McKinsey Solve Ocean Cleanup: Guide [2024]

Table of Contents

• What is McKinsey Ocean Cleanup Game?
• Game Objectives
• Game Details
• How to Play the Game
• Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
• Tips for Success
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is McKinsey Ocean Cleanup Game?

The Ocean Cleanup Game is McKinsey's latest addition to their Problem Solving Game series, introduced in 2024. This game, sometimes referred to as the "McKinsey Ocean Treatment Game," challenges you to manage and clean up an ocean ecosystem by choosing and balancing different microbial species. It’s a test of your problem-solving abilities and how well you can manage complex environments. Keep in mind that since the game is still in its beta phase, McKinsey might make some adjustments. It's a good idea to stay updated on any changes so you’re always prepared. For a deeper dive into the overall McKinsey Solve Game, check out our McKinsey Solve Game Guide.

Game Objectives

In the McKinsey Ocean Cleanup Game, also know as Ocean Treatment Game, your primary goal in each ocean section is to choose the microbes that are most likely to thrive and operate effectively in that specific environment, ultimately aiding in the cleanup of plastic pollution in the ocean. This process involves effectively managing the microbes, a crucial aspect of the game often referred to as Microbe Management.

Game Details

• Time Limit: You have 20 minutes to complete both phases of the game, so you'll need to think quickly and strategically.
• Game Order: McKinsey has placed this game after the Ecosystem Building and Redrock Study games in their assessment lineup.
• Beta Status: The game is still in beta, so your feedback as an early tester is valuable and could lead to adjustments.

If you're preparing for the full range of McKinsey Problem Solving Games, don't miss our McKinsey PSG Simulation Course, which offers hands-on practice with realistic scenarios.

How to Play the Game

Step 1: Understanding the Game Description

The Ocean Cleanup Game involves managing two distinct ocean sections, each with specific conditions like temperature ranges, depth levels, and types of pollution. To succeed, your microbes must be able to adapt to the conditions in both sections.

Some microbes might perform exceptionally well in one section but only moderately in another. Your challenge is to find microbes that strike the right balance to effectively handle both sections.

In each ocean cleanup section, you will be provided with five key attributes:

• Numerical Attributes (Scale 1-10): These include factors such as velocity, absorbency, and fluidity, each rated on a scale from 1 to 10.
• Binary Attributes: These are traits that are either present or absent, such as heat resistance or acidophilia.

Ocean Section Attributes vs. Microbes Attributes:

Ocean Section Attributes: The five attributes presented at the start of the game are permanent. Three of these attributes are expressed as numerical intervals. For example, Fluidity: 2-4, Velocity: 6-8, Absorbency: 7-9. The remaining two attributes are binary, indicating whether they are desirable or undesirable. For example, Resistance to Acids (Desirable) and Degradation from heat (Undesirable).

Microbes Attributes: you will also be presented 3 numerical attributes for each microbes, but their values vary by microbe and may fall within or outside the defined intervals of the ocean section. For example, Fluidity: 5, Velocity: 7, Absorbency: 8. Additionally, each microbe has two binary characteristics that may or may not align with the desirable or undesirable traits of the ocean section.

Step 2: Evaluating Microbes

This step involves 2 phases: 

Phase 1: Selecting Attributes

You will choose 2 out of the 5 characteristics (either numerical or binary) that you prefer to see consistently across all microbes. This decision influences which microbes will be most suitable for the cleanup task, particularly in different ocean sectors.

Phase 2: Screening Microbes

Once characteristics are set, you'll screen 10 microbes and bucketize them:

• Keep for Ocean Section 1: Microbes that fit well with the preferred characteristics for the first section.
• Keep for Ocean Section 2: Microbes that may be better suited for different environmental conditions in another section.
• Discard: Microbes that do not meet the necessary criteria.

Note that, at this point in time, it is unclear that this step has any relevance for later steps of the game and it might be omitted in the future version of the game.

Step 3: Selecting 10 Microbes

In this step of the McKinsey Ocean Cleanup game, you'll need to select 10 microbes from a pool of 20. You will be presented with a series of three microbe sets, and for each set, you'll need to carefully read through the microbes' descriptions and choose the one that matches the range of the ocean section's attributes.

Step 4: Narrowing Down to 3 Microbes

Once 10 microbes are selected, the next step is to refine your selection down to just 3 microbes. Here are the key criteria:

• The selected 3 microbes should have average values that fall within the preferred range
• Avoid microbes with undesirable traits, and prioritize those with desirable characteristics.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

The Game Can Feel Random: The variety of microbes and their characteristics can make the game feel a bit unpredictable. To navigate this, focus on spotting patterns that lead to successful outcomes.

Time Pressure: With only 20 minutes to complete the game, managing your time well is crucial. Practice making quick decisions so you don’t get bogged down.

Balancing Two Ocean Sections: Managing two ocean sections requires a nuanced approach. It’s easy to focus too much on one section at the expense of the other. Keep cross-referencing your selections to make sure you’re covering both sections effectively.

Tips for Success

Here are some strategies that might help:

1. Know the Game’s Rules: Make sure you fully understand what’s required of you and the criteria for selecting microbes.
2. Aim for Balance: Try to create a balanced ecosystem by choosing microbes that complement each other. Avoid species that could throw things off balance.
3. Watch the Clock: Be mindful of your time. Quick, informed decisions are key to success.
4. Use Tools to Your Advantage: Using Excel for calculations can be a big help. The Excel Solver tool, in particular, can help you manage the complex calculations involved in selecting the right microbial combinations. This can speed up the process and improve accuracy.
5. Don’t Forget the Two Ocean Sections: Remember, you’re dealing with two separate sections. The microbes you choose need to be effective in both environments. Prioritize those that offer the best overall balance.

Conclusion

Getting the hang of the McKinsey Ocean Cleanup Game is important because it will likely become a permanent part of the Problem Solving Game series. Even though it’s still in beta, understanding the selection process and using tools like Excel Solver can significantly improve your chances of success. Stay tuned for updates, and keep in mind the unique challenges of managing multiple ocean sections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does McKinsey include the Ocean Cleanup Game in its assessment?

McKinsey uses the Ocean Cleanup Game, particularly the Microbes Management aspect, to assess candidates' abilities to handle complex, real-world problems. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s also about strategy, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.

2. How often does McKinsey update or change the game’s rules?

Since the Ocean Cleanup Game is in beta, McKinsey might update or adjust the rules based on feedback from early testers. It’s important to stay informed about any changes.

3. Can the Ocean Cleanup Game be practiced or simulated?

While there are no official practice versions released by McKinsey, you can practice by familiarizing yourself with similar problem-solving games or by using tools like Excel Solver to get comfortable with the kind of calculations you might need to perform in this Microbes Management context.

4. What’s the best way to approach the two ocean sections in the game?

The key is to strike a balance. You want microbes that are versatile enough to perform well in both sections. It’s important not to over-optimize for one section at the expense of the other.

5. How does McKinsey evaluate performance in the Ocean Cleanup Game?

While the exact evaluation criteria aren’t publicly disclosed, it’s likely that McKinsey looks at how effectively you solve the problem, how well you manage your time, and the overall strategy you use in this Ocean Treatment scenario.

6. Are there any common mistakes to avoid in the Ocean Cleanup Game?

A common pitfall is spending too much time on one part of the game, which can lead to rushed decisions later. It’s also easy to overlook the importance of balancing the two ocean sections, so keep that in mind as you play.

7. How can I stay updated on changes to the game?

The best way to stay updated is to regularly check McKinsey’s official communications or join forums and networks where candidates discuss their experiences and any updates they’ve encountered.