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Consulting Leadership News: Ernst & Young, L.E.K., Huron, ECS, PA Consulting, KPMG and Aon Hewitt Monadnock Research - 20 January 2012 Ernst & Young appoints Mark Weinberger as next Global CEO and Chairperson. L.E.K. names Stuart Jackson North America President; Appoints 6 new Partners. Huron appoints former Accenture executive as Managing Director and leader of Clinical Solutions practice. Huron promotes Gerri Birg, Sandra Dodds, Michael Gladson, Neera Gupta, Michael Kemper, Jason Moebius, Scott Pillittere and Joe Sneddon to Managing Director. ECS appoints George Wilson as President. PA Consulting names Dave Smith Group Technology Leader. Andrea Schaffell named Director of PA Shared Services and Outsourcing practice. KPMG appoints David Hansell Head of global Human Social Services practice. Aon Hewitt's Head of Investment Consulting, Andrew Tunningly, departs. (1,825 words) . . . More
And in other news: Ernst & Young, Aon Hewitt, ECS and Navigant Monadnock Research - 18 January 2012 Operational Risk & Regulation Magazine releases results of its 2011 consultancy rankings of the top 10 operational risk management consulting practices. Ernst & Young takes the top spot in anti-money laundering, corporate governance, regulation strategy, Basil II and III, treating customers fairly, fraud and financial crime prevention, and enterprise-wide compliance and risk management strategy. Aon Hewitt signs agreement with Birches Group to remarket compensation surveys. ECS acquires Paradigm Technologies. Navigant shareholder sues, claiming excessive executive compensation. (753 words) . . . More
BDO Wins Arkansas Supreme Court Appeal to Arbitrate Fraud Allegations Monadnock Research (Vol V, No 1) - 14 January 2012 BDO Seidman has won an appeal against Straits Steel & Wire, forcing the client's allegations of fraud to be heard by arbitrators and not the courts. The Arkansas Supreme Court decision reverses a ruling of the Sebastian County Circuit Court, which had denied a motion by BDO to compel arbitration against Straits Steel & Wire, Co. and its affiliates. The case involves tax consulting services and allegedly fraudulent tax shelters. BDO successfully argued on appeal that the circuit court erred in denying arbitration because it was the dispute resolution mechanism of choice in agreements signed by the parties. SSW attempted to get around the dispute resolution choice by claiming unconscionability of the alleged fraud. SSW claims breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and professional malpractice, negligent misrepresentation, disgorgement of excessive and illegal fees, fraudulent inducement, fraudulent concealment, fraud, civil conspiracy and breach of contract. Research Note includes Arkansas Supreme Court ruling and MR perspective on the inherent system bias of arbitration clauses in consulting agreements. (1,375 words) . . . More
Infosys to Buy Strategic Sourcing and Category Management Outsourcer, Portland Group Monadnock Research - 13 January 2012 Infosys BPO Limited, the business process outsourcing unit of Infosys Limited, has signing a definitive agreement to acquire Australia-based Portland Group Pty Ltd, a leading provider of strategic sourcing and category management services. The deal was originally expected to be completed in early January, subject to closing conditions. But it has been delayed. Portland Group was founded in 1999, is headquartered in Sydney and has offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. The company reported revenues of around $31.3 million (AUD) for its fiscal 2011, ended 30 June. Portland has 113 professionals. The transaction value was around $37 million (AUD). (300 words) . . . More
PA Consulting Acquires Security Consultancy, 7Safe Monadnock Research - 12 January 2012 PA Consulting Group has acquired Cambridge-based cyber security consulting firm, 7Safe Ltd. 7Safe provides services in the areas of security risk assessment, computer forensics, eDiscovery and education. PA says it complements the firm's cyber security, risk and resilience capabilities, areas in high demand by public and private sector clients. (430 words) . . . More
Deloitte Acquires Mobile Agency, Ubermind Monadnock Research - 6 January 2012 Deloitte has closed a transaction acquiring Seattle-based mobile strategy, engineering, design and creative talent consultancy Ubermind. Deloitte says Ubermind works with companies to transform the way they use and present their brand through mobile devices, employing disruptive technologies to create mobile applications designed to both strengthen brand and transform the business. The transaction also brings to Deloitte a portfolio of proprietary frameworks and methodologies that are customized to the mobile development lifecycle. Ubermind CEO Shehryar Khan and company founder Donald Brady will join Deloitte Consulting as principals. (295 words) . . . More
