Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'ICT outsourcing'

Outsourcing is global phenomenon. All companies, as well as banks, detach their lateral activities. The question is if outsourcing is possible also in foreign payment department and which kind of outsourcing select here? Is for bank better to outsource only technical components, partial or total processing of cross border payment? Practical example should gives an answer.

The purpose of the study was to explore the current IT-outsourcing situation in China, find out what challenges exist and figure out ways of managing these challenges with the help of ICT.To achieve the purpose of the study a case study was performed in Shanghai, China. The case study was built around several interviews with the representatives of three IT-Outsourcing companies that work globally from Shanghai, China. All of the companies that were involved in the process of conducting the study were big established companies that are experts in their respective field. All of the interviewees were either from a management part of the company or selected by the management to represent their companies in the interviews.The study was performed with a qualitative research approach and was divided into a theoretical section where the current IT-Outsourcing situation was displayed and thereby the theoretical challenges were presented. This presented a need for verification on the theoretical elements and also created information gaps that needed to be filled by conducting an empirical study.The empirical study was then built around the gaps that needed to be filled in order for ICT to become an even more efficient enabler for IT-Outsourcing. Thereby four semi-structured interviews were conducted with three different companies. With the help of the theoretical and empirical studies an analytic approach were applied to then answer the research questions that are directly connected to the purpose of the study, making it possible to identify the challenges that needed to be addressed and mapping the current IT-outsourcing situation in China. These challenges then addressed and displayed in six different tables with an explanatory text attached to each table for further validation and clarification on the table content.Based on the findings, the research could then be validated with a theoretical and empirical analysis that gave grounds for the conclusions that part take in answering the research questions that give ground for the purpose of the study.<br>Program: Systemvetarutbildningen

Tématem mé práce je offshoring v sektoru služeb ve Spojených státech amerických. Offshoring je proces, při kterém jsou rozděleny jednolivé části produkce a některé z nich jsou pak přesunuty do zahraničí. Většinou je motivací k offshoringu snižování nákladů. Offshoring může být spojen s outsourcingem, tj. zajištěním služby nebo výrobku externím dodavatelem. Ve své práci prezentuji teoretické přístupy k offshoringu a outsourcingu a platnost jejich závěrů zkoumám na datech ze sektoru služeb Spojených států amerických. Zaměřila jsem se na služby z kategorie informačních a komunikačních technologií, administrativních služeb poskytovaných firmám a výzkumu a vývoje. Analyzuji zejména data o produkci, produktivitě, zaměstnanosti a mezinárodním obchodě. Poslední část mé práce je analýzou americké vládní politiky zaměřené na negativní dopady offshoringu v sektoru zpracovatelského průmyslu. Zkoumám, je-li účelné takovou politiku zavádět také pro sektor služeb.

The topic of the thesis focuses on the analysis of various service provisioning practices from the view point of a prospect customer organization. Introductory part of the thesis summarizes the actual challenges of IS/ICT for an appropriate business alignment, defines the theoretical foundations of sourcing and ICT services, considering the contemporary state of these fields. Moreover, it identifies the related areas of these fields, like enterprise architecture, IS/ICT management, and systems integration. The central part deals with the identification and analysis of the areas that influence the decision making of ICT service sourcing. Results of this analysis are summarized and further developed by creating a framework to assist companies in deciding the most suited ICT sourcing solution. Within this framework the thesis summarizes important criteria to be considered for a much suited ICT service provisioning practice. It details the prerequisites for the use of this approach and its limitations. Subsequently, it presents an evaluation of certain ICT services within the SaaS market, that could be applicable in the enterprise environment. Finally, the thesis provides a simplified case study, demonstrating a required mindset for exercising the framework in practice.

This thesis is focused on analyzing the current state of SaaS (Software as a Service) and impact of SaaS on corporate's ICT as a whole. The aim is to explain the concepts and implications of modern forms of providing services, to describe and to evaluate their benefits and risks and to assess future developments in this area. The attention will be paid on specifics of the environment of Czech companies. The first part of this work deals with the current SaaS solutions and related technologies. Emphasis is placed on acquainting the reader with currently available (or introduced by mid-2011) technologies and their mutual relationships. This section also summarizes the current level of knowledge of the field and on this basis provides definitions of areas and technologies. The next part of the thesis focuses on a particular cloud and SaaS solutions available on nowadays market. The next part of this section is based on a specific case study of a small company, which considers the move to SaaS solutions. This section is focused on the practical application of the preceding conclusions. Last section aims at the prediction of development of ICT business in the upcoming years, with an emphasis on SaaS and related technologies. The second part is trying to find answers to the questions "Whether," "When" and "How" will SaaS affect the market of information technologies, their deployment and business models of future anticipated expansion model of Software as a Service. SaaS maturity model is also discussed as well as specificity of the Czech market.

