Ola Program Manager Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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Ola Program Manager Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Application Process: I applied via a job portal and was interviewed in March 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: None (Resume screening round).
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was crisp and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
    • Outcome: Shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-One Round:

    • Questions Asked: “Describe your leadership style.”
    • Your Approach: I shared examples of my leadership experiences, focusing on collaboration and adaptability.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the HR round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: “Which company culture is the best fit for you?”
    • Your Approach: I aligned my answer with Ola’s culture, emphasizing innovation and teamwork.
    • Outcome: Awaiting final results.

Preparation Tips:

  • Relax and be your natural self; nervousness doesn’t help.
  • Highlight your leadership and project management skills.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt prepared. I could have researched more about Ola’s recent projects to tailor my answers better. For future candidates, focus on showcasing your leadership and cultural fit.

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Company Name: Ola
Position: Program Manager
Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied through an exploratory call followed by an in-person interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Exploratory Call:

    • Questions Asked: General discussion about the role and expectations.
    • Your Approach: Used this as an opportunity to understand the team and the company’s goals.
    • Outcome: Proceeded to the next round.

  • Round 2 - In-Person Interview (Project Management Focus):

    • Questions Asked: Questions around project execution, planning, and timelines.
    • Your Approach: Focused on demonstrating my ability to manage projects efficiently and collaborate with teams.
    • Outcome: Advanced to further rounds.

  • Round 3 - Team Interaction:

    • Questions Asked: Discussions with team members to gauge cultural fit and alignment with the team’s working style.
    • Your Approach: Prioritized understanding the team dynamics and assessing if it was a good fit for me.
    • Outcome: Continued to the final round.

  • Round 4 - Final Interview (Head of PM):

    • Questions Asked: Deep dive into the role’s responsibilities and how it aligns with the company’s vision.
    • Your Approach: Asked clarifying questions to ensure the role matched my career goals.
    • Outcome: Completed all rounds.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on project management methodologies and execution strategies.
  • Be prepared to discuss past experiences in managing projects and teams.
  • Research the company’s current projects and challenges to align your answers.

Conclusion:
The interview process was insightful, but the role of a Program Manager at Ola seemed more focused on execution rather than product definition, which wasn’t aligned with my personal goals. The team interaction was a highlight, but the office environment and logistical issues (like unreimbursed travel costs) were drawbacks. However, the opportunity to work on impactful projects and learn execution at scale is a big plus. If you’re looking for a fast-paced environment and enjoy execution-focused roles, Ola could be a great fit. All the best!

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Approached by the company and interviewed in May 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant experience.

  • Outcome: Passed

  • Round 2 - Case Study Round:

  • Questions Asked: Open-ended case to plan for a big launch.

  • Your Approach: Structured my response by breaking down the problem into key components like market research, resource allocation, and timeline planning.

  • Outcome: Passed

  • Round 3 - Technical Round (1):

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Stakeholder management scenario-based round.
    2. How will you approach your stakeholders when you know that the project is getting delayed by a month?
    3. How will you approach when you need a particular resource from another team immediately for closure of the tech execution, but he is busy in some other important project?

  • Your Approach: Focused on communication strategies, prioritization, and negotiation skills to address the scenarios.

  • Outcome: Passed

  • Round 4 - Technical Round (2):

  • Questions Asked:

    1. How will you manage attrition?
    2. How will you plan things for the next 6 months?

  • Your Approach: Discussed retention strategies, employee engagement, and long-term planning with measurable goals.

  • Outcome: Passed

Preparation Tips:

  • Stay calm during the interview. The interviewers assess how you respond to situational questions.
  • Practice case studies and stakeholder management scenarios to build confidence.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough and tested both technical and soft skills. Preparing for situational questions and case studies helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on clear communication and structured problem-solving.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Application Process: The application process was straightforward, but the overall hiring process was lengthy and could have been more organized.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephonic Round:

  • Questions Asked: The questions were complex in nature, focusing on problem-solving and scenario-based challenges.

  • Your Approach: I tried to tackle the questions methodically, breaking them down into smaller parts to address each aspect clearly.

  • Outcome: Passed this round, but the scheduling was not done in advance, which was a bit inconvenient.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked: The HR round was not adequately organized, and the questions felt unstructured.

  • Your Approach: I remained professional and answered the questions to the best of my ability, despite the lack of clarity.

  • Outcome: Passed this round, but the experience was not smooth.