Salibello and Broder Merge Audit and Advisory Practice into BDO USA Monadnock Research - 5 January 2012 BDO USA as merged Salibello & Broder into the firm's New York and Los Angeles practices. Six direct entry partners will join the firm, along with about 60 other professionals and support staff. Salibello & Broder was founded in 1978 and is a full-service accounting, tax and business advisory firm serving commercial and public service clients, The firm is a leading servicer of employee benefit plans, entertainment, apparel and high-net-worth clients throughout the US. Salibello & Broder's fifty-seven staff members are based in New York and eight in Los Angeles. Those individuals will relocate to BDO facilities in the coming year. (340 words) . . . More
ICF International Completes Acquisition of Ironworks Consulting Monadnock Research - 4 January 2012 ICF International has closed on its acquisition of Ironworks Consulting, an interactive web development firm that provides customer engagement services across web, mobile and social media platforms to large clients in healthcare, energy, financial services, U.S. federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. The firm was founded in 2001, and offers integrated customer engagement applications, including interactive, portal and content management systems, and business and IT alignment services. ICF paid around $100 million for Ironworks. (245 words) . . . More
Arthur D. Little Completes Global Management Buyout; Again Owned By Partners Monadnock Research - 2 January 2012 Arthur D. Little successfully completed its Management Buy-Out (MBO) with Altran Technologies on 30 December 2011. ADL, now in its 125th year in various forms, was founded in 1886 and was the world's first management consulting firm. The transaction returns ADL to a global private partnership, with all equity held by its Partners. The MBO deal includes all worldwide offices and retention of the Arthur D. Little brand. The firm says the financial commitment required from Partners was oversubscribed and Altran will provide vendor financing to support the firm's development in the years ahead. ADL now has around 1,000 staff serving clients in 20 countries. The firm provides services in the areas of strategy, technology and innovation. Ignacio GARCIA ALVES, leader of the MBO team that managed the acquisition by its Partners, is the newly elected global CEO. (390 words) . . . More
KPMG Advisory Practice Grows 2.5 Times Faster than Audit in 2011; $2 Billion Management Consulting Business Up 29% Monadnock Research (Vol IV, No 44) - 22 Dec 2011 MR - KPMG International's advisory practices grew at 14.76% in fiscal 2011, for the period ended 30 September. That was 256.7% faster than the firm's global audit businesses grew. KPMG says its global management consulting practices had fiscal 2011 revenue growth of 29% in US dollars and 24% in local currency terms. KPMG has built its $2 billion management consulting business in just six years. Its acquisition of EquaTerra in 2011 dramatically increased the firm's outsourcing and shared services advisory practice. Revenues increased across each of KPMG's geographic regions. Asia Pacific growth was 16.6% in US dollars. Americas revenues were up 10.7%. Europe, Middle East and Africa, including India, increased by 7.7%. Much of the geographic expansion occurred in high growth markets. India was up 25% and Brazil 22% in local currency terms. Research Note includes 1 graphic and MR perspective on Big Four divestitures of advisory operations. (815 words) . . . More
Expert Network Consultant Sentenced to 40 Months for Insider Trading Scheme Monadnock Research - 21 December 2011 James Fleishman, a sales manager at expert network consultancy Primary Global Research (PGR), was sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 30 months in prison for his role in an insider trading scheme. Fleishman was found guilty of helping pass inside information about publicly traded companies to executives at several hedge funds so they could trade ahead of its public release. He had been convicted on 20 September 2011 after a three-week trial. Fleishman, 42, of Santa Clara, California, was also sentenced to two years of supervised release in addition to his prison term. (355 words) . . . More
And in other news: Accenture, Oracle, US Justice Department, BCG, CBIZ, Warbird Consulting and Monadnock Research Monadnock Research - 20 December 2011 Accenture Consulting Revenues Increase by 14% in Q1 2012; Issues Cautious Outlook. Oracle growth hits the brakes in current quarter; Services revenues dip slightly. US Justice Department Records $3 Billion in 2011 Fraud Settlements. FINRA Attacks BCG Report. CBIZ acquires defined benefit consulting practice of PSA Insurance. Former Huron principals Launch Warbird Consulting. Monadnock Research Publishes Compilation of 2011 Consulting Rate Research. (1,150 words) . . . More
