Preface

This edited book is intended for use by students, academics and practitioners who take interest in the outsourcing and offshoring of information technology and business services and processes. The book offers a review of the key topics in outsourcing and offshoring, populated with practical frameworks that serve as a tool kit for practitioners, academics and students. The range of topics covered in this book is wide and diverse, and represents both client and supplier perspectives on sourcing of global services. Various aspects related to the decision making process (e.g., asset transfer), learning mechanisms and organizational practices for managing outsourcing relationships are discussed in great depth.
Contemporary sourcing models, including cloud services, are examined. Client
dependency on the outsourcing provider, and social aspects, such as identity,
are discussed in detail. Furthermore, resistance in outsourcing and failures are
investigated to derive lessons as to how to avoid them and improve efficiency
in outsourcing. Topics discussed in this book combine theoretical and practical
insights regarding challenges that both clients and vendors face. Case studies
from client and vendor organizations are used extensively throughout the book.
Last but not least, the book examines current and future trends in outsourcing and offshoring, placing particular attention on the centrality of innovation in sourcing arrangements, and how innovation can be realized in outsourcing.
The book is based on a vast empirical base brought together through years of extensive research by leading researchers in information systems, strategic management and operations.