Portfolios of Control in Outsourced Software Development Projects.

Author List: Choudhury, Vivek; Sabherwal, Rajiv;
Information Systems Research, 2003, Volume 14, Issue 3, Page 291-314.
This paper examines the evolution of portfolio of controls over the duration of outsourced information systems development (ISD) projects. Drawing on five cases, it concludes that many findings from research on control of internal ISD projects apply to the outsourced context as well, but with some interesting differences. The portfolios of control in outsourced projects are dominated by outcome controls, especially at the start of the project; although the precision and frequency of these controls varies across projects. Behavior controls are often added later in the project, as are controls aimed to encourage and enable vendor self-control. Clan controls were used in only two of the cases--when the client and vendor had shared goals, and when frequent interactions led to shared values. In general, the outsourced projects we studied began with relatively simple controls but often required significant additional controls after experiencing performance problems. Factors influencing the choice and evolution of controls are also examined.
Keywords: Systems Development;Control;Outsourcing;Project Management;Case Studies
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#280 0.323 control controls formal systems mechanisms modes clan informal used internal literature outsourced outcome theory configuration attempts evolution authority complementary little
#135 0.185 project projects development management isd results process team developed managers teams software stakeholders successful complex develop contingencies problems greater planning
#116 0.102 research study influence effects literature theoretical use understanding theory using impact behavior insights examine influences mechanisms specifically context perspective findings
#97 0.088 set approach algorithm optimal used develop results use simulation experiments algorithms demonstrate proposed optimization present analytical distribution selection number existing
#47 0.083 outsourcing vendor client sourcing vendors clients relationship firms production mechanisms duration mode outsourced vendor's effort activities in-house managing technology domestic
#218 0.077 role roles gender differences women significant play age men plays sample differ played vary understand critical greater implications relatively offered