The Outsourcing Manual

Outsourcing is becoming an accepted arrangement for all non-core business functions. The devil, though, lies in the detail, and many users are failing to secure maximum benefit through unfamiliarity with the implications and ignorance of the potential pitfalls. The book is based on the templates? used by Lucidus, and covers planning, contracts and managing the process. Practical guidance is given for each stage, and the text includes some extended case studies.

Contents: Introduction. Part 1 Think First!: Introduction to Part 1; Setting clear objectives; Assessing the potential for internal performance improvement; The implications for user business units; Managing the constituency; Risks and their management. Part 2 Preparation - The Key to a Good Job: Introduction to Part 2; The procurement process; Project planning and resources; Agreement packaging; Defining the service requirement; Human resources; Assets; Charging formulae; The contract; Models for evaluating proposals; Model for evaluating relationships; The Statement of Service Requirement. Part 3 Procuring the Agreement and Managing its Implementation: Introduction to Part 3; Making a market; Negotiation approach and checklist; Contract management process overview; Implementation management. Part 4 The Suppliers' Perspective - Three Case Studies: Introduction to Part 4. Appendices: Illustrative project plan; Sample reference questionnaire; Contract management process overview; Illustrative implementation plan; Index.