular around the operational case study. So our three students, uh, are all based in India and are currently studying under the FLP pathway. And they have kindly agreed to tell their story and, and talk about, uh, the ocs. The operational case study, obviously, is quite a challenging exam for many of our students. It's the first case study that you sit unless you have exemptions. And that in itself presents some challenges for students. So we're hoping that the insight and, uh, experience of the guests today may help some of you with some of your strategies for study and also give you some insight into what makes a success, uh, in terms of the operational case study. Today I'm joined by Nandini Prena and Pranav from India, as I said. So what I'd like to do is just introduce the three of them individually, first of all, so they can tell us a little bit about what they do, who they are, and what they're currently doing in terms of study or work. I'll start clockwise. Uh, Nandini, would you like to kick off and tell us a little bit about yourself, please?

Nandini Maheshwari: Uh, thank you. Uh, hi, everyone. I'm, um, Nandami Maheshwari. I'm currently pursuing my Bachelor's of Commerce from Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune, India. Along with my CGMA qualification, I've successfully cleared the operational and management case study levels of the CGMA pathway and I recently set for strategic case study as well. I was fortunate to, uh, achieve an All India Rank 2 in Operational Case Study Exam and All India Rank 4 in Management Case study. Uh, it's a pleasure to be part of this discussion and actually share my experience with the aspiring candidates. That's it. From my side.

Kevin Gormley: Thank you.

Pranav: Hi, everyone. I'm Pranav. I'm actually pursuing my BBA degree in St. Joseph's College of Commerce in Bangalore, which is in India. Uh, I, uh, learned about this SEMA qualification through the course itself because our, our, uh, our BBA degree is integrated with the SEMA qualification And yeah, I've just cleared my operational level case, uh, operational level exam and I'm writing the management level in May.

Kevin Gormley: Okay, thank you. And Prena.

Prena: Hi, I'm Prena, like Pranav. I'm also studying in St. Joseph's College of Commerce in Bangalore. Um, I'm doing a BBA integrated with sema. I wrote my OCS exam in August, uh, for which I got an All India rank. And I recently sat my management case study exam in February and plan to write my strategy case study exam in May. Uh, I learned um, about the course while I was doing research for my college courses when I was in the 12th grade.

Kevin Gormley: That's great. Thank you. Many of our students are not at university whilst studying, um, for. For ctma. So the three of you are quite unique in terms of your position and the fact that you're doing an undergraduate degree whilst doing ctma, which is obviously very impressive in terms of your ability and also your commitment to study. So I'm in awe personally. So that's fantastic to hear such a great story from the three of you. So as I said, let's start. We're going to talk about the OCS in particular. Obviously you've all passed the ocs. Can maybe each of you tell me about your overriding experience? Just talk briefly about the case you sat in particular and your overriding memory of it. So Krenna, could you give us your experience of the OCS place?

Prena: Yeah, sure. So I sat for uh, the August case study exam I wrote about for the Half Penny case, which is a bread manufacturing company. Uh, my main experience with that was it was really like a fascinating experience. Uh, I remember feeling really like pleasantly surprised by how it felt to study for the exam and write the exam. I was really stressed before that I would feel really pressured or it would be really like a bad experience. But I remember really enjoying writing and preparing for the paper.

Kevin Gormley: Okay, Nandini, could you give us some insight please?

Nandini Maheshwari: To be very honest, um, my operational case study experience was completely new to me. I also gave um, August 2025 attempt, uh, where I also got the half penny bread and mastery case. Uh, to be very honest, I never attempted any as such case intensive exams before. So the entire format itself was really unfamiliar. Initially I felt a bit intimidated because it was my first attempt for sema, of course. However, uh, I feel at the same time it was a very enriching learning experience and experience in itself because I feel that the case study exams, the way, uh, the whole um, exams M have been structured, I Feel uh, that they're very um, reality oriented where you are able to solve uh, things based on real case scenarios. So it does develop your uh, business concise a lot. So once I started writing I focused applying the strategies I prepared and tried to coach each of the requirement in a structured way. So I, I think it was overall a very unique experience but at the same time uh, very enriching.

Kevin Gormley: Okay, Pranav, anything to add?

