IT outsourcing, knowledge transfer and project transition phases

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this research was to uncover perceptions of information technology outsourcing (ITO) project leaders and project teams regarding knowledge transfer between client and vendor partners during opening and closing transition phases of ITO projects. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative methods and exploratory case study design were used. Purposeful sampling was used to identify ITO knowledge assets including project team members and organizational documents and artifacts that may provide information regarding the knowledge transfer processes during the transition phases of the ITO project. Sample criteria were ITO project team members from one US-based client organization and the company’s international vendor partners. The study population included project managers, analyst, developers, subject matter experts (SMEs) and other ITO knowledge workers involved in the ITO project from one US-based organization. Interview and document analysis were done using of NVivo Pro 11® research software. Findings Four themes emerged from participant responses relative to the opening and closing phases of ITO projects including KT approaches to plans and processes; KT dependencies relative to IT project team member’s reliance on project tools, processes and artifacts; determinants of KT success or failure relative to project team members’ perceptions; and role of documentation relative to communication and distribution of KT outcomes. Originality/value This research may provide insights into additional aspects of knowledge transfer during ITO transition phases, which may be used by IT leaders and project teams to plan for successful knowledge transfer during the transition phases of ITO projects.

The Level of Outsourced Tasks in IT and its Dependence on Selected Explanatory Factors

“…Attention is also paid to the unconscious aspect of outsourcing decisions (Das and Grover, 2018) and intercultural relations between ITO suppliers and customers (Wei et al, 2021). The transfer of knowledge between customers and suppliers in outsourcing projects is also important (McGowan and Pole, 2019).…”