http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/1597/4/I%26M2006.pdf

Information systems outsourcing: a literature analysis

The main thrust of the article is to distinguish between four types of IT sourcing decision: total outsourcing; multiple-supplier sourcing; joint venture/strategic alliance sourcing; and insourcing. To illustrate each type, detailed case histories are used that analyse the reasons why specific IT sourcing decisions were adopted. Here, we consider total outsourcing at the London Stock Exchange; multiple-supplier sourcing at ICI plc; joint venture project sourcing at CRESTCo Ltd; and insourcing at the Royal Bank of Scotland. The trend towards outsourcing is increasing in all industrial and commercial sectors. However, client organizations need to become more aware of some of the pitfalls, particularly in respect of large-scale outsourcing deals to single or multiple suppliers. This is because the move to IT outsourcing engenders the need to develop new capabilities and skills to manage complex commercial contracts. We therefore conclude that, while many IT outsourcing contracts followed rationalization, cost-cutting and disappointing results from in-house IT provision, short-termism and current uncertainties over market, business and political conditions pose problems for many organizations in deciding future outsourcing arrangements.

Analysing four types of IT sourcing decisions in the context of scale, client/supplier interdependency and risk mitigation

IT outsourcing has grown considerably in the private sector, with IT software and service suppliers reporting increased revenues. Similarly in the public sector, the introduction of market testing and compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) will inevitably lead to the contracting-out of significant levels of IT work. This may lead to the demise of some public sector IT departments where external bids are favoured over those offered by the in-house team. This paper is divided into two sections. First, it considers some of the relevant literature on IT outsourcing in both private and public sector British and American organizations. It draws together important themes which explain the attraction of IT outsourcing to senior executives. Second, it introduces the results from a questionnaire survey of nearly 200 UK private and public sector organizations on IT outsourcing. In particular it looks at the proportion of organizations that claims to use outsourcing, how contracts are negotiated and the type of IT solutions preferred by IT managers. The central argument is that IT outsourcing poses significant challenges to both private and public sector organizations and is not simply a quick-fix panacea. Moreover, public sector IT managers would do well to analyse some of the less favourable reports from private sector outsourcing as they gear themselves up for CCT in the months ahead.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1057%2Fejis.1996.4.pdf

Outsourcing in the private and public sectors: an unpredictable IT strategy

This paper promotes an overview of facilities management (FM) and the impact of information technology (IT). It opens with a definition of FM automation and a brief history of the generations of development. This is followed by key demand impacts which have both enabled and stimulated the growth of FM automation during the past and into the future. Specific attention is then given to the tactical and strategic impacts of the technology affecting the organisation within the emerging and complex business environment. Some examples are cited together with the effects of discontinuous change and the resistance to such change. Finally, a brief look at the impact of system selection is also included to assist FM organisations in their determination of automation needs within the paradigms of change, complexity and dependence.

The impact of tactical and strategic FM automation

This thesis has its point of departure in the identified knowledge gap, which includes the importance of the information systems (IS) outsourcing relationship for studying the success of IS outsour ...

/pdf/a-conceptual-framework-for-studying-the-successful-outcome-fd609hb1ly.pdf

A Conceptual Framework for Studying the Successful Outcome of the IS Outsourcing Process from a Relationship Perspective

The change in the perceived function of Information Technology (IT) within business, from a reactive service for middle management to a creator of strategic advantage, is one of the more visible management issues of the moment. Alongside this, however, is an equally important shift in the perceived relationship between IT and business, which is manifest in the growth of Facilities Management (FM). This service is described, as well as the reasons for its increasing popularity, its applicability and how it compares with developments in other functional areas. It is argued that FM is one of the keys to strategic IT change and, as such, should take its rightful place within the planning process.

Malcolm Owen

Papers

Facilities management — the alternative information technology revolution