個案總覽

This case tracks the evolution from October 2000 to July 2001 of public debate, regulatory decisions, and firm perspectives on the subject of consulting by accounting firms.

By 2002, the euphoria that accompanied the grandest achievement to date of Europe's 50-plus years of integration--full monetary union--was fading fast. European policy makers completed the historically unprecedented monetary integration of 12 countries, and then they turned their attention to an equally challenging issue: enlarging the European Union (EU). By the beginning of the 21st century, 13 countries clamored for membership in this most exclusive club of rich, democratic, European states. With so many prospective members knocking on the door, European policy makers were forced to decide quickly whom to let in and under what conditions.

On September 5, 1997, the American Medical Association(AMA) withdrew from a contract with Sunbeam Corporation, the maker of samll home appliances. Sunbeam sued the AMA to pay for the damages or to comply with the contract. The fracas led to the dismissal of three top AMA executives. The AMA initiated an investigation into the episode. As a result of the failed deal, the AMA's CEO resigned, and the failed deal eventually cost the AMA an estimated $16 million. A rewritten version of an earlier case.

Supplements the (A) case.

Supplements the (A) case.

Supplements the (A) case.

Confronted by a business proposal that is remarkably similar to a project recently financed by a sister office, venture capitalist Monique LeMieux ponders what she should do.

Facing dwindling membership and looking to increase its revenue, the American Medical Association (AMA) signed an endorsement deal with Sunbeam Corp., a leader in the small home appliance industry, in August 1997. In the deal, the AMA would receive significant royalties from Sunbeam in exchange for the use of its seal on Sunbeam's home health-care products. Critics protested that this deal posed a conflict of interest before the AMA. Supporters argued, however, that the deal was a good way for the AMA to ease the association's financial troubles. Furthermore, the deal would be beneficial to patients because it encouraged people to monitor their own health.

Supplements the (A) case.

This case highlights the debate between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and several of the large accounting firms over whether the same firms should offer consulting services to clients they audit.