Pranav: Uh, yeah, uh, I sat the November attempt and we had the case on uh, Suntrix, uh, Skiing Co. And that was really different because the case study exam is not something that we're usually used to. Uh, ours are more, our exams are more like objective based and having something like you're sitting in a, uh, you're sitting in an employee's position basically throughout the exam. And it's different for some, for a student, like a uh, student who's an undergrad to actually write something about um, you know, being in a job position or you know it's very interesting. And yeah, I think it was very different. Um, yeah, that's basically, yeah that's, that's

Kevin Gormley: one of the things that Pranav has mentioned is the fact that you're currently not in full time employment in a finance or accounting role and you're expected then to immerse yourself into uh, a position that you're completely unfamiliar with. So yeah, that in itself must create some challenges for you as an undergraduate. And that's, that's quite a, quite a different situation because probably it's fair to say about three quarters of our current students are not in their position in terms of being at university when studying cgma. So even those students who are in a job that is similar to the role that you may have to immerse yourself in during the exam, they still find it challenging. So um, I can imagine that if you've no direct experience doing that type of work at uh, simultaneously as studying, then uh, I can imagine that presenting different challenges for you. So in terms of some of the strategies or study techniques, how did you prepare for the exam, things around preparation, did you set the mock exams in the case study review course? So what I'd like to do is each of you maybe give us your plan for the case or how you got to the point where you're ready for study. Pranav, if you could tell us how you studied and prepare for the case study.

Pranav: Yeah, uh, I actually first uh, things I had three, four weeks to prepare for the exam. So within the first two weeks I uh, finished uh, studying everything regarding the subject. I finished all the pillars, P1, F1 and uh, E1 altogether. And uh, after which I started looking at the PC more often. And I highlighted points, uh, from the subject matter involved, um, and stuck to it on a daily basis. Um, and then regarding T1, I think I focused more on the uh, practical aspect where how they um, got to solving different sums and everything. Um, and I focused on the Q, uh, short term KPIs for uh, E1 and uh, in F1 I ensured that I studied, um, I kind of memorized the standards in a, In a different manner.

Kevin Gormley: And um. Pranav, did you sit the mock exams within the case study review course?

Pranav: Yes, uh, the mock exams are very helpful, uh, especially the graded ones. I wasn't able to sit the first graded mock and the second graded mock. I think it really, um, especially with how they evaluated, uh, and they. For each question they gave or each task, they actually provided really like good insight on where I went wrong and what I was supposed to correct on. And that was really helpful leading to the week of the case study because I got to focus on what was actually supposed to be, you know, studied for.

Kevin Gormley: Yes. Yeah, yeah. So the feedback enabled you to be more successful in your attempt then at the real exam. Thank you, Pranav. Um, Nandini.

Nandini Maheshwari: Yeah, so for me I feel the preparation was first started with building a very strong conceptual foundation, uh, around the three pillars, uh, as said by Pranav, P1 even and F1. And I think that all these pillars is something that makes the whole case study exam. So you got to focus on every single subject and give them the um, desired amount of time that they need. And I feel that the Difficulty level for P1 even in F1 really depends on um, your interests because all of these pillars focus on different, different aspects of business. And um, basically even is management accounting. Even is about digital digitalization. F1 was about financial, uh, financial strategy. So I think those uh, these three pillars are very varied, uh, in itself. So I feel uh, that first m. What I did was developing all the concepts then was precinct precision is I think the base for case study exams, no matter which level you give. So I feel, uh, the second thing that I focused on was, um, continuously reading precine, uh, within gaps, like every week. I used to plan that, okay, this day I have to start, I have to sit and study and just give a thorough reading to the precinct so that I know the industry well. Then I feel that alongside with this, I closely refer to the core, uh, activities Framework which is provided in FLP platform. Uh, one of my concepts. Once my concepts were in place, um, I shifted my focus heavily towards practice. So I used to practice large number of mocks, as you said, the marked one, the graded one. Those are really, really helpful. Uh, I did practice a bit of, uh, past year questions as well, just to give, just to get the gist of how you have to write, uh, the answers. So I think, uh, this was, this was how I strategized and hopefully this

Kevin Gormley: worked for me and Nandini. How long did you spend preparing for the case study?

Nandini Maheshwari: Uh, to be honest, I had my semester exams coming up. So once I cleared my semester, uh, exam I got like around a month to really prepare for uh, case three exam. Like uh, as in four weeks, I would say.

Kevin Gormley: Yeah. Okay. Krena, could you give us your experience please?