Diese Dissertation befasst sich in drei empirischen Aufsätzen mit der Auslagerung von Informationstechnologien (IT) und Geschäftsprozessen. Der erste Beitrag untersucht die Auswirkung von IT-Outsourcing auf die Arbeitsproduktivität der auslagernden Unternehmen, wobei ein Endogenous Switching Regression Modell im Rahmen einer Cobb-Douglas Produktionsfunktion verwendet wird. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Mitarbeiter, die hauptsächlich mit einem Computer arbeiten, produktiver sind in Unternehmen die IT auslagern. Daher kann die Computernutzung und IT Outsourcing als komplementäre Faktoren betrachtet werden, die sich beide positiv auf die Arbeitsproduktivität auswirken. Der zweite Aufsatz befasst sich mit der Wirkung von IT Outsourcing auf das Beschäftigungswachstum. Während Outsourcing zumindest kurzfristig oftmals mit einem Beschäftigungsabbau in den auslagernden Unternehmen assoziiert wird, können die mittel- bis langfristigen Auswirkungen von Outsourcing durchaus positiv sein. Durch einen Instrumentalvariablenansatz wird für mögliche Endogenität zwischen Beschäftigungswachstum und IT Outsourcing kontrolliert. Die empirischen Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass sich Outsourcing mittelfristig positiv auf das Beschäftigungswachstum der Unternehmen auswirkt. Allerdings zeigt eine separate Betrachtung des verarbeitenden Gewerbes und von Dienstleistungsunternehmen, dass dieser positive Effekt nur für letztere signifikant ist. Der dritte und letzte Beitrag untersucht die Auswirkung der Auslagerung von IT nahen Geschäftsprozessen auf die Unternehmensproduktivität. Diese Analyse basiert auf Paneldaten. Um Verzerrungen durch nicht beobachtbare Heterogenität von Firmen, Messfehler der Variablen und Simultanität der In- und Outputs zu erfassen, werden verschiedene Schätzverfahren im Rahmen einer Cobb-Douglas Produktionsfunktion verwendet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen signifikanten positiven Effekt der Auslagerung von Geschäftsprozessen auf die Produktivität der Unternehmen.<br>This thesis consists of three essays that contribute to the empirical literature on information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing. The first essay analyses the impact of information technology outsourcing on labour productivity in outsourcing firms by using an endogenous switching regression model in a Cobb-Douglas production function framework. Estimation results show that employees who mainly work with a computer are more productive in firms conducting IT outsourcing. Therefore, computer usage and IT outsourcing can be interpreted as complementary factors that positively affect firms’ labour productivity. The second essay refers to the employment effects of IT outsourcing. Even though, in most cases outsourcing is widely associated with accompanied job losses in outsourcing firms, the medium and long term effects of outsourcing can absolutely still be positive. The analysis is conducted by using an instrumental variable approach to account for possible endogeneity between the employment growth rate and IT outsourcing. Estimation results provide empirical evidence that IT outsourcing has a positive effect on a firms’ medium-term employment growth rate. However, dividing the sample into manufacturing and service firms, a significant medium-term positive growth effect of IT outsourcing can only be observed for firms operating in the service sector. Finally, the last essay takes a close look at the impact of IT-related business process outsourcing on firm productivity. This analysis is based on panel data. In order to account for unobserved firm heterogeneity, measurement errors in the variables and simultaneity of inputs and output, different estimation techniques are applied to estimate a Cobb-Douglas production function model. The results clearly reveal a positive and significant impact of business process outsourcing on firm-level productivity.

