Business Process Outsourcing The Competitive Advantage (2005)

Outsourcing is a hot topic in the business press, but it’s hardly new. A key methodology in today’s business world, business process outsourcing (BPO) lets companies take full advantage of the realities of globalization by exporting certain business processes to outside providers who can do it cheaper, faster, or better. The benefits of BPO in terms of cost and competition are obvious, but it’s also an effective way for companies to focus more on their core competencies. Outsourcing peripheral functions lets companies concentrate on what they do best.

Many functions can be and are regularly outsourced, such as payroll and benefits, customer service, call centers, technical support, and even manufacturing, but BPO is much more than the movement of jobs from one place to another. Like other business methodologies such as Six Sigma, BPO is a process that must be undertaken carefully and judiciously to produce maximum benefit for businesses.

This book presents a step-by-step approach to understanding the proper application of BPO, assessing the BPO opportunities within an organization, and managing the initiative effectively. Covering more than just the nuts and bolts of BPO, this comprehensive resource also examines the vital, real-world issues of BPO’s effect on employees and interoffice relationships–helping managers control the pace of change and balance the interests of employees and shareholders. Regardless of the processes involved or the revolutionary nature of modern business, all organizations are built on human beings, and managing human relationships in times of change is a task for which all managers must be prepared. Covering not only practical business considerations but ethical ones as well, this is an indispensable source of information that businesses large and small won’t want to do without.

Enabling real cost reductions for both organizations and their customers alike, BPO is as inevitable a revolution as the business world has seen in decades. Those business managers who fail to recognize and realize the competitive advantage it offers will learn too late that the global economy has passed them by.

Business Process Outsourcing is for business leaders who understand the reality of globalization–and understand the consequences of falling behind in a highly competitive marketplace. Business process outsourcing (BPO) offers businesses the opportunity to cut costs for themselves and their customers, as well as establish a meaningful competitive advantage. This book takes a comprehensive look at BPO, revealing how today’s best companies are making it a core business principle. Inside, you’ll find expert guidance on every aspect of BPO:

• Identifying and selecting outsourcing opportunities
• Managing the costs of BPO
• Choosing vendors
• Handling BPO contracts
• Managing the transition to BPO
• Managing the buyer-vendor relationship
• Infrastructure needs and considerations
• Risks and mitigation strategies