Outsourcing

Dr Thondavadi's book is an important one for both executives and legislators who are confronted with strident voices fiercely advocating protectionist practices in regard to taking their information technologies offshore. This book brings a fresh rationality to the public debate regarding U.S. vis-a-vis offshoring practices and operations, especially as pertains to the use of IT systems. It is not intended to be an academic treatise on the subject; rather it is a practical playbook that can help decision-makers call the right plays from today's international scrimmage line. It's a quick read for busy people who need to learn the main issues of costs, quality and timing of "going off-shore" with their IT requirements.

A practical & relevant book. The book gives strong reasons to outsource globally. After reading the book, one clearly realises that the job market will never be the same. Competition for a job will now be global....& the need to constantly learn new skill sets will be important for survival & growth.

The book is simple to read. The case studies from GE, Northwestern Mutual & ABN Amro are very helpful to understand the different approaches to outsourcing. There are some Best practices in those case studies which a practicing manager could use. The chapter on possible countries for outsourcing is very informative.

All in all a good , practical & very relevant book. My only thought...I wish the authors had also included some examples of outsourcing gone sour. Those examples would help a practicing manager understand what he/ she should watch out for , while offshoring a process.

This is a good & timely book that joins the recent debate on outsourcing. The book is a practical guide to understand the various aspects & nuances that a corporation has to consider while it is outsourcing its processes.

The authors makes a compelling reason to outsource... but while doing so, they continue to remain balanced in their approach. Of particular significance , is the chapter on Costs of Outsourcing. It is important to keep a count of all the costs mentioned there, (especially the costs of loss of goodwill), while determining the final benefits of outsourcing.

The best practices of GE, ABN AMRO, etc. are good examples to share.

Overall a good book to read..&, of course, ultimately you will have to decide whether outsourcing is appropriate for your business or not !!!

In the area of outsourcing there are many texts, but few that make it simple to achieve the outsourcing goals an organisation requires. This text is comprehensive, but lays out the process to achieve a successful outcome in a logical and clear manner. It will allow you to undertake IT outsourcing activities inside your organisation while minimising the use of expensive external consultants.

It also focuses on the successful running of the contract once the outsourcing has been completed as this is an area many other texts fall down in. The most impressive part of this book is its focus on the end of contract transition out of the outsourcing deal you create. Regardless of whether it is sucessful or not, at some stage the contract will be re-market tested. It is here that many errors occur resulting in costly delays and degredation of service performance.

If you want a text that relates to the delivery of real world outsourcing outcomes - this is the one for you.

As an Outsourcing Professional a book of this nature is long overdue. It is an insightful presentation, clearly written by an expert in the field. It provides a clear and concise framework on which to build methodologies and arms the reader with the knowledge to go forth and conquer.

This book is a must have for anyone in the IT Outsourcing game no matter what level of the food chain.

Ms Cullen really knows her stuff when it comes to Outsourcing! I found this book a very comprehensive and useful reference. I think the fact that it is already "dog-eared" and littered with "post-it-notes" is a testament to that!

Outsourcing the American Dream by Christopher M. England is a perfect book both for workers and employers. England stresses long term solutions in our modern services/information economy over short-term gains. He details how modern companies, sadly went only for the quick profits in the 90's and are now suffering as a result of exporting their core businesses. His prescription for job-seeking Americans who may have been downsized or are currently under-employed - Adaptability with a Capitol 'A'. But this is far more than just a book about jobs. England delves into the political side and sees expanding government regulations, our increasingly government-dependent culture, and our mushrooming debt as the main reasons for the downturn in the economy. England is also a bit of a philosopher brilliantly weaving in appropriate quotes from famous figures from history throughout the text like Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Einstein and Henry Ford. One quote particularly stands out, "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change," - Charles Darwin. Appropriately, a proud American Bald Eagle on the front cover. Expertly written and edited. -- Eric Dondero, Author, Worldwide Multilingual Phrase Book