Consulting Leadership News: Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Simon Kucher, Heidrick & Struggles, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Capgemini, FTI Consulting, Charles River Associates, Aon Hewitt, Celerant, CACI, CSC and Booz Allen Monadnock Research - 15 December 2011 Roland Berger opens offices in Jakarta, Dubai and Lagos; Appoints 26 new international Partners; Partners elect two new Supervisory Board Members. Simon-Kucher appoints 8 new Partners. FTI opens new office in Jakarta. Rebecca Szelc joins Charles River as a Vice President in Financial Accounting & Valuation practice. Linda Zimmerman joins Aon Hewitt as Senior Vice President and Global Marketing Leader. KPMG appoints Janet Davidson as Head of the Global Healthcare Center of Excellence. PricewaterhouseCoopers names Erik Hansen as Partner in Risk Assurance Services practice; Pamela F. Olson joins as Deputy Tax Leader and Leader of Washington National Tax Services practice. Capgemini Appoints Dee Burger as Telecom, Media and Entertainment Practice Sector Lead and Jean-Marc Steffann as Vice President. Navigant appoints Jim Vint Managing Director, and Kevin Blake and Kevin Byrne as Directors within the Technology Solutions practice; Karin Corfee as Managing Director in Energy Practice. Ernst & Young appoints Brendan LeBlanc as Executive Director in Americas Climate Change and Sustainability Services practice, and Chris Walker as Associate Director. Celerant appoints Neil Eurick as Vice President in Global Metals and Mining Practice. Mike Shove named COO CSC Managed Services; Andrew Anker appointed President, CSC Asia Group Operations; Chris DePippo named Vice President, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer. Booz Allen Appoints Thad Allen as Senior Vice President. CACI US President, William Fairl, to Retire, Moves to Chief Development Officer Role; CACI COO, Daniel Allen, elevated to President of US Operations; Krisstie Kondrotis as Executive Vice President, Business Development. Booz Allen Appoints Thad Allen as Senior Vice President. (6,800 words) . . . More
Monadnock Research Publishes Compilation of 2011 Consulting & Advisory Services Rate Research Monadnock Research (Vol IV, No 42) - 3 Dec 2011 This report (2011 Consulting and Advisory Services Rates - Vol IV, No 42) provides the Monadnock Research analysis of consulting rates from a series of comprehensive studies on negotiated client rates from organizations across a number of industries. Rates have been analyzed and presented across the entire range of consulting practice areas, including: Strategy, Operations, Human Capital, Information Technology, and Financial, Transaction and Risk Advisory. "We thank the many client organizations that made this series of consulting rate research possible," said Mark O'Connor, Monadnock Research CEO and Cofounder. "We believe that the analysis presented in this research report, and that of the previously published practice area reports, represents the most comprehensive study of consulting and advisory services rates ever published." The report is more than 225 pages in length, with over 190 charts and tables. For clients that have purchased individual practice area reports published throughout 2011, this report contains full detail for each of those reports. More information, including a detailed table of contents, can be reviewed on the report summary page: http://www.monadnockresearch.net/products/item54.cfm (460 words) . . . More
EC Formally Proposes Order Separating Big Four Audit and Consulting Operations Monadnock Research (Vol IV, No 40) - 2 Dec 2011 MR - The European Commission (EC) has adopted proposals that, if implemented, will dramatically change the way auditors serve public interest entities (PIE), including banks, insurance companies and publicly listed companies. The proposal prohibits firms from providing non-audit services to audit clients. The rules are particularly restrictive for the Big Four, and will obligate them to separate audit activities from non-audit consulting and advisory practices to avoid potential conflicts of interest with clients. According to the EC, "Big firms represent a very large proportion of PIE audits. It is critical that such audits are conducted in an independent manner without any 'pollution' from other commercial interests." Beyond the separation of audit and advisory operations, the change establishes more stringent governance policies for auditors to strengthen their independence and introduces more competition into the highly-concentrated market for PIE audit services. Included among those additional changes are mandatory auditor rotation; transparent bid tendering; audit committee oversight; EC supervision and international coordination of the audit sector; intra-EC auditor professional practice mobility; and less "red tape" for small and mid-sized audit firms. Audit firms will support many of the proposals, but reject separation of the consulting operations as a solution. They also oppose auditor rotation, which the EC has said is fundamental to reform. Research Note includes EC audit reform proposal, impact assessment and firm responses to the proposed regulatory actions. (1,950 words) . . . More
