No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

This paper presents an overview of a national case study exploring the IS/IT outsourcing phenomenon in the public and private sectors of a developing country. Kuwait has been used as an example of a developing country and the data collection for this study was done there. The primary data on IS/IT outsourcing practices, obtained for the first time in Kuwait, were collected by means of survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews supported by organisational documentation. Several public and private sector organisations were selected to participate in the investigation. The main findings of the study suggest that there are differences between the two sectors in their motivation and risk factors evaluation behind the adoption of IS/IT outsourcing business strategy. The findings also provide an insight into how outsourcing practices, as an information system strategy, are motivated and managed in the context of a developing nation. Also, it has been found that t here will be an increasing utilisation of IT outsourcing services in the public and private sector of Kuwait.

Presents first an overview of a case study exploring the information systems/information technology (IS/IT) outsourcing phenomenon in the public sector of Kuwait where the data collection for this study was carried out. The primary data on IS/IT outsourcing practices were collected by means of survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews supported by organisational documentation. Several public sector institutions, including the Ministry of Public Health, participated in the investigation. Second, this paper seeks to develop a conceptual contingency model for the successful implementation of IS/IT outsourcing arrangements in the context of Kuwait. The model addresses many interacting variables, from national culture and social factors through contractual issues. Argues that it is necessary to take account of all these variables to ensure successful implementation of IS/IT outsourcing arrangements. The study findings suggest that there will be an increasing utilisation of IS/IT outsourcing services in the public sector of Kuwait, particularly at its main component, the public health care sector.