Examining Information Systems Outsourcing: A Case Study from the United Kingdom

Authors

Alan Jeffs, School of Management, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Fowler Ben, School of Management, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

This paper examines the issue of outsourcing information services (IS) through the framework of case study-based, grounded research, located in a major UK company. The impact of outsourcing drivers including efficiency, IS alignment and the human resource dimension are explored and balanced against the perceived outsourcing risks. It is also postulated that although managers claim rational economic benefits, when making outsourcing decisions, they may, in fact, be bounded in their rationality by their perception of the quality experienced as users of IS/IT. Hence, it is suggested that the real justification for outsourcing may be that it provides a definitive, albeit drastic, vehicle for change.

DOI

10.1177/026839629801300204

Recommended Citation

Jeffs, Alan and Ben, Fowler (1998) "Examining Information Systems Outsourcing: A Case Study from the United Kingdom," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 13: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: 10.1177/026839629801300204
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol13/iss2/4