And in other news: SAP, Bain, KPMG, Mercer and Gingrich Group Monadnock Research - 3 December 2011 SAP to Acquire Human Capital Management Cloud Services Firm, Success Factors. Bain & Co. Appoints Bob Becheck as Worldwide Managing Director. KPMG introduces corporate business intelligence risk management service for corporate clients. Mercer to acquire Alicia Smith & Associates; Closes acquisition of Censeo. Gingrich faces questions about influence peddling under cloak of "consulting". (693 words) . . . More
Lions Gate Sued for Non-Payment Under Terms of Performance-Based Consulting Agreement; Highlights Challenges Small Firms Face in Client Litigation Monadnock Research (Vol IV, No 41) - 1 Dec 2011 MR - A small consulting firm based in Los Angeles, GBB Consulting, has sued Lions Gate Films over non-payment in a performance-based fee arrangement associated with Nicole Kidman's film, "Rabbit Hole". The suit, filed on 22 November 2011, alleges breach of contract. Kidman was nominated for an Oscar and won a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for her performance in the film. GBB claims it wasn't compensated for its services and role in helping to secure Kidman's award and nomination. While the claimed damages are only around $115,000, the case highlights the challenges many small firms face in working with larger organizations with significant resources in high-stakes engagements. Research Note includes a copy of the complaint and MR perspective on the consequences of playing hard-ball and cost-shifting to small and mid-market firms in the current economic environment. (740 words) . . . More
PwC Partners with Human Capital Consultancy, Aasonn Monadnock Research - 30 Nov 2011 MR - PricewaterhouseCoopers has formed a strategic alliance with Aasonn, a global human capital management (HCM) consulting and technology services company. Aasonn is a global HCM consulting and technology services firm that serves clients in more than 30 countries worldwide from offices in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific . It has application expertise in SuccessFactors and HCM capabilities across multiple industries and HR functions. (250 words) . . . More
Green Consulting Practices Assessed in Verdantix Report Monadnock Research - 15 Nov 2011 MR - Verdantix, an independent research firm providing services in the area of sustainable business practices, recently published the results of its 2011 UK Green Quadrant Sustainability Business Consulting study. According to Verdantix, in the last four years a combination of increasing energy expenditures, climate change policy, new market opportunities and shifting competitive dynamics has encouraged FTSE 100 firms to invest in more ambitious corporate sustainability strategies. The Green Quadrant report is positioned to help client business leaders and procurement professionals by presenting a fact-based comparison of the 14 sustainability business consulting firms most active in the UK market. Many of these firms also have top sustainability practice in other global regions. The report found that the following four firms currently lead the UK sustainability consulting market: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and PwC. Their position is due to the breadth of their service offerings; depth of expertise in sustainability; and significant investments in internal sustainability programs. The report also found that Accenture, ARUP, Camco, McKinsey and WSP Environment & Energy all have strong practices that are well positioned to address client requirements across the seven sustainability areas assessed in the report. (500 words) . . . More
P&G Awards Ernst & Young and Infosys for Supplier Excellence Monadnock Research - 10 November 2011 MR - P&G conferred its highest supplier honor, Business Partner of the Year, upon Ernst & Young, Infosys, and 10 other companies for 2011. E&Y was honored for its non-audit advisory work. P&G has more than 75,000 suppliers globally. This year under 1% of its partners were among those selected for awards. Business partners consistently performing at high levels within P&G's internal performance management system earned an Excellence Award. A total of 86 external partners were recognized this year. Beyond Business Partner of the Year recipients Ernst & Young and Infosys, 12 firms providing consulting services as part of their offering were also 2011 Excellence Award recipients. (450 words) . . . More
2011 Strategy Consulting Rates Monadnock Research (Vol IV, No 37) - 28 Oct 2011 This study presents an analysis of hourly strategy consulting rate structures for global 1000 clients across a number of industries. Rates from 70 firms were analyzed across the strategy consulting category, including a total of 119 firm-rate structures. Each section presents descriptive statistics for each of the Monadnock Research professional areas, including mean, median, range, min, max, and the number of rate structures analyzed. Each labor category is described in full detail, including experience and education requirements, and includes a percentile analysis of hourly rates. Rates from firms that were a subject of this analysis for the strategy consulting rate category included: McKinsey & Co., the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Co., Booz&Co, Accenture, Deloitte, LEK, Roland Berger, Oliver Wyman, Capgemini, IBM, and PwC. Research Note includes 6 graphics, 15 tables and 8,230 words. The companion report is more than 80 pages and contains 52 tables and charts. . . . More
