Outsourcing and insourcing Books

Book SynopsisAn invigorating, thought-provoking, and positive look at the rise of automation that explores how professionals across industries can find sustainable careers in the near future.Nearly half of all working Americans could risk losing their jobs because of technology.Trade ReviewA fine call to action in the face of uncertainty. -- Financial Times The world the authors describe may be unsettling, but it is a world that we would all recognize and will likely live to see. -- Wall Street Journal This badly needed and well-researched book makes a convincing and inspiring case that the challenges ahead could be a catalyst to help us achieve far more of our potential and, in the process, become much more human. It is a powerful call to action and provides a roadmap that we ignore at our peril. It's not enough to read this book; we need to act on it, now! -- John Hagel, Chairman of the Deloitte Center for the Edge The winners in the analytics revolution won't simply replace human decision-making, they will augment it. The essential guide to this management revolution is Davenport and Kirby's remarkable new book. -- Erik Brynjolfsson, Professor at MIT and co-author of The Second Machine Age Individual knowledge workers, corporate executives, and government leaders all need to read this book. Smart machines are going to change our work and our lives, and the sooner we begin to augment their capabilities, the more successful our economy will be. Davenport and Kirby are correct: people will augment these tools, rather than be automated by them. The sooner you learn about augmentation, the more successful you'll be in the labor markets of the future. -- Manoj Saxena, Former General Manager, IBM Watson

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Book SynopsisFrom the authors of the best-selling The Second Machine Age, a leader’s guide to success in a rapidly changing economy.Trade Review"Machine, Platform, Crowd, by Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson. Following on from The Second Machine Age in 2014, the authors are back with this title that analyses a new world of work and offers a toolkit on how to survive in it." -- FT business books of the month: June 2017 - Financial Times"For an astute romp through important digital trends, Machine, Platform, Crowd is hard to beat." -- The Economist"... Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson [use] their deep knowledge of the business and technology sectors to build a detailed, cogent and conversational guide to where we are and where we are going. The story is warmly and richly told... and amply supported by notes, references and links. This book is in many senses a primer, a thorough grounding for the digital warrior in the driving forces of the 21st-century economy." -- Book of the Week - Times Higher Education"The two academic authors from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who became the pin-up boys of the Davos crowd for their previous book on The Second Machine Age (2014), do a neat job of scanning the technological horizon and highlighting significant landmarks. This is a clear and crisply written account of machine intelligence, big data and the sharing economy." -- Financial Times"Machine, Platform, Crowd is a forward-looking take on how business will interact with artificial intelligence and what that will mean for the transformation of industries." -- Business Books of the Year 2017 - The International New York Times"Throughout, they [McAfee and Brynjolfsson] are eloquent and informed... This is a long and complex book, but it is important." -- People Management"In their latest book, Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson encourage you to adopt a much more global vision in order to enhance your digital transformation, which, in their opinion, must rest on 3 key trends: machine, platform, and crowd." -- 10 unmissable books from 2017 - Business Digest"Whether technology is moral or not, it is still changing the world—and business—in ways we are barely aware of, as Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson show in fascinating detail in Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our Digital Future." -- Books of 2017 - Supply Management"For startups and established businesses, or for anyone interested in what the future holds, Machine, Platform, Crowd is essential reading." -- Five of the Best Business Books to Read in 2018 - The Gentleman's Journal"... a reliable guide to the most relevant technologies that will shape the future of business..." -- Business books to recommend - Financial Times

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Book SynopsisIn this wide-ranging collection, Professor Willcocks and Professor Lacity examine the economic determinants and outcomes of outsourcing and offshoring at both the firm and country levels. They provide a comprehensive overview of the topic, offering an interdisciplinary perspective, which covers the empirical and theoretical research not only of economists but also of researchers from other disciplines, most notably business strategy, information systems and international business. With an authoritative, original introduction by the editors, the book will be an indispensible guide to students and scholars, wishing to understand the theoretical and empirical research on the economics of outsourcing from its beginnings in the 1930s to current thinking.Trade Review‘. . .a weighty yet solid set of critical economic writings that narrow their topic to the major issues involved in outsourcing and offshoring work for countries and business establishments alike. A powerful blend of data and critical analysis that college-level readers will find important.’ -- The Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsContents: Dedication to Ronald Coase Acknowledgements Introduction Leslie P. Willcocks and Mary C. Lacity PART I THE THEORETICAL FOUNDATION, CRITIQUES AND REVIEW OF TRANSACTION COST ECONOMICS 1. R.H. Coase (1937), ‘The Nature of the Firm’, Economica, 4, 386–405 2. Oliver E. Williamson (1991), ‘Comparative Economic Organization: The Analysis of Discrete Structural Alternatives’, Administrative Science Quarterly, 36 (2), June, 269–96 3. Ian R. Macneil (1978), ‘Contracts: Adjustment of Long-term Economic Relations Under Classical, Neoclassical, and Relational Contract Law’, Northwestern University Law Review, 72 (6), 854–905 4. R.H. Coase (1998), ‘The New Institutional Economics’, American Economic Review: Papers and Proceedings, 88 (2), May, 72–4 5. Sumantra Ghoshal and Peter Moran (1996), ‘Bad for Practice: A Critique of the Transaction Cost Theory’, Academy of Management Review, 21 (1), January, 13–47 6. Richard Carter and Geoffrey M. Hodgson (2006), ‘The Impact of Empirical Tests of Transaction Cost Economics on the Debate on the Nature of the Firm’, Strategic Management Journal, 27 (5), May, 461–76 7. Jeffrey T. Macher and Barak D. Richman (2008), ‘Transaction Cost Economics: An Assessment of Empirical Research in the Social Sciences’, Business and Politics, 10 (1), ii, 1–63 8. Mary C. Lacity, Leslie P. Willcocks and Shaji Khan (2011), ‘Beyond Transaction Cost Economics: Towards an Endogenous Theory of Information Technology Outsourcing’, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 20 (2), June, 139–57 PART II VERTICAL INTEGRATION 9. Kirk Monteverde and David J. Teece (1982), ‘Supplier Switching Costs and Vertical Integration in the Automobile Industry’, Bell Journal of Economics, 13 (1), Spring, 206–213 10. David T. Levy (1985), ’The Transactions Cost Approach to Vertical Integration: An Empirical Examination’, Review of Economics and Statistics, 67 (3), August, 438–45 11. Soon Ang and Detmar W. Straub (1998), ‘Production and Transaction Economies and IS Outsourcing: A Study of the U.S. Banking Industry’, MIS Quarterly, 22 (4), December, 535–52 12. Mark Wahrenburg, Andreas Hackethal, Lars Friedrich and Tom Gellrich (2006), ‘Strategic Decisions Regarding the Vertical Integration of Human Resource Organizations: Evidence for an Integrated HR Model for the Financial Services Industry in Germany, Austria and Switzerland’, International Journal of Human Resource Management, 17 (10), October, 1726–71 13. Matthew Bidwell (2010), ‘Problems Deciding: How the Structure of Make-or-Buy Decisions Leads to Transaction Misalignment’, Organization Science, 21 (2), March–April, 362–79 14. Nicholas S. Argyres and Todd R. Zenger (2012), ‘Capabilities, Transaction Costs, and Firm Boundaries’, Organization Science, 23 (6), November–December, 1643–57 PART III CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIPS 15. Laura Poppo and Todd Zenger (2002), ‘Do Formal Contracts and Relational Governance Function as Substitutes or Complements?’, Strategic Management Journal, 23 (8), August, 707–725 16. Paul L. Joskow (1987), ‘Contract Duration and Relationship-Specific Investments: Empirical Evidence from Coal Markets’, American Economic Review, 77 (1), March, 168–85 17. Martin Brown, Armin Falk and Ernst Fehr (2004), ‘Relational Contracts and the Nature of Market Interactions’, Econometrica, 72 (3), May, 747–80 18. Shaila M. Miranda and C. Bruce Kavan (2005), ‘Moments of Governance in IS Outsourcing: Conceptualizing Effects of Contracts on Value Capture and Creation’, Journal of Information Technology, 20 (3), September, 152–69 19. Vivek Choudhury and Rajiv Sabherwal (2003), ‘Portfolios of Control in Outsourced Software Development Projects’, Information Systems Research, 14 (3), September, 291–314 20. Kathleen M. Eisenhardt (1989), ‘Agency Theory: An Assessment and Review’, Academy of Management Review, 14 (1), January, 57–74 21. Kyle J. Mayer and Robert M. Salomon (2006), ‘Capabilities, Contractual Hazards, and Governance: Integrating Resource-based and Transaction Cost Perspectives’, Academy of Management Journal, 49 (5), October, 942–59 PART IV GLOBAL SOURCING DECISIONS 22. Gene M. Grossman, Elhanan Helpman and Adam Szeidl (2005), ‘Complementarities between Outsourcing and Foreign Sourcing’, American Economic Review: Papers and Proceedings, 95 (2), May, 19–24 23. Robert C. Feenstra and Gordon H. Hanson (2005), ‘Ownership and Control in Outsourcing to China: Estimating the Property-Rights Theory of the Firm’, Quarterly Journal of Economics, 120 (2), May, 729–61 24. Pol Antràs (2005), ‘Property Rights and the International Organization of Production’, American Economic Review: Papers and Proceedings, 95 (2), May, 25–32 25. Janet Y. Murray, Masaaki Kotabe and Stanford A. Westjohn (2009), ‘Global Sourcing Strategy and Performance of Knowledge-Intensive Business Services: A Two-Stage Strategic Fit Model’, Journal of International Marketing, 17 (4), 90–105 26. Matthias Holweg, Andreas Reichhart and Eui Hong (2011), ‘On Risk and Cost in Global Sourcing’, International Journal of Production Economics, 131 (1), May, 333–41 PART V INNOVATION AND OUTSOURCING 27. Michael A. Stanko and Roger J. Calantone (2011), ‘Controversy in Innovation Outsourcing