Accenture

Introduction
Accenture Limited is one of the largest global providers of
consulting, technology, and Outsourcing services. It is
registered in Hamilton, Bermuda but it was announced on the
May 26, 2009 that the Board of Accenture approved moving
their incorporation to Ireland. It is said to be the largest
consulting firm in the world. Accenture is a Fortune Global500
Company with more than 186,000 people in 52 countries across
the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe Middle East Africa
(EMEA)regions. The company is headquartered at Hamilton
(Bermuda), the US. The company reported net revenues of
about $23 billion in fiscal-year2008, which grew by 19%
compared with the previous year. Accenture goes to market
through five distinct operating groups covering 17 industry
verticals

History

The company, established as Andersen Consulting in 1989,

separated from Andersen Worldwide and Arthur Andersen, an
accounting firm, in 2000. Two years later, Arthur Andersen
surrendered its license owing to lapses in the auditing of Enron.
On January 1, 2001Andersen Consulting adopted its current
name, "Accenture". The word "Accenture" is supposedly derived
from "Accent on the future". Although a marketing consultancy
was tasked with finding a new name for the company, the
name "Accenture" was submitted by Kim Petersen, a Danish
employee from the company's Oslo, Norway office, as a result
of an
internal competition. Accenture felt that the name should
represent its will to be a global consulting leader and high
performer, and also intended that the name should not be
offensive in any country in which Accenture operates.
Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities

across all industries and business functions, and extensive

research on the world's most successful companies, Accenture
collaborates with clients to help them become highperformance businesses and governments. On May 26 2009
accenture announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously
approved changing the companys place of incorporation to
Ireland from Bermuda. The reason of changing the
headquarters to Ireland was quite obvious since Ireland, A
member of the European Union, offers a sophisticated, welldeveloped corporate, legal and regulatory environment. It also
has a long history of international investment and longestablished commercial relationships, trade agreements and
tax treaties with European Union memberstates, the United
States and other countries around the world where Accenture
does business.
In addition, Ireland offers a stable political and economic
environment and has the financial and legal infrastructure to
meet Accentures needs, both today and in the future.
Accenture has been criticized repeatedly by Lou Dobbs of CNN
and others for moving many jobs outside the U.S., resulting in
loss of work and employment for some U.S.citizens. This is
because Accenture utilizes Global Delivery Centres in South
Asia and Southeast Asia (such as Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad,
Chennai, New Delhi and Mumbai in India, and, Manila and Cebu
in the Philippines) to reduce cost and increase profit margin in
outsourcing deals with major U.S. companies. This enables
Accenture to perform work (such
as software development and call centre support) at a greatly
reduced employee cost as compared to U.S. employees.
As a balance to the criticism about movement of jobs outside
the U.S.,Accenture's employee population in the U.S. has
increased from 28,000 in2005 to 33,000 in 2008.According to
the map of Accentures Delivery Centre locations, the Delivery
Centres are evenly distributed across the world with 7 centres
in Europe, 7 centres in South East Asia and 7 centres in North
America. There are no operations in Africa.
Accentures mergers and acquisitions (M&A) services portfolio
represents a core

element of its offerings and is provided through a truly

integrated and global go-to-marketstrategy. Thanks to its deep
business expertise as well as its strong and trusted client
relationships, Accenture is well positioned to act as a strategic
partner throughout the entire M&A deal cycle. Accentures deep
functional experience is especially valued in projects around
large integration scenarios. The company already maintains a
leading position within the M&A services market. But Accenture
is committed to further investing in its M& A services
capabilities across its consulting, technology, and outsourcing
growth platforms toincrease its footprint going forward The
current economic climate has a dramatic impact on global M&A
activities. On one hand, the shortage of financing money
already led to a significant decrease in global M&A activity in
2008.On the other hand, declining asset prices and forces of
market consolidation are again making M&A a key strategic
option for many corporate strategists. At the same time, the
M&A landscape is getting more complex. As corporations seek
to restructure and streamline their business operations, they
are increasingly leveraging divestitures, carve-outs, and
business-unit consolidations to achieve their objectives.2While
M&A tasks and objectives are getting more complex and
diverse, the provider landscape for M&A services remains
extremely heterogeneous and fragmented, with many
different providers coming from different backgrounds and
offering different core competencies. Clients are often confused
because many of the players try to position themselves along
the entire M&A life cycle. This makes it particularly hard for the
providers to identify their points of competitive differentiation.
Forrester will therefore publish separate research reports on the
current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
(SWOT) regarding some of the key providers in the M&A
services market. Accenture provides its M&A services through
the firms strategy consulting practice, which has more than
2,000 M&A professionals worldwide. The firm claims to have
been engaged in more than 850 separate M&A projects over
the past five years. Effective M&A management forms an
essential part of Accentures underlying value proposition and
recently has been positioned as one of Accentures C-suite
imperatives for management during the economic downturn.

