IS417      Half Unit
Global Sourcing and Management of Business and IT Services

This information is for the 2014/15 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Leslie Willcocks NAB3.23

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

None, but a basic understanding of sourcing principles and of management in organizations is useful. A short study pack of selected readings will be provided for students who require this background understanding

Course content

The course focuses on global sourcing strategies and practices of corporations and government agencies. It examines these in Europe, Americas and Asia Pacific in the context of increasing globalization of organizational intent, capabilities and sources of service supply. The course provides an understanding of how international business is pursued, convergence and differences across organizations and countries, business strategies and 'fit' with IT governance and sourcing approaches, and how sourcing of business and IT services is managed, focusing especially on outsourcing and offshoring decisions and implementation.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 9 hours of seminars in the LT.

Formative coursework

Classes are based around reading and discussing selected journal articles from the course study pack. Formative feedback is provided on weekly class preparation and participation. There is a mock examination.

Indicative reading

1.Oshri, I., Kotlarsky, J. and Willcocks, L. (2012) The Handbook of Global Sourcing and Offshoring (Palgrave, London). - second edition

2. Willcocks, L. Cullen, S. And Craig, A. (2011) The Outsourcing Enterprise Palgrave, London

3. Lacity,M. (2006) Global Sourcing of Business and IT Services Palgrave, London.

4. Willcocks, L. and Lacity, M. (eds) (2009) Outsourcing Information Systems: Perspectives, Practices and Globalization 3 volumes. Sage, London.- collection of 50 recent refereed journal papers by multiple authors).

5.Davenport, T. et al., Strategic Management In The Innovation Economy: Strategic Approaches and Tools For Dynamic Capabilities, Wiley, New York.

6. Willcocks, L. and Lacity, M. (2009) The Practice of Outsourcing: From IT to BPO and Offshoring Palgrave, London.

7. Cousins, P. Lamming, R. et al. (2010) Strategic Supply Management : Principles Theory and Practice,. Prentice Hall, London

8. Galliers, R. and Leidner, D. (2009) Strategic Information Management. Routledge, London

9. Peng, M. And Meyer, K. (2012) International Business.South Western Gengage Learning, New York

10.Ghemawat, P. (2007) Redefining Global Strategy. Harvard Business School Press, Boston

11. Rugman, A and Collinson, S. (2012) International Business. Pearson , London.

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.

Key facts

Department: Information Systems and Innovation Group

Total students 2013/14: 42

Average class size 2013/14: 15

Controlled access 2013/14: No

Lecture capture used 2013/14: Yes (LT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Commercial awareness