To compete in the global market, organisations have to ensure that their production is synchronised with their other business activities. To achieve this, companies deploy a variety of solutions known as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). These systems provide the bridge between control and business systems and are used by a variety of people across many business functions. Typical users range from production and maintenance personnel to engineers, finance and management. Sectors within the manufacturing industry have their own definitions of MES and these are based on their functional requirements and by the offerings of vendors in that sector. Thus, people differ in their understanding and definition of MES. To ensure common understanding of what functionalities or modules constitute MES, the Manufacturing Execution Systems Association (MESA) has defined MES to cover the following eleven areas: Resource Allocation and Status Operations/Detail Scheduling Dispatching Production Units Document Control Data Collection/Acquisition Labour Management Quality Management Process Management Maintenance Management Product Tracking and Genealogy Performance Analysis On examining the Manufacturing Execution Systems literature, it was realised that functionalities and definitions exist but a standard approach and implementation methodology is lacking. Thus, a framework was developed based on a literature study as well as from experience within the MES environment. To ensure that the framework meets the needs of organisations, two questionnaires were developed and sent to people from various functions within large South African companies (and across divisions). The results of the empirical study showed that for large organisations, i.e. organisations with over 200 employees and an annual turnover in excess of R 40 million, some form of manufacturing execution systems were used in all the companies surveyed. The most common functionality deployed was Data Collection1Acquisition and the payback on these systems was greater than two years. The respondents highlighted that MES governance and an overall company wide strategy for MES implementation was non-existent or not enforced across the group of companies. The respondents also indicated that the implementation was time consuming and that the projects usually exceeded the allocated budget and/or were late. The respondents were not unanimous on who was accountable for MES within the organisation and a quarter felt that this was unclear within the organisation. When asked about the process that was followed in the selection of a vendor and solution, the majority felt that the process was not well defined. However, respondents noted that change management is used on all major projects and the outcome is generally successful. All the companies outsource either some or all of their IT services and the relationship with the vendor seems successful, as the rating received for MES support was very good. The benefits of implementing Manufacturing Execution Systems are also being realised by those companies that responded to the questionnaires. The overall impression is that over 75% of the respondents feel positive about the benefits and state that the benefits are realised. The only major shortcoming is that information is not being shared across business units and sites as half of the respondents felt that this was not happening in their companies. The proposed MES Engagement and Implementation Framework that was tested with the empirical study was subsequently updated. The framework suggests that all MES implementations should begin with a review of the business and ICT strategy as these would assist when defining the business requirements and the criteria for the selection of the technology, vendor, and solution The business requirements should be ascertained and a realistic business case should be developed. The project team should re-confirm the requirements once a vendor is selected, and, with the necessary change management, implement a portion of the solution as a pilot project. Once successful, then only should the entire solution be rolled out. Another parallel process should consider the outsourcing for the support phase. The entire process of implementing MES is cyclical as new requirements, additional functionality, and benefits tracking results in new projects. In conclusion adopting this framework would result in better implementation and ensure that the benefits are realised for all MES projects and that the solution is adequately supported after implementation. A model for the implementation has also been proposed and it should be developed and tested further to guide MES implementation.<br>Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

This Master Thesis deals with the design of part of ICT infrastructure migration of two sites of the international company to the external data center. It analyzes the current status of company ICT, describes the virtualization infrastructure and its operational costs. Main part of the Thesis describes a possible solution of migration of virtualization infrastructure to external data center by using project management tools and methods. Finally, the Thesis summarizes project benefits for the company.

This diploma thesis is focused on evaluation of the Allrisk, ltd. information system and on the changes proposal. The theoretical part of the work describes an essential background and an explanation of individual methods used for analysis of information systems. Shortcomings revealed by the analysis are worked up and measures are taken to improve the current state.

As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and social enterprises become drivers of economic growth, the nexus provides opportunities for new models of business to bring benefits to communities in developing countries. Recognising the complex dynamics and range of actors in this diverse and emerging sector, this study chooses to document the external influences, use and impact of ICT on social enterprises. The problem investigated is the potential gap between the rhetoric of the 'promise of e-business' versus the dynamics of enactment and impacts of ICT in practice in the social enterprise sector. The methodology consists of a mixed-method data collection strategy to triangulate data sources from a diverse cross-section of organisations in the social enterprise sector in Cambodia. These include a cross-sectional survey, interviews, observations, document analysis and review of artefacts. It is unclear whether the Cambodian social enterprise sector represents a unique case or is representative of other countries. Regardless, the rich dynamics of the sector and the current lack of understanding of ICT use by this sector in developing countries per se warrant such a study. It fills a significant gap in the field of ICT and development by providing an in-depth overview of the social enterprise sector in one developing country, which may also be applicable in other developing country contexts. The research maps the e-business status of Cambodian social enterprises along a continuum from precursor activity to fully integrated e-services. It finds that Cambodian social enterprises believe ICT adds value to their operation; however access to affordable and reliable local ICT resources is an important factor determining long-term uptake. It also shows that external support is seen as vital to the success of ICT uptake by social enterprises in Cambodia. Donors have the most significant influence on social enterprises' framing of ICT, whilst NGOs, associations and the private sector are also important institutional players in shaping understanding and uptake of ICT. The main contribution of the research is to identify the real development impact of ICT use by social enterprises by measuring the role of ICTs in achieving their goals. Its major finding is that social and business missions are inextricably linked within these organisations, so to measure one in isolation of the other denies the new paradigm that social enterprises present. The most active sub-sector explored that best reflects this unique value proposition is the emerging social outsourcing potential of the IT services sub-sector. The handicraft and processing sub-sectors have yet to fully engage and use ICT to their maximum benefit. The outlook for these sub-sectors is likely to require further support to best harness the potential that ICT can bring developing countries.

