Question 3

1. On Porter's strategy matrix - Accenture is positioned in a differentiation strategy. First they cater to a wide market from banks, to oil refineries, to airlines. Second, they are not a low cost service, but rather offer a uniqueness in the way they approach problems for clients.
2. The first competitor IBM has the same strategy as Accenture. However, their uniqueness lies with being able to offer end-to-end technology services that they have developed while Accenture excels at offering systems implementation services while also outsourcing a client's non-core tasks to one of its offshore delivery centers. Another example would be Deloitte and Touche. While D&T competes on occasion in the systems implementation space they tend to offer more business solution consulting. They also take a differentiation strategy approach, but with a different set of unique skills than its competitors.
3. Accenture is positioned well as a leader in the consulting industry, however it faces threats from rivals who are able to copy some of their core competencies at a lower cost. For example, Tata Consulting Services or Wipro are able to offer some of the systems implementation solutions, but at a lower cost. This is driving some of the work Accenture does into the "cost leadership strategy" quadrant. In order to remain in it's position Accenture must offer additional services beyond systems work and outsourcing to remain in its position.