 |
Poston, R. S., Kettinger, W. J., and Simon, J. C. 2009. “Managing the Vendor Set:
Achieving Best Pricing and Quality Service in IT Outsourcing,” MIS Quarterly Executive
(8:2), pp. 45-58.
Past research on IT outsourcing has focused on defining best practices, on identifying
mature outsourcing attributes, and on how to best manage outsourced projects.2 However,
little guidance exists on best practices of managing multiple vendors (a “Vendor Set”).
Not properly managing a Vendor Set can lead to sub-optimal outcomes, such as loss
of IT process knowledge, lack of innovation, over spending, and poor quality. This
article draws lessons from how one multinational organization manages its Vendor Set
in the outsourcing of software development and testing activities. Client managers
who outsource to vendors need to establish the appropriate balance between building
strong collaborative relationships and encouraging market competition among vendors
to ensure best price and service quality.
|