Companies cannot keep up with the change occurring in the ICT arena. As a result of companies being chased by an untamed animal namely IT evolution, they fear that they cannot run, as running feels like floating in air. This ICT evolution has become a fearful sight for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This research project acknowledges this fear and provides a conceptual framework whereby SMEs can familiarise themselves when engaging in ICT investments from a South African point of view. The data collected in this qualitative study is based on ten different SMEs as well as one larger company, to try and obtain a benchmark which SMEs can strive towards. The outcome of this research project allows SMEs to be less fearful when deciding on ICT and seeing how ICT can benefit these organisations. Copyright<br>Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2010.<br>Informatics<br>unrestricted

This thesis answers the research question: How do corporate social and environmental responsibilities (CSER) affect global IT outsourcing (GITO)? In answering this question we identified seven key trends that are directing CSER in GITO. We found that CSER in outsourcing is new and relevant, with growing interest from outsourcing providers and buyers. CSER will be driven by consumer concerns and employee expectations, which are particularly relevant for outsourcing buyers with a consumer oriented product or service, such as banks or retail organisations. The need to attract and retain employees will increase the need for CSER at outsource providers. Similarly, CSER is important to an organisation's brand reputation with consumers, employees and other stakeholders such as investors. Within CSER, environmental topics are a growing issue: the need to reduce power consumption and thereby reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from carbon-based power production. We learned of 'green-washing', the need to be suspicious of CSER claims that cannot be fully validated. This led us, and others, to suggest that due diligence is required to counter possible in-authentic CSER by GITO providers. As a method of validating CSER claims, we propose using global standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative and ISO 26000 when examining CSER at outsource providers. We examined CSER from a strategic perspective, to understand if CSER provides a long-term advantage to outsource providers. Directed by the research data and theoretical frameworks, we proposed a model of strategic and responsive CSER suggested by Porter and Kramer (2006). Responsive CSER describes the set of basic requirements that have become 'table-stakes' for GITO providers. Strategic CSER distinguishes outsource providers by providing long-term benefits that are not easily copied by competitors. By applying the strategic/responsive CSER model for GITO in a case study we developed a model that provides guidance to outsource buyers and their providers on when and how to share and collaborate on CSER projects. The key contribution of this research is a model that describes the characteristics for buyers and providers to collaborate on CSER projects to build trust in the outsourcing relationship and to create shared benefits for both parties and to society or the environment. This research applies the Porter and Kramer model to an outsourcing relationship to understand how CSER can be used to improve GITO.

碩士<br>元智大學<br>資訊管理學系<br>106<br>Over the past decade, the government has invested massive funds in seeking informational technology assistance from outside vendors, and the IT outsourcing performance in public institutions has caught more and more attention. Scholars have found that the cooperation between the client and vendor influences the interaction of the two parties which in turn affects the performance of the outsourcing. Literature has indicated that the ability of relationship benefits the performance of project management. However, the explanation of the performance is limited to the perspective of relationship quality. The objective of this research is to explore other mediating factors in the relationship between the relationship competency and the outsourcing performance. This study extends the relationship quality model from the perspective of social theory by using empirical testing. We conducted a survey of the project team members of both the vendors and clients for the outsourcing projects in public institutions. The analysis results show that both the process quality and relationship quality of the team play important mediating factors in the relationship between the relationship competency and the outsourcing performance. The research finds that the process quality has a slightly higher influence on the outsourcing performance than the quality of the process does. Based on the findings, the study suggests that both parties should pay attention not only to the relationship quality but also to control the process quality, and thus improve the project performance of IT outsourcing in public institutions.

The primary purpose of this study is to analyse the usage of information and communication technologies in the food industry. Nowadays, information and communication technologies are an essential element on the path to business success. As these technologies evolve, the environment in which businesses operate changes and companies have to adapt to this dynamic progression. The first part of the thesis is the literature review, which offers the necessary theoretical basis. It focuses on the very essence of information and communication technologies, historical development, information systems and their components. The thesis does not omit the currently used tools of information and communication technologies or elements of the Industry 4.0. The empirical part is based on data obtained from the questionnaires and offers analysis of food industry enterprises in connection with the usage of information and communication technologies. A number of statistical tools were used to analyse the data, the findings were further compared with similar researches dealing with the same or similar issues. At the very end of the thesis, the findings were evaluated and the key points were set out to help companies on the way to effective usage of information and communication technologies and competitiveness.