Conclusion:

The overall interview experience was fair, but the process could definitely use some improvement, especially in terms of organization and scheduling. The joining formalities were also disorganized, which added to the frustration. My advice for future candidates would be to stay patient and flexible, as the process might not be as streamlined as expected. Despite the challenges, the opportunity is worth the effort if you’re keen on working with Ola.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Why were there layoffs, and was I being truthful about it?
      2. What was the payscale at my previous companies, and why did I take a raise over it?
    • Your Approach: [Not specified]
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:
[Not specified]

Conclusion:
[Not specified]

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Introduce Yourself.
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Result not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on key skills such as execution, financial services, logistics, metrics, problem-solving, revenue generation, senior management, and stakeholder management.

Conclusion:
[Summary not provided]

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Application Process: I applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed before August 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about a time when you had an uncooperative team member? What was your approach and end result?
      2. How do you keep yourself organized?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the first question, I shared a specific example where I encountered an uncooperative team member during a project. I explained how I addressed the situation by understanding their concerns, communicating openly, and aligning their goals with the team’s objectives. The result was improved collaboration and successful project completion.
      • For the second question, I described my organizational methods, such as using task management tools, setting priorities, and maintaining a structured schedule to ensure efficiency.
    • Outcome: I successfully passed this round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Read the company’s mission statement thoroughly.
  • Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Focus on showcasing your problem-solving and leadership skills.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. I felt well-prepared due to my practice with behavioral questions and understanding of the company’s values. For future candidates, I recommend emphasizing real-life examples and staying calm during the interview.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Received a call from the recruiter for an opportunity. The interview was scheduled for the next day.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview with Recruiter:
    • Questions Asked: The interviewer was disinterested and did not engage meaningfully.
    • Your Approach: Tried to remain professional and answer any questions posed, despite the lack of engagement.
    • Outcome: No feedback was provided, and the recruiter ghosted after the interview.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was extremely disappointing. The lack of professionalism, punctuality, and follow-up from the interviewer and recruiter speaks volumes about the company culture. It’s important for candidates to be treated with basic courtesy, regardless of the outcome. Future candidates should be prepared for such unprofessional behavior and manage their expectations accordingly.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Leadership Interaction:
  • Questions Asked: Met with HR and TA leadership to discuss the role, growth opportunities, and the dynamic, fast-paced environment at Ola.
  • Your Approach: Engaged in a conversation about the role’s expectations and how it aligns with the company’s dynamic culture.
  • Outcome: Positive interaction with a good understanding of the role and company environment.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s culture and recent developments to align your responses with their dynamic environment.
  • Be prepared to discuss how you handle fast-paced and constantly changing work scenarios.

Conclusion:
The interview process was insightful, providing a clear understanding of the role and the company’s fast-paced, dynamic environment. The leadership interaction was particularly valuable in gauging the growth opportunities and expectations. For future candidates, I recommend thoroughly understanding the company’s culture and being ready to adapt to change, as it is a constant at Ola.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Round:

    • Questions Asked: Scenario-based questions related to program management.
    • Your Approach: Analyzed the scenario thoroughly, identified key challenges, and proposed structured solutions.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Round:

    • Questions Asked: Another set of scenario-based questions, more complex than the first round.
    • Your Approach: Focused on data-driven decision-making and stakeholder alignment in my responses.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-One Round:

    • Questions Asked: Overall team fitment.
    • Your Approach: Highlighted my collaborative skills, adaptability, and alignment with the company’s culture.
    • Outcome: Positive feedback and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practiced case studies from various industries to improve problem-solving skills.
  • Focused on understanding Ola’s business model and challenges.
  • Reviewed common program management frameworks and methodologies.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but well-structured. The case study rounds tested my analytical and strategic thinking, while the one-on-one round assessed cultural fit. Practicing diverse scenarios beforehand was key to my success. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on real-world problem-solving and being clear about your thought process during interviews.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Majorly focused on resume pointers and questions about the work done till today.
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared thoroughly by reviewing my resume and ensuring I could articulate my past experiences and contributions clearly.
    • Outcome:
      • [Outcome not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on resume details and be ready to discuss your past work in depth.
  • Brush up on project management and agile methodologies, as these are key skills for the role.

Conclusion:

  • The interview was straightforward, with a strong emphasis on my resume and past experiences. I felt prepared, but I could have highlighted my achievements more quantitatively. For future candidates, ensure you can back up your resume points with concrete examples and metrics.
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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed before October 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: None (resume screening).

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was crisp and highlighted relevant experience in program and project management.

  • Outcome: Shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Difference between project and program management.

  • Your Approach: Explained the distinctions clearly, providing examples to illustrate the broader scope of program management compared to project management.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Given two project scenarios, asked which one I would select and why.

