Pioneers of the outsourcing frontier: FedEx and BP among those who win some and lose some

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Even before the days of the Silk Road and the Phoenician traders, businesses have taken an international focus. Globalization however has dramatically changed the political and business climate over the past decade or so. It is a phenomenon that has been fueled by ever improving, low cost communications technologies and cheaper and faster transportation of people and freight. The best efforts of the World Trade Organization (WTO), together with or separately from other international and supra‐national organizations, to reach agreement on reducing tariffs have been vital. Business possibilities for developing overseas markets and achieving global operational efficiencies exist on a scale previously unimagined.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2006), "Pioneers of the outsourcing frontier: FedEx and BP among those who win some and lose some", Strategic Direction, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 27-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540610654699