This is a real-world case study activity. This case study is an in-depth example that illustrates how prominent businesses and organizations implement the theoretical concepts you have just learned. They provide a broader, integrated critical thinking process that will help you to expand and clarify your understanding of the material covered in this module. Complete the following: • Eccles, R.G., & Gladstone, J. (1995). KPMG Peat Marwick: The shadow partner. Watertown, MA: Harvard Business Publishing. Step 1: Review the case study: KPMG Peat Marwick: The shadow partner.
• The case shows how KPMG Peat Marwick addressed the application of IT to respond to overcapacity in its traditional business and to develop new value-added advisory services.
Step 2: Prepare a case analysis. The following questions should be addressed in the preparation for the case analysis: 1. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to KPMG of the shadow partner project. 2. If you were a member of the U.S. Operating Committee in February 1991 (in which the project is being presented for a decision on funding), how would you vote? What would be your rationale in explaining your position to the partnership as a whole? 3. Critically evaluate the approach that was taken to develop the shadow-partner initiative. Would you have proceeded differently? If so, be prepared to describe why your approach might be preferred to the one taken.