  • Your Approach: Analyzed the scenarios based on strategic alignment, resource availability, and potential impact, justifying my choice with logical reasoning.

  • Outcome: Awaiting final results.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding the nuances between project and program management.
  • Be prepared to analyze and justify decisions in hypothetical scenarios.
  • Research the company’s work culture as it can be challenging.

Conclusion:
The interview process was insightful, with a focus on practical understanding of program management. While the teams are talented, the work culture might require adaptability. For future candidates, clarity in communication and strong analytical skills are key.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Thought-Process Stimulating Session:
    • Questions Asked:
      • What mistakes have you observed with Ola cabs?
      • What solutions would you suggest for these issues?
    • Your Approach: I pointed out a few mistakes I had noticed and provided my suggested solutions. The interviewers were friendly and open to discussion, which made it easier to share my thoughts.
    • Outcome: The round was engaging and stimulating, and I felt it went well due to the relatable and open conversation.

Conclusion:

I really enjoyed the interview process with Ola. The absence of a Group Discussion round was a refreshing change, and the interviewers made the session interactive and thought-provoking. Their friendly demeanor and relatability helped me express my ideas clearly. If I could do anything differently, I might prepare more case studies or examples to back my suggestions. For future candidates, I’d advise staying updated with the company’s current challenges and being ready to propose practical solutions—it makes a strong impression!

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Application Process: The application process was straightforward, and I was interviewed by two people. It wasn’t very structured, and the company seemed eager to fill the position quickly due to their high attrition rate. The entire process, from interview to closure, happened within a day or two.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview with Two Panelists:

  • Questions Asked: The questions were general and not very structured. They focused on my experience, problem-solving skills, and how I would handle the role of a Program Manager.

  • Your Approach: I answered honestly, highlighting my relevant experience and how I could contribute to the team. I also asked about the challenges they were facing to show my interest in solving real problems.

  • Outcome: The interview went well, and the next day, I received the offer.

Conclusion:

The interview process was quick and less formal than expected. The company’s urgency to fill the role was evident, which made the process smoother. If you’re applying to Ola, be prepared for a fast-paced hiring process and focus on showcasing your ability to adapt and contribute immediately.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Application Process: The application process involved multiple face-to-face interview rounds, each lasting around an hour. The panel thoroughly explored the details mentioned in my resume, focusing on both my previous work experience and assessing my fit for the role.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Deep Dive:

    • Questions Asked: The panel asked detailed questions about my previous work, projects, and roles mentioned in my resume. They were particularly interested in understanding the impact of my contributions.
    • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting key achievements and explaining the challenges I faced and how I overcame them. I also linked my experiences to the requirements of the Program Manager role.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round as the panel seemed satisfied with my responses.

  • Round 2 - Technical & Behavioral Fit:

    • Questions Asked: This round mixed technical questions related to program management (e.g., methodologies, tools) and behavioral questions to gauge my problem-solving and teamwork skills.
    • Your Approach: I structured my answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions and provided practical examples for technical queries.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round after demonstrating a good balance of technical and behavioral competencies.

  • Round 3 - Case Study:

    • Questions Asked: Presented with a hypothetical scenario related to program management and asked to outline a solution.
    • Your Approach: I broke down the problem, identified key stakeholders, and proposed a step-by-step solution while justifying my decisions.
    • Outcome: The panel appreciated my structured approach and moved me forward.

  • Round 4 - Leadership & Strategy:

    • Questions Asked: Questions revolved around leadership style, handling conflicts, and strategic decision-making.
    • Your Approach: I shared real-life examples of leading teams and making strategic calls, emphasizing adaptability and results.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as my leadership philosophy aligned with the company’s values.

  • Round 5 - Final HR Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: Discussed salary expectations, career goals, and cultural fit.
    • Your Approach: I was transparent about my expectations and how I saw myself growing with the company.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved to the offer stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume thoroughly and be ready to discuss every detail.
  • Brush up on program management methodologies and tools.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Prepare for case studies by solving hypothetical scenarios beforehand.

Conclusion:
The interview process was intense but well-structured. I felt the panel was genuinely interested in understanding my fit for the role. What worked well was my preparation and ability to link my experiences to the job requirements. If I could improve anything, it would be to practice more case studies to refine my problem-solving speed. For future candidates, my advice is to be confident, authentic, and well-prepared for both technical and behavioral questions.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Application Process: The application process was very smooth and transparent. The questions were detailed and relevant, focusing on my resume and personality. The panel was supportive and courteous throughout the interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume and Personality-Based Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The questions were very guided and streamlined, focusing on my resume and personal experiences. The panel ensured the conversation stayed relevant and didn’t jump between unrelated topics.
    • Your Approach: I made sure to highlight my relevant experiences and skills, aligning them with the role’s requirements. I also emphasized my problem-solving abilities and teamwork.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and the panel provided positive feedback on my responses.