Timeline
2016
Accenture debuts on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, ranking No. 29
for its work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Accenture acquires majority stake in IMJ Corporation, a leading digital

agency in Japan

New cybersecurity R&D lab in Israel is latest addition to Accenture's global

lab network, which also includes labs in the U.S., China, France, India and
Ireland

Accenture surpasses 140,000 women in its workforce

Accenture reports diversity statistics of its U.S. workforce for the first time,
further strengthening its commitment to inclusion and diversity

2016
Accenture Technology Vision 2016 is released, highlighting five key
technology trends fueled by the "people first" principle
Amadeus acquires Navitaire from Accenture, and the companies form a
new alliance to create digital services for airline passengers

Accenture launches a new collaboration with SAP in core and industry

platform development and go-to-market for SAP S/4HANA

2015

2015

Accenture acquires Schlumberger Business Consulting, enhancing

Accenture Strategy's capabilities in upstream oil and gas
Cloud Sherpas is acquired, strengthening Accenture's position as the
leading enterprise cloud services provider
2015
Accenture and Amazon Web Services create new business group to help
clients migrate to the cloud
Accenture acquires FusionX, further bolstering its cyber security
capabilities

2015

Accenture drops annual performance reviews, adopts Performance

Achievement approach
2015
Accenture acquires PacificLink Group, boosting its digital marketing and
commerce capabilities in Greater China
2015

Javelin Group is acquired, expanding Accenture Strategy's capabilities in

the retail industry
Accenture announces plans to equip more than 3 million people with
workplace and entrepreneurial skills by 2020 through its Skills to
Succeed initiative
2015
Accenture acquires Agilex Technologies, a leading provider of digital
solutions for the U.S. federal government

Accenture Consulting is launched, combining our industry expertise with

an expanded range of management and technology consulting services
2014

We partner with
Microsoft to launch the Accenture Hybrid Cloud Solution for Microsoft
Azure
Launch with GE of Intelligent Pipeline Solution, breakthrough technology
for pipeline operators

Accenture is included on CDP's S&P 500 Climate Performance Leadership

Index for the first time
Accenture Connected Learning is launched, providing employees with a
broader range of physical and virtual learning environments
Accenture Operations is formed, combining business process outsourcing
with infrastructure and cloud services
OMNETRIC joint venture is formed with Siemens to provide smart grid
solutions
Accenture acquires i4C Analytics, an advanced analytics software platform
provider
Accenture Digital is created, combining digital marketing, analytics and
mobility
Accenture Strategy is launched - at the intersection of business and
technology strategy
2013

Procurian, a leader in procurement business process solutions, is acquired

Accenture acquires ASM Research, expanding its U.S. defense business in

the military health market
Mortgage Cadence, a leading provider of SaaS-based mortgage processing
software, is acquired
Three acquisitions - Acquity, Fjord and avVenta - enhance the capabilities
of Accenture Interactive across creative design, digital content and
eCommerce platforms

2012

Leadership Careers at Accenture model is launched, replacing the Senior

Executive career model
Ambition 2020, our long-term vision for market leadership, is launched

Newest Accenture Technology Lab opens in Beijing; global lab

network now includes San Jose, CA; Bengaluru; Sophia Antipolis, France;
and Washington, D.C.
2011