Research: Review, Synthesis and Future Directions’, R&D Management, 41 (1), January, 8–20 28. Carmen Weigelt and M.B. Sarkar (2012), ‘Performance Implications of Outsourcing for Technological Innovations: Managing the Efficiency and Adaptability Trade-Off ‘, Strategic Management Journal, 33 (2), February, 189–216 29. Jeremy Howells, Dimitri Gagliardi and Khaleel Malik (2008), ‘The Growth and Management of R&D Outsourcing: Evidence from UK Pharmaceuticals’, R&D Management, 38 (2), March, 205–219 PART VI ECONOMIC AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS 30. Kholekile L. Gwebu, Jing Wang and Li Wang (2010), ‘Does IT Outsourcing Deliver Economic Value to Firms?’, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 19 (2), June, 109–123 31. Mary C. Lacity, Stan Solomon, Aihua Yan and Leslie P. Willcocks (2011), ‘Business Process Outsourcing Studies: A Critical Review and Research Directions’, Journal of Information Technology, 26 (4), December, 221–58 32. Markus Reitzig and Stefan Wagner (2010), ‘The Hidden Costs of Outsourcing: Evidence from Patent Data’, Strategic Management Journal, 31 (11), November, 1183–201 33. George N. Kenyon and Mary J. Meixell (2011), ‘Success Factors and Cost Management Strategies for Logistics Outsourcing’, Journal of Management and Marketing Research, 7, April, 1–17 34. Ronald F. Premuroso, Terrance R. Skantz and Somnath Bhattacharya (2012), ‘Disclosure of Outsourcing in the Annual Report: Causes and Market Returns Effects’, International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 13 (4), December, 382–402 35. Joseph Chen, Harrison Hong, Wenxi Jiang and Jeffrey D. Kubik (2013), ‘Outsourcing Mutual Fund Management: Firm Boundaries, Incentives, and Performance’, Journal of Finance, LXVIII (2), April, 523–58 Index

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Book Synopsis‘Outsourcing’ ­– when will the horror stories stop coming? Every year the government gives private companies like G4S, Serco, Capita and ATOS £80 billion of taxpayers’ money to handle some of our most sensitive and important services – but where is their transparency? Immigration is perhaps the most challenging and divisive issue of our time ­– so why has our government abdicated responsibility? As privatisation looms over an NHS in crisis, how do we hold these companies to account? Now, White speaks to campaigners, Whitehall insiders – and the companies themselves. Who Really Runs Britain? is a shocking compendium of what happens when outsourcing goes wrong – and what we do now.Trade Review‘[A] powerful account of the impact of the privatisation of public services…provides a timely and important analysis of this often overlooked feature of public life.’ * Evening Standard *‘This is a must read…It punctures the myth that the private sector is better at delivering public service.’ -- Dame Margaret Hodge MP‘The takeover of government activity by a cartel of unaccountable corporations is a major shift in the way Britain works. Alan White shines a light into this murky world. Everyone is affected by the shadow state. Everyone should read Shadow State.’ -- Andy Slaughter MP, Shadow Minister for Human Rights‘In February 2014 the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee published a devastating report on the way in which public services were contracted out to the private sector... Alan White’s well-researched book Shadow State, provides many examples that prove the Committee’s case, and will, I hope, act as an urgently needed call for action, particularly to improve the standard of contracting throughout Whitehall.’ -- Lord Ramsbotham, former HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales‘Readable and well ordered.’ * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisGlobalisation and outsourcing-based strategies have reshaped the global economy. This timely book provides a strategic analysis of both the development and macro trends of the electronics industry within the wider context of global technology outsourcing. Lucio Cassia examines the whole supply chain of the electronics industry and highlights the changes due to the effects of global outsourcing. He moves on to describe hypotheses of growth, and consider likely future developments - including the reshaping of firms' competitive strategies. The author also explains the patterns of development of new technologies and changes in the competitive positioning of the firms. This innovative book will appeal to academics and scholars interested in the strategic growth of firms and technological innovation. The insights presented in the book will also interest entrepreneurs, managers and practitioners who make decisions about competitive strategies in a global context.Trade Review’This book is an enormous and impressive work on the development of global outsourcing strategies in the electronic industry, and offers a well balanced mix of practical and theoretical discourse on the topic. The book is suited primarily for practitioners and MBA students to learn about the extent and evolution of outsourcing arrangements as well as major players in the industry. For academics, the in-depth analysis of those major players in the industry adds realism to their conceptual understanding.' -- Masaaki Kotabe, Temple University, US'The electronics industry is one of the most interesting arenas to study new trends in competition, globalisation, and outsourcing. In this book Lucio Cassia provides a very detailed and insightful analysis of this