Leveraging partnerships in management consulting: a balanced scorecard approach: developing an agile framework for evaluating and optimizing strategic collaboration: a global consulting firm case study

Abstract

Strategic partnerships are essential for consulting firms to drive innovation and deliver value. This study adapts the Balanced Scorecard to measure and manage partnership performance in Management Consulting. Based on 38 interviews with consultants, partner managers, and external partners, it identifies key challenges, needs, and metrics. The framework includes a Collaboration Scorecard, Pre-Categorization Model, Strategy Map, and Double-Loop Learning. Initial validation with Capgemini’s partners SAP and Google Cloud tested its applicability and highlighted opportunities for refinement. Building on Kaplan’s Balanced and Alliance Scorecards, this research offers tools for optimizing partnerships. Future research should test adaptability and long-term impact.