Eric Dondero, Editor, Independent Publishing Review, Winter 2004
Outsourcing the American Dream by Christopher M. England is a perfect book both for workers and employers. England stresses long term solutions in our modern services/information economy over short-term gains. He details how modern companies, sadly went only for the quick profits in the 90's and are now suffering as a result of exporting their core businesses. His prescription for job-seeking Americans who may have been downsized or are currently under-employed - Adaptability with a Capitol 'A'. But this is far more than just a book about jobs. England delves into the political side and sees expanding government regulations, our increasingly government-dependent culture, and our mushrooming debt as the main reasons for the downturn in the economy. England is also a bit of a philosopher brilliantly weaving in appropriate quotes from famous figures from history throughout the text like Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Einstein and Henry Ford. One quote particularly stands out, "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change," - Charles Darwin. Appropriately, a proud American Bald Eagle on the front cover. Expertly written and edited. This book is easily 5 Stars plus!

Outsourcing The American Dream: Pain And Pleasure In The Era Of Downsizing by finance and marketing consultant Christopher M. England is a straightforward, critically revealing examination of the effect that the widespread business practice of downsizing for cost management is having on American industries and the general American economy. Individual chapters address everything from the psychology of downsizing (including its drawbacks), and the tangled role of the government-- which can either amplify problems or be part of the solution. Outsourcing The American Dream is an authoritatively written, well-researched, provocatively presented, no-holds-barred look at a trend that can personally affect just about any worker at any business or corporation in today's volatile and globally competitive marketplace.

Peter Bendor-Samuel has a gift for articulating the essence of a business process that all too often is misunderstood. When the process is misunderstood a potential extended enterprise instead becomes a tangled mess, lacking dicipline and focus. In his book, Bendor-Samuel reveals in laymen's terms the fundamental principles that will make for a successful relationship. Turning Lead into Gold is Bendor-Samuel at his best. The author never loses sight of the fundamentals (market-principles, well defined contracts and diciplined management) and provides effective metaphors for describing tactics that often undermine these principles. There are many practitioners in the industry who understand and demonstrate the keys to outsourcing excellence, but few who commmunicate them as elegantly. Whether you are considering outsourcing or are simply staying abreast of business trends, this book will serve as a worthwhile read.

As the founder of probably the smallest corporation in America, (Meltdown International Inc.), I don't have the resources, time or knowledge to do everything well. The only way companies of any size can survive and thrive in today's changing business world is to outsource acitivities that don't pay the light bill or distinguish themselves in the global marketplace.

But how do you do this? Giving away important processes like finance and accounting to an outsourcing provider is scary. This book gave me the courage and the confidence to outsource. It told me what to do, what NOT to do, and what to watch out for. It gave me clear guidelines on pricing going into a relationship and how to police performance during the life of the contract. It also gave me a blueprint for handling disputes because they do come up.

I now outsource my finance and accounting to a provider 10 minutes from my office. (I want face to face chats about my money!)I also outsource my Web development and hosting to a company in the Philippines that does terrific work at a remarkably reasonable rate. I would never have even considered an offshore supplier if I hadn't read this book. It helped me understand the whole planet is now a source of suppliers.

The author's premise is that companies today have no option but to outsource. I have found in my own experience that is certainly true. I had no idea of how to go about it. If in doubt, read! This book was the perfect primer for a newcomer like me.

Turning Lead into Gold is a valuable piece of work for buyers as well as sellers of outsourcing. It clearly presents how this modern form of business alchemy turns operations that drain resources from companies into generators of value.

The hard statistics are accompanied by easy to understand case studies and explanations. I highly recommend it as a 'must read" for both parties to an outsourcing relationship as "pre-marital" counseling manual that will promote more successful and profitable alliances.

Thank you Peter Bendor-Samuel.

A highly informative book!

This book is a wealth of information.

Highly recommended! Are you considering an IT outsourcing arrangement of some sort? If you are then this book could be the most relevant book in your library of professional references. Packed with lists, charts, facts, figures, and sample documents, this highly prescriptive text details the steps you need to take before, during and after an outsourcing contract has been signed, to insure a highly profitable outcome for everyone. Authors Robert Klepper and Wendell Jones provide excellent analysis of the factors to consider when deciding whether to outsource, how to prepare a comprehensive Request for Proposal, the subsequent contract, as well as the unique skills required to successfully manage the vendor relationship. Each chapter of this book is tied to a particular phase or specific aspect of the outsourcing agreement, and as such, can and should be read and reread depending on where you are in the process. Kleeper and Jones have succeeded in writing a text that is easily understandable, informative, and a timeless resource for the IT professional!