Conclusion:

The overall interview experience with Ola was very positive. The panel was professional and made the process comfortable. I would advise future candidates to thoroughly prepare their resumes and be ready to discuss their experiences in detail. Staying calm and confident during the interview also helps in making a good impression.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Application Process: The interview process happened within three days, but the offer finalisation is taking weeks. There were three rounds in total, mostly focusing on work experience and a bit of business case-solving abilities. The last round was an HR round to clarify role-related doubts. After that, the recruiting HR called to discuss compensation expectations, but there has been no response for over two weeks.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Work Experience Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about my previous roles, responsibilities, and key achievements.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant experience and how it aligns with the Program Manager role.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Business Case Solving:

    • Questions Asked: A business case was presented to assess problem-solving and strategic thinking.
    • Your Approach: I structured my response by breaking down the problem, identifying key challenges, and proposing actionable solutions.
    • Outcome: Passed to the final round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Clarified doubts about the role, team dynamics, and company culture.
    • Your Approach: I asked questions to ensure the role was a good fit for me and reiterated my interest in the position.
    • Outcome: The HR later called to discuss compensation, but there has been no follow-up since.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured, but the delay in offer finalisation has been frustrating. It would be great if the HR could provide some clarity or updates. For future candidates, I’d advise being patient and following up politely if there’s a delay in communication.

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Company Name: Ola
Position: Program Manager
Location: Hyderabad (via Indian School of Business - ISB)
Application Process: Applied through campus placement at ISB, Hyderabad.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Product Management Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Define a dashboard for Uber executives which will give them a snapshot of daily company performance, highlight problems, potential causes, and recommendations if possible.
    • Your Approach:
      • I structured the dashboard into key performance metrics (KPIs) like ride completions, cancellations, driver availability, and customer satisfaction scores. I focused on visualizing trends, anomalies, and potential root causes, along with actionable recommendations.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Resume-driven questions, behavioral questions, and questions about the product architecture from my previous company.
    • Your Approach:
      • I highlighted my experience in product management, explained the architecture of a product I worked on, and tied it to behavioral examples demonstrating problem-solving and teamwork.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final HR round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Resume-driven questions, behavioral questions, and instances of data-driven decisions from my previous job.
    • Your Approach:
      • I provided specific examples of how I used data to make decisions, emphasizing metrics and outcomes. I also aligned my past experiences with the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on structuring your thoughts clearly for product management questions. Use frameworks like KPIs, root cause analysis, and actionable insights.
  • Revise your resume thoroughly and be prepared to discuss every detail, especially past projects and product architectures.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method to articulate your experiences effectively.
  • Brush up on data-driven decision-making examples and how you’ve used metrics in your previous roles.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but well-structured. The product management round tested my ability to think critically and present solutions clearly. The HR rounds were more about aligning my past experiences with the role. I could have prepared more case studies beforehand, but overall, the experience was enriching. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing product case studies and being thorough with your resume details.

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Company Name: Ola

Position: Program Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Hiring Manager Round (Problem Solving):

  • Questions Asked: [Specific questions not provided, but the round focused on problem-solving exercises.]

  • Your Approach: Tackled the problem-solving exercises by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts and discussing my thought process aloud.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - Director Round (Problem Solving):

  • Questions Asked: [Specific questions not provided, but similar to the first round, this also involved problem-solving exercises.]

  • Your Approach: Applied structured problem-solving techniques and ensured clarity in communication while presenting solutions.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

  • Round 3 - HR Round (Behavioral):

  • Questions Asked: Questions about why I am leaving my current job, behavioral scenarios, and cultural fit.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly about my career aspirations and how they align with Ola’s goals. For behavioral questions, used the STAR method to structure responses.

  • Outcome: Cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • For problem-solving rounds, practice breaking down complex problems into simpler components.
  • For behavioral rounds, prepare using the STAR method to articulate experiences clearly.
  • Research the company’s culture and recent developments to align answers with their values.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. The problem-solving rounds were challenging but fair, and the HR round was conversational. I could have prepared more case studies for the problem-solving rounds. My advice to future candidates is to focus on clear communication and structured thinking during problem-solving exercises.