2011 Operations Consulting Rates Monadnock Research (Vol IV, No 30) - 23 Sept 2011 This study presents an analysis of operations consulting rate structures for clients across a number of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, high tech, communications, energy, financial services, public services, and metals and mining. More than 85 percent of the rate structures were from global entities, and all were from organizations that fall within the 1,000 largest global organizations. Rates from 75 firms were analyzed across the operations consulting category, including a total of 126 firm-rate structures. This report presents statistics across 15 professional classifications, including a percentile analysis for each labor class. Rates from firms that were a subject of this analysis for the operations consulting rate category included: Accenture, ADL, A.T. Kearney, Bain, BCG, Booz&Co, Capgemini, Celerant, CSC, Deloitte, Huron, IBM, McKinsey, PA Consulting, PRTM, and PwC. Research Note includes 5 graphics and 15 tables - 8,000 words. . . . More
2011 HR Consulting Rates Monadnock Research (Vol IV, N 23) - 23 July 2011 This Research Note includes the findings a client study of Human Resource (HR) consulting rate structures across a number of industries. More than 85 percent of the rates analyzed were from global entities, including a total of 45 firm-rate structures. All were from organizations that fall within the 1,000 largest global organizations. This report presents statistics across 15 professional classifications, including a percentile analysis for each labor class and detailed descriptive statistics. Rates from firms that were a subject of this analysis include Accenture, ACS, AON Hewitt, Booz&Co, Capgemini, Deloitte, Hay, IBM, Mercer, North Highland, Plus Delta, PA, Point B, PwC, and Towers-Watson. (1 graphic, 16 tables, 6,980 words) . . . More
2011 IT Strategy Consulting Rates Monadnock Research (Vol IV, N22) - 7 July 2011 This is the Strategy Consulting companion Note to the IT Consulting Research Note published in June. This study analyzes comprehensive IT strategy consulting rate structures of clients across a number of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, high tech, communications, energy, financial services, public services, and metals and mining. More than 80 percent of the rate structures were from global entities, and all were from organizations that fall within the 1,000 largest global organizations. Rates from 63 firms were analyzed across the IT Consulting and IT Strategy Consulting service categories, with 110 rate structures. Rates from firms that were a subject of this analysis include: Accenture, Atos Origin, AT Kearney, Bain, BCG, Booz, McKinsey, Capgemini, CSC, Deloitte, IBM, KPMG, Oliver Wyman, PA Consulting, PRTM, PwC, TCS, and Wipro. This Research Note presents statistics across 14 professional categories, including detailed descriptive statistics, a percentile analysis for each labor category, and strategy rate differential premiums for each labor category. (2 graphics, 14 tables, 6,350 words) . . . More
2011 IT Consulting Rates Monadnock Research (Vol IV, N19) - 26 Jun 2011 This Research Note presents the findings of a comprehensive IT consulting rate study across a number of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, high tech, communications, energy, financial services, public services, and metals and mining. More than 80 percent of the rate structures analyzed were from global organizations that fall within the 1,000 largest global entities. Rates from 63 firms were analyzed, including 110 separate rate structures. Firms that were a subject of this analysis include: Accenture, Atos Origin, AT Kearney, Capgemini, Cognizant, CSC, Deloitte, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Infosys, KPMG, North Highland, Oracle, PA Consulting, Point B, PwC, SAIC, SAP, TCS, and Wipro. IT Strategy Consulting rates are presented in a companion report. This Note presents findings across 13 professional categories, including descriptive statistics and a percentile analysis for each labor category. (1 chart and 26 tables - 5,375 words) . . . More
Location-Based Rating Schemes for Consulting Services Monadnock Research (Vol IV, No 13) - 28 Apr 2011 MR - Some firms are willing to negotiate location-based rating schemes for strategic clients. So what are the average differences in rates for work provided exclusively at the client site when compared to rates for the same work provided at the firm site? Monadnock Research recently concluded an analysis of location-based rating (LBR) from more than 30 consulting firms that proposed 56 separate LBR schedules. Our study included analysis of 242 rate structures from 153 large and very large consulting firms providing services to the U.S. public sector to find those 56 schemes. Of the 153 firms, discounts were offered by 34 firms, primarily by level of professional providing services exclusively from the client facility. The study included rating schemes for IT Consulting, Management Consulting, Financial and Business Advisory Services, Human Resources Consulting, and Marketing Consulting. Research Note includes 2 graphics and firm-level rate analysis for the 34 firms and 56 LBR schedules. (840 words) . . . More