Prena: Yeah. So like Nandini and Pranav, I started with brushing up on my conceptual knowledge. Uh, that didn't take too much time for me because I just written my college exams on E1 and P1 and F1. I found relatively easy to study. Um, after that I moved on to going through the precinct. During this time, uh, our college was having like ocs, uh, classes for us, um, to help us prepare and understand how to write the paper and how to analyze the precinct and things like that. So that really helped for me along with watching the classes that the FFP platform provides. So I read the pre scene a couple of times. The first time I read it, I read through it, I think like three times, uh, over and over again. And then I started like picking out all the information that could be relevant in an answer or, ah, trying to figure out the relevance of different pieces of information and how that could come into play in any, uh, questions that could come about. And what really helped with that was also going through the practice workbook especially, but also doing the mocks. Um, I think the practice workbook really, really helped in helping me pinpoint um, which areas that I was weaker in. And I really needed to uh, focus on uh, which uh, types of questions. I wasn't really like pulling the preen enough in, things like that. And also like Pranav said, the uh, feedback on the graded mocks were extremely helpful in figuring out how to improve my answering.

Kevin Gormley: And can I ask you a follow up question? Obviously everyone has a study plan. Did you stick to the study plan in terms of hours per week or was it a bit ad hoc? And you studied when you could?

Prena: I mean it was a bit of studying when I Could, But I had like a vague plan because at the time of preparing was also when I had like mid semester examinations as well as a lot of assignments. So I couldn't always stick to whatever plan. Like if I, I knew if I had like a very fixed plan, I wouldn't be able to stick with it and that would be really demotivating for me. So I had like, okay, I have to finish, um, like two core activities within three days. Things like that is mostly how my study planning was. It was very, it wasn't very structured. But for me at that time that was better than having a very detailed plan.

Kevin Gormley: Right. And do you have any idea how many hours, uh, that you would have spent studying for the case study? Because I'm trying to get a feel for what real students are putting into the case in terms of hours or what their plans are so we can better understand how people prepare for the case study. So it's always interesting to hear. Do you have any idea on numbers of hours that you studied?

Prena: Uh, I would say over a course of maybe like five weeks at least like 10 to 12 hours. In a week.

Kevin Gormley: In a week, right. That's pretty average actually. Yeah, that's what we would expect students to study. Nandini, uh, Pranav, do you have any idea on how long you spent preparing for the case study?

Nandini Maheshwari: Uh, yeah. So, uh, to be honest, even I didn't have as such a structured plan because structured plan really never works for me. But what I used to have was my daily plans. I feel that I always used to set my goals, that these are the topics that I need to cover today anyhow, no matter, I have to make time for it. So I think that that used to work for me a lot. So I used to plan my studies in that way and that uh, this is how, this is how much I have to prepare today. So that's how I approached basically, uh, as I said that I started first with my concepts, so I had like majorly four weeks to prepare for my exams. So I decided that within eight to nine days I really have to cover all my concepts. So I used to sit for like four or five hours daily to actually complete the syllabus as soon as possible. And then I started uh, with Precinct. Precinct was something I used to do. Again, I said that within weeks I used to take Precinct out of nowhere and just read it once so that I know that I remember and memorize what the industry really speaks to, speaks about. And then it was mocks. Uh, mocks were game changers when I say this and um, for me I feel that until, unless you don't practice yourself in that environment where you have to sit for three hours and write exams with timers, I feel that you really can't, uh, you will not be able to really understand how you're going to do it when you really appare for it. So I think uh, then it was mocks which I prepared for and as PR said, the practice workbook and the playbook that uh, we usually get from sema, they are exceptional because I feel that uh, the way the practice workbook has been made, uh, um, focusing on all the core activities, the six core activities we need to prepare for. So I feel that the practice workbook does helped a lot. And even for revisions, I used to stick to my prior to the practice workbook and then I do prepare few past year questions. So yeah, that's how I actually plan the way.

Kevin Gormley: Okay, thank you. Finally, um, Pranav, do you anything you want to add?

Pranav: Uh, yeah, uh, so I had my semester break during the time I had to study for, for the exam. Uh, so I think it was around four to five hours a day, uh, at least to cover up every core activity in detail. And then towards the week leading to the exam when I was like doing a lot of mocks and like past year papers and everything, I think I used to just sit around in the evening for like two or three hours to try covering those as well. Uh, and like Nandini mentioned, the practice workbook was very insightful too because uh, that had everything regarding the PC in, in a very detailed manner which was very, at least the day before the exam I focused entirely on that because I had everything regarding the PC. Uh, and also it gives you insight on how to answer the questions, like how SEMA at least expects you to answer the questions, which is different to what we normally answer college exams or you know, something like that.