We launch the Accenture Way, our initiative defining how we do things the way we innovate, collaborate and deliver value for clients and
shareholders
Global brand campaign takes "High performance. Delivered." to the next
level
Accenture acquires Zenta, a leading provider of mortgage processing
services
Accenture acquires Duck Creek, a provider of software solutions for P&C
insurance companies

Accenture is added to the S&P 500 Index

2011
CAS Computer Anwendungs-und Systemberatung, a leader in trade
promotion software, is acquired
2010
Accenture acquires Ariba's sourcing services and business process
outsourcing assets
Accenture and the Accenture Foundations commit to contributing more
than $100 million in cash and services over three years to support
corporate citizenship
Initial goals are established for new Skills to Succeed corporate
citizenship initiative
New digital businesses launched - Accenture Interactive and Accenture
Mobility

Inclusion & Diversity

Our Commitment
We have an underlying belief in inclusion and diversity.
Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to our culture and core values at Accenture. We
believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such
as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation. Accenture also believes
government laws, regulations and business practices should uphold the principles of
diversity, inclusion and equality. While laws may vary in the countries where Accenture

operates, we remain committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where people

can feel comfortable, be themselves and, as a result, be productive.

Inclusion and diversity is not an abstract principle, it is an essential

ingredient that makes us a special company in every dimension.

CROSS-CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Today, we work with people from Beijing to Buenos Aires, and every city in
between. The competition for talent is fierce, and finding the best talent
means looking beyond geographic boundaries. At Accenture, our cultural
diversity is key to bringing our best ideas to clients and communities.
"In a global world where companies strive to attract the best talent,
valuing and understanding the diversity of different cultures becomes a
key success factor."
Accenture people have access to more than a dozen global training
courses on cross-cultural awareness, ranging from workshops customized
to the needs of specific countries and project teams to online courses
available to all employees

CULTURE OF INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS
Within Accenture, we encourage Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that enable our
people to strengthen their networks, grow their skills and give back to the community.
With hundreds of ERGs in 120 offices around the world, we bring together individuals
with common needs or interests ranging from ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression to faith or religion, ability and career paths, and more.
ERGs vary by location, but all aim to:

Promote diversity

Foster networking

Provide mentorship opportunities

Support recruitment and retention

Build external business relationships

Support nonprofit organizations

READ MORE ABOUT OUR CULTURE OF INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

ETHNIC DIVERSITY
Our people reflect the ethnic origins, cultures and diversity of a global
market, helping us build awareness and understanding of ethnic diversity
at all career levels, from recruiting, training, leadership coaching and
more.
ETHNIC DIVERSITY TRAINING
Understanding the diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds is
essential to the way our people work together every day, which is why we
provide training programs to help all our employees build a better future.

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER

"Inclusion and diversity are critical to the success of Accenture and the
engagement of our people. We bring our best and brightest people to
serve our clients and our LGBT employees are a vital part of delivering
high performance results."
As one of the most inclusive, progressive companies in the world, we
strive to ensure equal treatment of all our employees regardless of sexual
orientation, gender identity and expression, where permitted by law.
The Way Forward

Accenture was one of the first organizations to add sexual

orientation, gender identity and expression information to our nondiscrimination policy.

We provide same-sex domestic partners with accompanied crossborder assignment benefits and a global medical plan for long-term
assignments and some transfers.

In 2010, we became one of only 10 companies in the US to

implement Transgender Transition Guidelines that comply with World
Professional Association for Transgender Health standards.

Our global LGBT Network (one of our Employee Resource Groups)

brings together our LGBT community and allies to network, mentor
and spread awareness in offices across 25 countries

 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

SUPPLIER INCLUSION & DIVERSITY PROGRAM
In 2006, we launched a mentoring program between Accenture leaders and diverse
suppliers. This 18 month-long program provides quarterly training on topics such as
business development, sales effectiveness, strategic planning, marketing, cloud
computing and environmental sustainability.
The program provides unique opportunities to help our supplier protgs identify
challenges in running and growing their businesses, as well as to network and seek
counsel from Accenture leaders who serve as mentors.
Through fiscal 2015, we developed a total of 101 small, medium and diverse suppliers
through our Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP).