2011 Big Four Consulting and Advisory Services Rates Monadnock Research (Vol. IV, No. 10) - 17 Mar 2011 MR - This Monadnock Research Note summarizes the findings of a recent client study into Big Four consulting and advisory services rates. Since we find that rate data for the Big Four is not particularly useful unless it is presented across individual rate categories, this Note provides median rates for firms across the following 12 categories: Strategy; Operations; Accounting and Financial Strategy; Legal, Forensic and Risk Advisory; Internal Audit and Compliance; Transaction Advisory; Tax Advisory; Performance Services; IT Audit; Human Resources; IT Consulting; and IT Strategy. Research Note includes 4 charts. (850 words) . . . More
Big Four Advisory Practice Rankings Monadnock Research (Vol IV, No 9) - 17 March 2011 MR - Global non-audit advisory services of Big Four firms, including tax services, again broke the $50 billion (USD) mark in fiscal 2010 after retreating briefly in 2009, representing a 3.23 percent increase over 2009 levels. Total non-tax advisory services of Deloitte, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Ernst & Young were $27.8 billion, an increase of 8.1 percent over fiscal 2009. This Monadnock Research Note ranks the Big Four firms across their non-audit service categories. It also includes ratios of audit to non-audit advisory work for the Big Four, and provides MR perspective on what it all means to buyers, sellers, and regulators of associated services. Research Note includes 6 charts. (3,075 words) . . . More
Big Strategy 2011: Consulting Rates and Guidelines for Working with the World's Largest Strategy Specialists Monadnock Research (Vol. IV, No. 2) - 15 Jan 2011 MR - Literally thousands of firms consult in the area of strategy, but a very small number of large firms view strategy as their core focus. This Research Note focuses on "Big Strategy," or who we view as the world's largest strategy specialists. Working with these firms is different. And there are a number of reasons why it is important for consulting clients to understand the differences. This Research Note provides our estimates and perspectives on: 2011 mean and median rates, and rate ranges by category of professional; average strategy engagement duration; unique project characteristics; what makes firms in this category unique and distinct from large multi-line firms providing similar services; and how to effectively maximize engagement value. Note also provides important keys to better understanding how the rate structures of strategy specialists can be assessed and compared to hourly rate structures of other providers of strategy consulting. (three graphics - 3,045 words) . . . More
Maverick Spend: Strategies for Controlling Unauthorized Consulting Expenditures Monadnock Research (VIII N24) - 1 July 2010 MR (VIII N24) - Capturing and managing by-pass spending ("maverick spend") on consulting services is a significant challenge for most global sourcing and procurement organizations. But controlling spend in other procurement categories is generally met with much less resistance. Complexity of this service area combines with a dynamic participant marketplace, and the political influence of decision stakeholders, to set consulting apart from other procurement areas. Understanding the consulting category and its many facets and history is crucial to building an effective program to minimize maverick spend on services. This Research Note presents our perspectives and observations on best practices, and our findings from a recent Monadnock Research study on the practices of twelve organizations representing an estimated $7.6 billion in spending on consulting services annually. (5 Charts, 4,425 words) Link to purchase White Paper for non-subscribers: http://www.monadnockresearch.net/products/item37.cfm . . . More
2010 Consulting Services Sourcing & Procurement Trends: Top Strategic Priorities Monadnock Research (VIII N14) - 23 April 2010 MR - Recent MR research has identified 18 strategic priorities of consulting services sourcing and procurement organizations. Our "Consulting Category Management 2009: Trends and Best Practices" report profiles what 7 leading organizations have done in these areas to better leverage spending on consulting services and to maximize value from strategic firm relationships. This Research Note lists those priorities and sets the stage for an upcoming in-depth series of research studies on the practices of consulting services sourcing and procurement organizations within each of these 18 strategic areas. The first in the series will be a study into reigning in consulting "maverick / bypass spend." Study participants will receive a PDF containing full detail on study results. The survey will take just 15 minutes to complete, and we encourage category managers and other procurement executives familiar with the category to participate. This study is open to participants now. Paste the link inside the parentheses into your browser and select, to be directed to the Monadnock Research Web site for participation details: (http://survey.monadnockresearch.com/limesurvey/index.php?sid=95611<=en) . . . More