Kevin Gormley: So. Yes, and I'm sure the answers that CMA expects are quite different from the answers that you give in a college exam. They're aimed obviously at ah, two different levels. So I'm sure that took some getting used to. For all of you, um, that were sitting these exams. One thing that stands out is I know everyone didn't really have a rigorous, very strict plan, but you spent a lot of time and you used the resources in the case study review course, which is great to hear. So um, that obviously contributed to your success and the very high results that the three of you attained, ah, in your exam. So that was very clear to See, using the right things and putting the time in ends and the results. So that's fantastic. A final question I might ask each of you because we've sort of covered bits and pieces throughout the questions I had planned. Is there any one thing or a piece of advice that you may give any students that are currently studying? You know, whether it be one single piece of advice or a couple of things that you think really helped you get the good pass?

Pranav: Yeah, I think, uh, I think just staying positive through it all because I feel like online everyone talks about like this is a highly competitive exam and I think that's what brings down a lot of people with, you know, how tough it's going to be and the fact that there's even more levels to this. So I think just being relaxed and positive about everything and just enjoying the whole like studying process or, um, you know, just have, don't overdo your studies or don't over complicate it. Just relax as well. Don't just, you know, uh, don't think it's the end of the world.

Kevin Gormley: I know I was just about to say that's a very important point because, uh, a lot of our students think it is the end of the world if you fail the exam. And clearly it's not. It's just an exam. So the worst thing that's going to happen here is that you have learned a lot of useful competencies that are applicable for real life and you can reset the exam again, which is, which is also very important. Nandini, anything that you wish to add?

Nandini Maheshwari: To be very honest, I really agree with what Prana said that uh, it's very important to be really positive throughout the process because we had like a month to prepare and even I, I was panicking at the start that how I wouldn't cover the whole syllabus. But I feel that if you tailor your plans accordingly and with your level of competence and how you prepare, I feel uh, that there's always a way to go and being consistent is the thing. I feel that uh, the key piece of advice I would say is definitely, definitely be consistent during that month and prioritize. Prioritization has all, has always worked for me and I feel, I felt that when I had my case study exam, I prioritize when I have to study and when I can. I had my leisure time as well. It's not that I was just constantly studying the whole day and night. It was more about a balance. But maintaining that balance during that one month was really a key thing for me. So One thing that I would advise is consistency. Be positive and give your best.

Kevin Gormley: Thank you, Nathiri. Um, and prayer now.

Prena: Yeah, I feel like advice when it comes to preparation is if you felt like the first time you answered, uh, a question in the mock or in a practice workbook question, that you didn't do it really well, go back to it once you feel a little better prepared. When you compare your answers, you really feel like how much you are improving, and that'll really boost your confidence when it comes to actually writing the paper. If you feel like you didn't do a particular task well, don't let that get you down. Look at the next task as, uh, like a fresh page. Don't think about how you did in the previous one. That question's done. You can't go back to it. There's no point. Just refresh your mind when you refresh the page to the next task.

Kevin Gormley: Two good points. Yeah. There's nothing you can do about an answer. Yeah. Correct. I think that's been very useful. Greatly appreciate the three of you taking the time to speak to me. It's obviously very impressive, uh, what you're achieving in terms of your study during your undergraduate years. And as I said, you excelled in the ocs. So, I mean, what you have to say is very pertinent and relevant for, for, for anyone listening. So thank you again. I really appreciate it. So invaluable for our students. Uh, we'll have more information on the show, notes about study resources and other things that will be useful for students. To view them, just click on the episode's info icon in the podcast app on your smartphone or tablet, or open the episode in your computer's web browser. For more information on FLP, go to enrol.uhcgma.org or AICPA CMIT. Thank you for listening. If you know a friend or colleague could use this information, feel free to share with your networks. You'll see the sharing buttons on the podcast app. That's it for now. We'll have another episode available next month. Goodbye. This content is designed to provide illustrative information with respect to the subject matter covered and does not represent an official opinion or position of the ARCPA or the association or cima. It is provided with the understanding that they are not engaged in offering legal, accounting or other professional services. If such advice or expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. The aicpa, the association and CEMA make no representations, warranties or guarantees as to, and assume no responsibility for the content or application of the material contained herein, and especially disclaim all liability for any damages arising out of the use of reference to or reliance on such material.