accenture structure

I am a bit confused with a structure of accenture. I realise that there are 5 operating groups (operating over 18 industry) but then there are 2 service lines and 2 solution units. so the question is if you enter as consultant where are you assigned ( service lines or solution units) and do these lines/solution units operate in the particular operating group. does anyone know how this works? thanks. mike.

Hi Mike

Accenture is structured around five global operating groups (comm&high-tech, financial services, products, resources, government) comprising 18 more-focused industry units and eight service lines that float over all operating groups and which provide common solutions to all industries. The eight service lines are divided into two main capability groups: Business consulting cap group and technology & outsourcing.

Business consulting comprises five service lines: Customer relationship management, Finance and Performance management, Human performance, Strategy and Business architecture and Supply chain management. The technology and outsourcing cap group includes three service lines: Technology research and innovation, solutions engineering (or techology sols) and solutions operations (or outsourcing). The solution units are something different. They belong to one of the capability groups but usually are made of alliances (such as avanade with microsoft) or accenture HR services providing I would say more concrete solutions. I hope this helps. Maria.

If you prefer to visualize, download the 2002 financial report off the corporate website. It has a neat diagram showing how the CGs spans across the 5 OGs.

Dear Mike,

Whenever you think about Accenture orgnization structure you should think on a matrix one. Rows are Services Lines (what services Accenture provide) and columns are Industries that Accenture serve.

People inside Accenture belongs to an Industry or Market Unit (generally Products, Resources, Communications & High Tech, Financial Services, Government and others depending the location). Inside a Market Unit or Industry People is subdivided into Service Lines since each Market Unit works separately.

Business Consulting for example has various Service Lines such as:

Supply Chain Management

Strategy & Business Architecture

...

I hope it can be helpful,

Regards,

Fred

do I detect some first round interview preparation

Not really, I work for the firm

thanks a lot. great help in particular the matrix I can understand now. mike.