2010 Large Firm US Public Sector IT Consulting Services Rates Increase by Nearly 3 Percent Monadnock Research (VIII N12) - 19 March 2010 Rates for IT consulting services provided by the largest firms to US public service organizations in 2010 increased by just under 3 percent over 2009 levels. The mean hourly rate for services across all categories for the 100+ firms surveyed was a little more than $170. This Research Note is the second in our series of rates by practice area and summarizes our analysis of fees under the U.S. GSA's Schedule 70, Sections 135-51, IT Professional Services (ITPS). It also analyzes the consolidated hourly rates of each firm across Monadnock Research's 8 labor rate categories, for the largest of the 3,650 firms providing services in the ITPS category. (1,633 words, 5 Charts) . . . More
2010 US Public Sector Business Consulting Services Rates Increase by 3.5 Percent Monadnock Research (VIII N10) - 12 March 2010 Rates for business consulting services provided to US public service organizations in 2010 increased by 3.5 percent over 2009 levels. The mean hourly rate for services across all categories was a little under $200. But less than one-fifth of business consulting services firms included executive-level positions in their negotiated rate schedules. This Research Note summarizes our analysis of rates for the business consulting services category under the US GSA's Schedule 874, Mission Oriented Business Integrated Services (MOBIS). It also analyzes the consolidated hourly rates of each firm within MR's 8 labor rate categories, including details on the categories themselves, for the top 5 percent of the 2,000 firms providing related services. Over the next eight weeks we will publish our analysis of rates for financial and business advisory services, human resources and administrative services, advertising and integrated marketing services, and information technology professional services. (1,850 words, 4 Charts) . . . More
2010 Global Consulting Firm Rate Study Launches - Free to Participants Monadnock Research - 25 February 2010 Monadnock Research announces its comprehensive research program for 2010 consulting firm rates. The study will be the largest negotiated client rate study ever conducted. Participation is free and confidential. Statistical results will be aggregated and reported in a final series of 500+ page reports by industry that will be made available only to participants. . . . More
Consulting Category Management: Trends & Best Practices Monadnock Research (VIII N1) - 1 January 2009 Monadnock Research conducted a number of interviews with consulting category management executives at leading organizations during 2009. This 60 page report provides details on the trends, best practices, and strategic priorities at 7 organizations with leading consulting category management practices. The report also provides details on the Monadnock Research Value Leadership Framework for consulting category management. Purchase report here: http://www.monadnockresearch.net/products/item32.cfm . . . More
Strategic Diversification of Mid-Market Companies the Top Priority for Engaging Consultants and Advisors Clemente Comm. (VII N54) - 9 December 2009 Clemente - Forty-five percent of U.S. middle-market companies say the process of "strategic diversification" is a main driver for retaining consultants and other professional services firms, according to the findings of a recent study by Clemente Communications. More than 36 percent rank complications in R&D/new product development as a primary concern, and nearly 33 percent voice fear about delays in new product launches. More than 72 percent of client organizations plan to evaluate three or more firms before making an engagement decision (455 words). Purchase 80 page report here: http://www.monadnockresearch.net/products/item34.cfm . . . More
US Public Services: 2010 Large Firm Consulting Rates Monadnock Research (VII N49) - 6 November 2009 The US General Services Administration (GSA) is the world's largest consulting services procurement organization. This 500 page report provides consulting rate details for all professional levels and consulting categories for more that 125 of the largest providers of management and IT consulting services to U.S. Federal, State, and Local government clients. Purchase report: http://www.monadnockresearch.net/products/item30.cfm . . . More