Highly recommended! Are you considering an IT outsourcing arrangement of some sort? If you are then this book could be the most relevant book in your library of professional references. Packed with lists, charts, facts, figures, and sample documents, this highly prescriptive text details the steps you need to take before, during and after an outsourcing contract has been signed, to insure a highly profitable outcome for everyone. Authors Robert Klepper and Wendell Jones provide excellent analysis of the factors to consider when deciding whether to outsource, how to prepare a comprehensive Request for Proposal, the subsequent contract, as well as the unique skills required to successfully manage the vendor relationship. Each chapter of this book is tied to a particular phase or specific aspect of the outsourcing agreement, and as such, can and should be read and reread depending on where you are in the process. Kleeper and Jones have succeeded in writing a text that is easily understandable, informative, and a timeless resource for the IT professional!

Undoubtedly one of the best business books ever written about alliances and outsourcing. The author interestingly portray the motivation behind alliances and outsourcing. He mentioned that "Too often, an alliance is seen as a way of "plugging a gap" or "covering a weakness" rather than exploiting a strength." He also explain what key success factors needed to ensure long-term competitiveness of the organization. An enjoyable and excellent book to read. Recommended reading for people involved with Alliances and Outsourcing.

I have read, or have tried to read, books on the subject of IT outsourcing, to better understand the issues. This book is the single best book on the subject I have ever purchased. It is well organized, based on professioanl resarch, to convey the critical issues. Must reading for anyone interested in IT.

If you are considering outsourcing we've just reviewed one of the most comprehensive and well organized publications on the subject. Outsourcing is not just a way to reduce costs; it is an essential element for achieving business excellence. Outsourcing enables an organization to focus on the things it does best - its core competencies. At the same time, through outsourcing it can leverage the resources and expertise of equally focused outside providers. The combined effect is a powerful management tool for competitive advantage, improved business performance, and operational transformation.
The Guide to FM Outsourcing written by Fred Klammt is devoted to Facility Services outsourcing only. It is a 350-page compilation of lessons learned and best known methods from FM outsourcing projects and industry experts.
This book was written for FMs (facility managers) who are looking to control costs, improve productivity, and improve service. The chapters in this book are organized similarly to how an organization would evolve their FM outsourcing program. They also include many sidebar discussions. Chapters include...

1.Make or Buy:
Strategic + Logistical FM Outsourcing
2.Owner's perspective
3.Customer's perspective
4.Supplier's perspective
5.FM Outsourcing Process
6.Create long-term relationships
7.Service and Work scope
8.RFP + Pricing
9.Contract T + C's
10.Performance Measurements
11.Transitions

Most FMs will find this book to be an easy read ... From Chapter Five on, the book details a step by step process that FMs can easily follow to implement outsourcing. FMs will find Chapters Eight through Eleven invaluable in developing and setting up an outsourcing contract.
The front cover page of each chapter includes the Table of Contents and a "Take Away" section summarizing the importance of the chapter. The "Key Points" section includes certain snippets of text from selected parts of the chapter. Throughout the book the term FM Owner refers to the internal facility management of the organization that is outsourcing the work.
This book will save you time and effort if you are new to outsourcing or even if you already have implemented several contracts. It will help you get up to speed when dealing with your contractors and make the whole process much smoother and trouble free.

Keith McClanahan, Facility Issues November 2001

Lacity and Hirschheim have rigorously and comprehensively looked at the issues of outsourcing information systems. They provide guidance to information systems managers about the real issues involved in this process in a number of ways: By presenting real and thorough case studies which give a 'blow by blow' description of the politics, the financial analysis, the technical issues and the commercial issues involved in such an exercise. Also they give practical guidance to managers about what to look for and what to look out for. I also recommend their follow up book which gives the insourcing response. This second book demonstrates their practical approach to these management issues and also shows that they are even handed in their treatment of this complex and often stressful decision making process.