The Outsourcing Dilemma: The Search for Competitiveness [Paperback]

Outsourcing of some business functions pre-dates the technological revolution of the latter part of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, 99% of outsourcing would not be logical or necessary if it was not for the constantly changing and improving technology.

Despite the circumstances, most organisations are left with no alternative but to keep trying to improve their systems. They then have two basic alternatives. They can either do it in-house by buying the necessary equipment, software and external help, or they can externalise the function completely by taking one of the outsourcing routes.

Research undertaken into project failure rates at the beginning of 2000 has provided the author with a unique insight into the real level of success obtained from choosing either internal or external solutions to the competitive problem.

The Outsourcing Dilemma

presents the arguments for and against outsourcing and suggests ways in which the enormous problems of maintaining competitiveness might be approached.

The book examines:

• the changing times that have brought about the need to be competitive in all functions
• the various internal solutions to the problem of maintaining competitiveness
• the advantages and disadvantages of the external solution of outsourcing
• the extent to which outsourcing is being practised and the functions being outsourced
• the growing range of alternatives to full outsourcing
• a range of factors that potential clients should know about outsourcing providers
• factors to consider when choosing an outsourcing service provider
• alternative options towards achieving lasting competitiveness.

The Outsourcing Dilemma includes controversial case studies highlighting the advantages and potential pitfalls of outsourcing, and a revolutionary long-term competitiveness option – ‘Business Satellites’ - that does not require short-term dramatic change, expense and disruption.

Is outsourcing still a matter of choice or has it become essential to our survival?

Dramatic advances in technology have led to managers seeking methods of ensuring maximum competitiveness across all business processes. There is now the need to consistently evaluate the technology on offer and achieve improvements. Faced with an often less than adequate internal skills base, full time external specialists are inevitably seen as an important solution to the problem.

Outsourcing has become a strategic decision – but is it really the answer to all our problems? Many outsourced projects fail to meet the client’s needs and the decision to outsource is not a simple one.

The Outsourcing Dilemma presents objectively the arguments for and against outsourcing, enabling you to confront the issues that need to be considered before taking a decision to outsource.

Competitive advantage is a choice. Who are you going to entrust it to?

Brian Heywood

has been involved in the world of commerce for many years, initially with a succession of roles in sales, market research, advertising, and brand management. This experience gained him a position as UK head of an American toiletries company. This was followed by a period of four years with a major management consultancy (now Ernst & Young) in the UK. He then spent four years based in the US, the last three of these as president of an American food company.

Since returning to the UK he has worked as an independent consultant and set up a market research company; some of his direct consultancy projects have been through major consultancies and some on an independent basis, which has provided him with valuable experience of a wide range of company sizes. Most of this consultancy work has been in areas related to marketing, business systems and in outsourcing. In recent years, he has made a speciality of helping outsourcing service providers to find and access new markets.

He has been successful in technology research work that was used as the basis for futuristic television programmes around the world, and has a marketing award for helping small consultancy clients increase their sales.