At Accenture, we also strive to work with others who embrace similar

values of inclusion and diversity. By working with diverse suppliers, we not
only provide equal opportunities, but also promote economic growth in
diverse communitieswhile maintaining our standard of high-quality
service.
To further our commitment, Accenture is a member or sponsor of the
following organizations:
United States

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and

regional affiliates

Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and

regional affiliates

National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)

Global

WE Connect International

WE Connect Europe, Canada, India, Australasia, Mexico, China,

Brazil

Minority Supplier Development United Kingdom (MSD-UK)

Canadian Aboriginal Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC

TRAINING
WOMEN

 VIDEO LIBRARY

Porters 5 forces
Intensity of existing rivalry (Industry Competitors)

Large industry size- Large industries allow multiple firms and produces to prosper without
having to steal market share from each other. Large industry size is a positive for Accenture.
"Large Industry Size (Accenture)" has a significant impact, so an analyst should put more
weight into it. "Large Industry Size (Accenture)" will have a long-term negative impact on this
entity, which subtracts from the entity's value.

Exit barriers are law- When exit barriers are low, weak firms are more likely to leave the
market, which will increase the profits for the remaining firms. Low exit barriers are a positive
for Accenture.

"Relatively Few Competitors- Few competitors mean fewer firms are competing for the same
customers and resources, which is a positive for Accenture. "Relatively Few Competitors
(Accenture)" will have a long-term negative impact on this entity, which subtracts from the
entity's value.

Bargaining Power of Customers or buyers

Buyers Require Special Customization -When customers require special customizations, they
are less likely to switch to producers who have difficulty meeting their demands. Buyer
customization positively affects Accenture. "Buyers Require Special Customization
(Accenture)" has a significant impact, so an analyst should put more weight into it. "Buyers

Require Special Customization (Accenture)" will have a long-term positive impact on the this
entity, which adds to its value.

Limited buyer information availability -When buyers have limited information, they are at a
disadvantage in negotiations with sellers. Limited buyer information positively affects
Accenture.

Service is important to customer - When customers cherish particular products they end up
paying more for that one product. This positively affects

Large number of clients - When there are large numbers of customers, no one customer
tends to have bargaining leverage. Limited bargaining leverage helps Accenture.

Limited option for buyer - When customers have limited choices they end up paying more for
the choices that are available. Limited buyer choices are a positive for

Threat of New Competitors

High sunk cost limit competition- High sunk costs make it difficult
for a competitor to enter a new market, because they have to
commit money up front with no guarantee of returns in the end.
High sunk costs positively affect Accenture. "High Sunk Costs
Limit Competition (Accenture)" has a significant impact, so an
analyst should put more weight into it. "High Sunk Costs Limit
Competition (Accenture)" is an easily defendable qualitative factor,
so competing institutions will have a difficult time overcoming
it. "High Sunk Costs Limit Competition (Accenture)" will have a longterm negative impact on this entity, which subtracts from the
entity's value. This qualitative factor will lead to an increase in costs.

Geographic factors limit competition - if existing competitors have the best geographical
locations, new competitors will have a competitive disadvantage. Limiting geographic factors
positively affect
High switching cost for customers- High switching costs make it difficult for customers to
change which products they normally purchase, due to costs. High switching costs positively
affect Accenture. This statements will have a short-term positive impact on this entity,

which adds to its value. "High Switching Costs For Customers (Accenture)" will have a longterm negative impact on this entity, which subtracts from the entity's value.

High learning curve- When the learning curve is high, new competitors must spend time and
money studying the market before they can effectively compete. High learning curves
positively affect profits for Accenture
Entry barriers are high- When barriers are high, it is more difficult for new competitors to enter
the market. High entry barriers positively affect profits for Accenture. "Entry Barriers Are
High (Accenture)" is an easily defendable qualitative factor, so competing institutions will have
a difficult time overcoming it. This statement will lead to a decrease in profits. "Entry Barriers
Are High (Accenture)" is an easy qualitative factor to overcome, so the investment will not
have to spend much time trying to overcome this issue