Revti Raman

International outsourcing of information technology services: review and future directions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the empirical literature on international outsourcing of information technology services (ITS) over the 1992‐2007 period and to identify future research areas.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 78 empirical academic publications on international outsourcing of ITS conducted between 1992 and 2007 across 46 scholarly journals constitutes the main data for analytical purposes. The sample is compiled following extensive electronic searches of the main academic databases. After clustering the studies in the sample according to their main research areas, a narrative approach is used to review developments in each cluster and to identify emerging research areas.Findings – Four main areas of research are identified, namely outsourcing decision, outsourcing management (OSM), outsourcing outcome and the role of offshore service providers (OSPs). The review suggests that research efforts to date have been predominantly on outsourcing decision...

Managing Indian IT professionals for global competitiveness: the role of human resource practices in developing knowledge and learning capabilities for innovation

Little is known about how human resource practices contribute towards the competitiveness of people based-knowledge intensive organisations in developing countries. This paper examines the role of human resource practices in developing knowledge and learning capabilities for innovation in the Indian information technology services sector. The study draws from the experience of a sample of 11 of the largest information technology service providers (ITSPs) in India and is based on in-depth interviews. The main finding suggests that the talent management architecture of ITSPs that comprises human resource practices and the development of knowledge and learning capabilities is the main drivers of innovation. A conceptual framework showing the link between human resource practices, knowledge and learning capabilities and innovation of ITSPs is developed followed by the limitations of the study and avenues for future research.

A comparative assessment of the information technology services sector in India and China

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to assess the nature of competition in the information technology (IT) services sector between India and China. Using primary and secondary data sources, we compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of the IT services sector in the two countries along the main dimensions of Porters competitive advantage model. The principal findings indicate that the IT services sectors in the two countries are distinctively different, have developed along different paths and are highly complementary to each other. China has a well-established hardware sector and its IT services sector focuses mostly on servicing its domestic market. Indias IT services sector is predominantly export orientated with focus on the US and Western European markets. Contrary to popular beliefs, given the complementary characteristics of the IT services sectors in India and China, it is unlikely for the two countries to compete against each other in the near future and greater strategic co-operation between IT service providers in the two countries is a more likely outcome.

How dynamic capabilities drive performance in the Indian IT industry: the role of information and co-ordination

This study examines key issues and effects of capability management on a fast-growing area of knowledge-intensive global business services – IT outsourcing and offshoring. An exploratory study is undertaken of Indian companies providing complex process-oriented offshore IT services to their global customers. The analysis of the data related to the service provider side shows that developing dynamic capabilities is strongly driven by management and top-clients and results in the development of business processes and in establishing a strategic partnership with the client organization. Key findings are that information exchange and coordination are the key to a leveraging firm performance.

Sources of Competitiveness of Offshore IT Service Providers in India: Towards a Conceptual Framework:

Rapid growth in the offshoring of information technology services by advanced industrialized countries to less developed countries in recent years has been accompanied by a voluminous amount of research on the subject. However, most research to date has tended to focus on the clients while research on offshore service providers (OSPs), particularly from developing countries, remains scant. This paper adds to the literature on offshoring of information technology services by investigating the sources of competitiveness of OSPs in India. Drawing from the experience of a selection of Indias top 20 OSPs, the paper develops a conceptual model which posits that OSPs in India draw their competitiveness from having well-developed internal resources and capabilities such as human resource orientation, knowledge management and relational capital, together with clear growth strategies, while operating in an environment where the government plays a catalytic role in stimulating business growth.

Do outsourcing and non-outsourcing New Zealand SMEs perform and perceive international outsourcing differently?

International outsourcing of goods and services has become an integral part of the value chain of many firms. However, most outsourcing research relates to MNEs, with little emphasis on SMEs. This study aims to address this significant gap in research by focusing on international outsourcing perception and performance differences between outsourcing and non-outsourcing manufacturing SMEs in New Zealand. Based on a sample of 74 New Zealand SMEs within the manufacturing sector, the findings suggest that SMEs engaged in international outsourcing perform significantly better than non-outsourcing SMEs. Both outsourcing and non-outsourcing SMEs have similar perceptions regarding outsourcing challenges. However, the former perceive outsourcing benefits more favourably. The findings are discussed in light of resource based view and core competency theory of the firm.