industry, with plenty of empirical data to support his points. Anyone with an academic or practitioner interest in the topic will be able to take away key messages through this study of the evolution of global outsourcing in electronics.' -- Michael Mol, Warwick Business School, UKTable of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction Part I: Global Outsourcing in the Electronics Industry 2. Electronics Industry 3. Outsourcing Strategy and Processes Part II: Global Electronics Supply Chain 4. Component Suppliers and Distributors 5. Electronics Manufacturing Services 6. Original Design Manufacturers Part III: Growth Strategies in Outsourcing 7. Growth through Mergers and Acquisitions 8. Industry Evolution and Strategic Positioning 9. Design Outsourcing 10. Strategic Competitive Dynamics Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisEntrepreneurs often suffer from "superhero syndrome"--the misconception that to be successful, they must do everything themselves. Not only are they the boss, but also the salesperson, HR manager, copywriter, operations manager, online marketing guru, and so much more. It's no wonder why so many people give up the dream of starting a business--it's just too much for one person to handle. But outsourcing expert and "Virtual CEO," Chris Ducker knows how you can get the help you need with resources you can afford. Small business owners, consultants, and online entrepreneurs don't have to go it alone when they discover the power of building teams of virtual employees to help run, support, and grow their businesses. Virtual Freedom: How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business is the step-by-step guide every entrepreneur needs to build his or her business with the asset of working with virtual employees. Focusing on business growth, Ducker explains every detail you need to grasp, from figuring out which jobs you should outsource to finding, hiring, training, motivating, and managing virtual assistants. With additional tactics and online resources, Virtual Freedom is the ultimate resource of the knowledge and tools necessary for building your dream business with the help of virtual staff.Trade Review"Think about the most useful book you've ever read. It will now become the second most useful. This is the field guide for building a team, outsourcing, and taking back control of your life." --Jay Baer, New York Times bestselling author of Youtility "Chris Ducker explains exactly how to get more done in less time--and, as a bonus, get back the life you gave up when you decided to go into business for yourself. Virtual assistants are the key, and Virtual Freedom gives you everything you need to know." --Michael Hyatt, New York Times bestselling author of Platform "Chris Ducker passionately teaches freedom. His manifesto is a wake-up call for all entrepreneurs seeking to take back more of their time -- in business and life." --Michael Covel, bestselling author of Trend Following "Set your ideas free, and you'll think bigger. Set your entire work system free, and you'll grow bigger. Chris Ducker is on to something here. Get in fast!" --Chris Brogan, New York Times bestselling author of Trust Agents "Who would you rather trust to learn about building a virtual team, to help grow your business? Someone who 'talks' about outsourcing, or someone who LIVES it? Chris Ducker lives it -- everyday - and this book proves it!" --Derek Halpern, founder of SocialTriggers.com "Countless business owners are getting bogged down dealing with mundane tasks. Chris Ducker, has the book you NEED to read. He takes the fear out of virtualizing your business and shows you how to live your life, while your business works for YOU!" --Peter Shankman, bestselling author of Nice Companies Finish First "This book shall become the bible on how to build your dream business, without working yourself into an early grave!" --John Lee Dumas, host and founder of Entrepreneur On Fire "In Virtual Freedom, Ducker gives incredibly practical, proven advice for getting our time back so we can live a life of true freedom with the most luxurious of luxuries: choice over what we do with our time. --Kate Northrup, bestselling author of Money: A Love Story "Your small business won't grow without a team behind you. Chris Ducker has written a step-by-step guide to building and managing a virtual team machine. Follow his framework and watch your enterprise grow into your dream business." --Melinda Emerson, bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12-Months "Have you ever read a book that you just couldn't put down because you simply need to know what's on the next page? Virtual Freedom did that for me because what Chris has produced in this book will literally change your business, and your life!" --Pat Flynn, bestselling author of Let Go "I'm not going to lie: my business used to be a stress-fest, until I unleashed the power of outsourcing on it. When it comes to learning how to do this, there's no better expert than Chris Ducker, and no better bible than Virtual Freedom." --David Siteman Garland, mediapreneur and host of The Rise to the Top "This is a book for a new world of business, where technology - not subways or planes or cars - connects people to their offices and team members to each other. It offers you a prescription that'll lead you to a more flexible, efficient, and (ultimately) more productive business." --Ann Handley, bestselling co-author of Content Rules

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