Start Date
16-8-2018 12:00 AM
Description
While there are many prominent cases for information systems (IS) backsourcing, there is a lack in common terminology for discussing, classifying, and comparing those cases. This paper aims to close this gap by developing a backsourcing terminology and a configuration framework to clearly classify cases of IS backsourcing. Originating from six outsourcing dimensions derived from existing literature, the paper first defines different sourcing forms depending on their respective location and ownership. Afterwards, different backsourcing development paths are introduced based on a change in ownership and/or location. Then, the paper develops a configuration framework based on four dimensions: capability development strategy, external support during transition, previous state of IS organization, and target location. Those dimensions are used to categorize and compare existing backsourcing cases with a consistent terminology.
Recommended Citation
von Bary, Benedikt, "How to bring IT home: Developing a common terminology to compare cases of IS Backsourcing" (2018). AMCIS 2018 Proceedings. 7.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2018/OrgTrasfm/Presentations/7
How to bring IT home: Developing a common terminology to compare cases of IS Backsourcing
While there are many prominent cases for information systems (IS) backsourcing, there is a lack in common terminology for discussing, classifying, and comparing those cases. This paper aims to close this gap by developing a backsourcing terminology and a configuration framework to clearly classify cases of IS backsourcing. Originating from six outsourcing dimensions derived from existing literature, the paper first defines different sourcing forms depending on their respective location and ownership. Afterwards, different backsourcing development paths are introduced based on a change in ownership and/or location. Then, the paper develops a configuration framework based on four dimensions: capability development strategy, external support during transition, previous state of IS organization, and target location. Those dimensions are used to categorize and compare existing backsourcing cases with a consistent terminology.