Insurance & Financial Services: Consulting Services Procurement Profile Monadnock Research (V2, N42) - 21 August 2009 Monadnock Research (MR) recently interviewed the Vice President of Global Procurement, the Director of Professional Services, and the Consulting Category Lead of a Fortune 100 international provider of insurance and financial services to discuss their perspectives on the sourcing and procurement of consulting services. Based in the US, these individuals have responsibility for global management consulting services spend. . . . More
Financial Services II: Consulting Services Procurement Profile Monadnock Research (V2, N37) - 10 July 2009 Monadnock Research (MR) recently interviewed the Vice President of Global Strategic Sourcing at one of the largest providers of financial services globally, where we discussed their consulting services sourcing and procurement practices. This client organization White Paper summary offers perspective on current trends; analysis of competitive bids; consulting category management; contracting strategies and getting more value from engagements; demand management; vendor rationalization; firm performance management; consulting spend analysis and analytics; common errors made by sourcing professionals; procurement challenges; reigning-in maverick spend; changes in the way firms market services; procurement group structure; and internal consulting organization. (subscription required) . . . More
Pharmaceuticals and Biomedicine: Consulting Services Procurement Profile Summary Monadnock Research (V2, N34) - 19 June 2009 Monadnock Research recently interviewed the senior director responsible for sourcing and procurement of consulting and professional services at one of the world's largest biomedical and pharmaceutical companies. The interview provides perspective on the company's current demand for consulting services globally, discounting, services spending, practice area trends, maverick spend, contracting best practices, firm compensation schemes, demand management, organization structure, value objectives, consulting alternatives, challenges, and internal category management strategy, maturity and best practices. (subscription required) . . . More
Consumer Goods: Consulting Services Procurement Profile Summary Monadnock Research (V2 N29) - 5 June 2009 Monadnock Research (MR) recently interviewed the Sourcing and Procurement Manager for Consulting Services at a Fortune 500 multinational consumer goods company, a leader in virtually every category it serves. The interview provides perspective on the company's current demand for consulting services globally, practice area trends, contracting best practices, firm compensation arrangements, services spending, organization structure, engagement value objectives, consulting alternatives, sourcing and procurement challenges, and internal category management strategy, maturity and practices. (subscription required) . . . More
Financial Services: Consulting Services Procurement Profile Summary Monadnock Research (V2N26) - 22 May 2009 Monadnock Research (MR) recently interviewed the Global Head of Category Management for one of the world's largest financial institutions, currently operating in more than 170 countries globally. This Research Note provides a summary of that interview, and provides perspective on the company's current worldwide demand for consulting services, practice area trends, contracting best practices, firm compensation arrangements, services spending, organization structure, engagement value objectives, consulting alternatives, sourcing and procurement challenges, and internal category management strategy, maturity and practices. (subscription required) . . . More
High Technology: Consulting Services Procurement Profile Summary Monadnock Research (V2N24) - 15 May 2009 Monadnock Research (MR) interviewed the category leader for management and IT consulting services at one of the world's largest software companies in March 2009 to discuss procurement of consulting services at this software giant that controls more than $1 billion in annual consulting spending. This Research Note provides a summary of the white paper, and covers trends in demand for consulting services internally, consulting project value, alternatives to consultants, consulting agreements, consulting category management challenges, changes in consulting services sales techniques, emerging service opportunities, and procurement organization structure. (subscription required) . . . More
Communications: Consulting Services Procurement Profile Summary Monadnock Research (V2N23) - 8 May 2009 This Research Note provides a summary of a Monadnock Research white paper on Alcatel-Lucent's consulting category management practices. Alcatel-Lucent is a $22 billion Paris-based provider of communication technologies, applications, and services, with approximately 78,000 employees globally. Topics that are covered include trends in consulting services demand, category management practices and maturity, project value objectives and policies, consulting alternatives, contracting terms, category management challenges and opportunities, fee and compensation scheme trends, high demand service areas, and global procurement group structure and organization. (subscription required) . . . More