CIMA Case Study: Pre-Seen Analysis
The pre-seen analysis is the starting point of your exam preparation for the February case studies, you’ve had a month or so since they were released by CIMA but I’m sure the Christmas and New Year put your studies on hold somewhat.
Here are my tips on how to approach the pre-seen materials;
Read Through Pre-Seen and Make Notes
The obvious starting point is to read through the official pre-seen document from CIMA page by page and annotate the document. Making brief notes and highlighting the key information, doesn’t matter if it looks messy, it should be a brainstorming session.
Make a SWOT Analysis
Now you have an idea on the company and background of the case study, a SWOT analysis will help you understand the strengths, weaknesses and identify the possible examinable areas.
- Are there low barriers to entry to the market?
- Is there sufficient marketing?
- Are the board of directors operating effectively?
- Is there a potential audit or compliance risk?
Read Through Your Notes Again!
You should read the pre-seen materials and dozen or so times, each time you will either pickup new information or cement your knowledge of the materials.
Use your time wisely, read your notes on the train to work, in the doctors waiting room… there is no excuse for not finding the time to study!
Use a Mix of Resources and Videos
Watch the pre-seen materials and videos available online, visit CIMA student forums or with your tuition provider. Gauge the opinion of others on the pre-seen materials, use your colleagues as a sounding board.
Don’t just confine yourself to the 16 page document from CIMA – there is a wealth of information and informed opinion out there that could help you – find it!
Make Final Summary Notes
Use just one sheet of A4 paper and use both sides.
Summarise the key points from the pre-seen materials on both sides, make notes on the key financial numbers you will refer to in the exam.
The idea of this A4 paper is your final revision notes on the pre-seen before you tackle the mock exams.
CIMA Feb 2019 OCS: Trigg Adventure
If you are struggling for motivation of feel your pre-seen analysis has been aimless so far, then watch the Astranti video below on Trigg Adventure, over an hours discussion on the pre-seen – invaluable!
You can find the full videos on the February OCS exam here.
CIMA Feb MCS 2019: Crowncare
The upcoming CIMA MCS exam is based around a company called Crowncare, likewise if MCS students are finding the pre-seen materials a minefield to work through and want some reassurance they are on the right path, then this video below from Astranti will go someway into making sure you’re exam ready.
You can find the full videos on the February MCS exam here.
CIMA Feb SCS 2019: Vita
Astranti have also covered their pre-seen analysis of the February SCS exam – Vita. 53 minutes packed full of useful information which should complement your notes already made on the Vita case study pre-seen.
You can find the full videos on the February SCS exam here.
CIMA Official Pre-Seen Materials: Feb 2019
You can find the official pre-seen materials for the upcoming case study exams below;
Good Luck and Happy Studying!
the cima student 