Risky business? Offshoring failures and how to avoid them

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

The combination of rapid technological development, and slow but steady liberalization of world trade underpin the globalization processes that are reinventing business. The outsourcing boom continues. Companies that initially focused on the major cost savings from contracting out activities to low wage economies are still seeking cost advantages but have also begun to seek improvements in quality. What started as a manufacturing industry phenomenon, in sectors such as garment manufacture, has rapidly spread to the service sector as can be seen from the global call center industry.

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), "Risky business? Offshoring failures and how to avoid them", Strategic Direction, Vol. 22 No. 8, pp. 8-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540610675371