José L. Gascó

Information systems outsourcing: a literature analysis

Outsourcing has become one of the strategies adopted by businesses to manage their IS. During the last few years, the use of outsourcing has resulted in an increase in the volume of literature devoted to it. We decided therefore to analyse the literature with the aim of identifying the main topics, the methodologies most often applied and the authors and countries that have contributed most to the area of IS outsourcing. We also intended to offer suggestions on improving research in this field. The paper thus provides a review of articles about IS outsourcing published in the most prestigious journals of the IS area and journals of Management or Business.

Information systems outsourcing risks: a study of large firms

Purpose – Despite the considerable growth of information systems (IS) outsourcing in recent years, this trend is still the object of strong criticism. This study has as its aim to show the main risks computer outsourcing entails in the case of the largest Spanish firms.Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve that aim, reviews the previous literature on this topic and later analyses the results of a survey carried out using a questionnaire that was answered by 357 firms.Findings – According to the firms under analysis, the main concern in relation to IS outsourcing is the excessive dependence on the provider this type of contract can generate. Nevertheless, some characteristics of firms (mainly their size) determine to some extent what risks are seen as the most relevant.Originality/value – The conclusions suggest that total outsourcing can turn out to be a very dangerous strategy, mainly due to the dependence it creates. This is why IS managers should consider other alternatives such as having m...

Public administration: From bureaucratic culture to citizen‐oriented culture

This paper analyzes how public administration may improve the service it offers to citizens through a suitable organizational culture; for this purpose, it starts by studying the specific features of the culture of public administration. In this respect, it analyzes the existing taxonomies in public administration, the role of culture in these agencies and how a diagnosis of such culture is made. Then, it describes the problems of bureaucratic culture, typical of many public agencies, and briefly describes the features of a public service, citizen‐oriented culture. Finally, it proposes a specific methodology for the modification of a bureaucratic culture into a culture based on the notion of serving the citizen, together with an analysis of when modification is necessary.

Information systems offshore outsourcing: A descriptive analysis

Purpose – The present paper has as its aim to deepen in the study of information systems offshore outsourcing, proposing three essential steps to make this decision: weighing up the advantages and risks of offshore outsourcing; analysing the taxonomy of this phenomenon; and determining its current geography.Design/methodology/approach – With that objective in mind, it was decided to base the research work on the literature about this topic and the review of reports and statistics coming from different sources (consultants, the press, public institutions, etc.).Findings – Offshore outsourcing has grown vertiginously in recent years. Its advantages exceed even those of onshore outsourcing, though it also involves greater risks derived from the (cultural and physical) distance existing between customer and provider. Various types of services and customer‐provider relationships hide under the umbrella of offshore outsourcing; i.e. it is not a homogeneous phenomenon. The main offshore outsourcing customers can...

Information systems outsourcing reasons in the largest Spanish firms

The aim of this paper is to explore the reasons that lead to information systems outsourcing in the largest Spanish firms. Our paper takes as its starting point the previous literature on information systems and tries to analyse if those reasons are related to the outsourcing level as well as to the different characteristics of the firm and its information systems department. With this aim, a survey was made among information systems managers in those firms. The results show that outsourcing gives the firms the possibility of enhancing their information systems services and departments.

The performance of information systems through organizational culture

Analyzes the improvements in organizational behaviour needed to maximize the efficiency of information systems (IS). For this purpose, studies the mutual relationships among information technologies (IT), IS and organizational culture. Then, focuses on how the organizational culture influences this specific process distinguishing between informatic culture and informational culture, the latter being the one allowing an adequate implementation and development of the IS. Finally, underlines the cultural consistency which the implementation of an IS requires. In order to do this, measures the degree of technical and financial feasibility of the IS regarding the quantitative and measurable effort an organization must make to implement it, together with the consistency of this system with the pre‐existing culture. When considering the need for a cultural change, argues that the best choice is a “bubble‐like” cultural implementation.

Information systems outsourcing reasons and risks: a new assessment

Purpose – Outsourcing is currently going through a stage of unstoppable growth. The purpose of this paper is to make a proposal about the main reasons, which may lead firms to adopt outsourcing in information systems (IS) services. It will equally analyse the potential risks that IS clients are likely to face. An additional objective is to assess these reasons and risks in the case of large Spanish firms, while simultaneously examining their evolution over time. This study of outsourcing reasons and risks has been carried out from the clients perspective.Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve these aims, a questionnaire was administered to the IS managers of the largest Spanish firms.Findings – Outsourcing gives the organisations the opportunity to have better IS services and the possibility to achieve technological improvements and, although cost savings in staff and technology are generally seen as very important, they do not emerge as priority reasons for outsourcing in the present study. R...

Information systems outsourcing: reasons, reservations and success factors

The aim of this paper is to determine the main reasons that lead to information systems outsourcing, the reservations that are initially present in front of this kind of contract and the factors considered necessary for the success of outsourcing in the case of Spanish public universities. With this aim, a survey has been made among information systems managers in those universities. The results show the possibility of establishing a typology of universities depending on the position they have adopted with respect to outsourcing.

E‐government success: some principles from a Spanish case study

Purpose – This paper has as its aim to analyse the evolution and current status of e‐government, trying to deduce a series of basic principles for its success.Design/methodology/approach – A case study has served to achieve that aim, but prior to its presentation, a short review of the e‐government literature along with some facts and figures have made it possible to assess the situation of e‐government in various countries around the world, and more precisely in Spain.Findings – E‐government lays emphasis on technology; however, the internal processes through which public administrations (PP.AA) offer their services to citizens need careful reengineering.Research limitations/implications – Although a case study like this one, in which the analysis of e‐government is restricted to the functioning of a tax administration body, may have limitations when it comes to generalising the conclusions drawn, the principles inferred from it can be easily extrapolated to the vast majority of PP.AA.Originality/value –...

The Use of Information Technology in Training Human Resources: An E-Learning Case Study

This paper addresses the influence of information technology in human resources management (HRM) and specifically on training policy through the experience of a Spanish telecommunications firm, Telefonica. The characteristics of the training model designed by this firm to face new environments is considered and the technologies used, the key actions, the disadvantages and success factors are detected in trying to grow an E‐learning company. Success factors in training policy are identified. These include flexibility in time management for training; active participation by trainers; the establishment of control mechanisms that ensures training occurs; the creation of quality content; the promotion of interactive elements among trainers, students and with each other; the use of standardised and developed technologies and gradual implementation. Objectives of the company for the future are to maintain progress in the use of E‐learning as a way of adapting the training process to the new E‐business culture.