‘Negotiating Knowledge’: The Case of a Russian–Norwegian Software Outsourcing Project

This paper presents an empirical analysis of a global software development relationship between a Norwegian client and Russian contractor for the redesign of a payroll system called SalarySystem. The empirical analysis, which involved multiple visits to both the Russian and Norwegian sites and meetings and interviews with people from different levels involved with the system, revealed some interesting insights into how the project was initiated, how it nearly degenerated into a breakdown situation, and how learning took place and the project was first salvaged and then was grown. The theoretical notion of embedded knowledge (Nicholson and Sahay 2004) is drawn upon, and extended to describe features of embedding arising from domain, language, and project management issues. Four mechanisms through which this embedding was negotiated are discussed: use of TestTool; use of test cases; use of ICQ; and increased face to face interaction

Factors impacting knowledge transfer success in information systems outsourcing

Despite increased research interest on knowledge transfer in information systems (IS) outsourcing, the field still lacks sound and holistic understanding of the key factors influencing knowledge transfer success. The present paper attempts to provide a synthesis of existing theoretical perspectives and empirical findings related to the factors that facilitate or hamper knowledge transfer success in IS outsourcing. The data collection method is discussed and the key findings are presented. Conclusion is drawn and further research is suggested

Distance Advantages in IS Nearshoring: Do They Matter?

This paper reviews and extends previous literature on information systems offshoring by providing a critical analysis of theadvantages of shorter client-supplier distance in nearshoring projects (as compared to farshoring ones). Prior researchindicated that nearshoring brings forth a number of critical distance advantages, e.g. real-time overlaps, cultural similarities,linguistic connections, as well as political/economical similarities, and that firms increasingly consider nearshoring as part oftheir sourcing strategies in order to benefit from the relative proximity of nearshore suppliers. The conceptual paper at handdevelops six propositions challenging this simplified perspective by presenting emerging arguments which downplayfrequently mentioned advantages resulting from proximity. Our results suggest that the advantages of nearshoring overfarshoring in practice may not be as significant as previously assumed due to a number of factors including small size andavailability of nearshore labor force, limited nearshore supplier experience, and increasing international awareness

Review of the IS Offshoring Literature: The Role of Cross-Cultural Differences and Management Practices

There is a world-wide trend towards global cross-cultural networks of outsourcing relationships that are enabled by the extensive use of information- and communication technology (ICT). While ICT reduces national boundaries of global collaboration, cultural differences between outsourcers and vendor firms in offshore locations pose unique management challenges. This literature review analyzes the role of cultural differences between client and vendor companies and management practices in the information systems (IS) offshore outsourcing context. The analysis of the existing IS literature reveals limitations concerning prior conceptualizations of culture and cultural differences and provides ideas for future research on the effect of cultural differences as well as cultural, relationship, knowledge, and project management techniques. In particular, the existing literature can be grouped into formal and informal mechanisms as well as learning issues. Future research could adopt a more integrated and balanced perspective, taking into account formal and informal mechanisms and analyzing the interplay with learning issues

An investigation of knowledge transfer in information systems (IS) outsourcing

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Inter-organisational knowledge transfer is of central interest both as an academic topic and in business practice. However, despite the attention given to the importance of this subject from different perspectives in various contexts, little is known about how knowledge is transferred from vendors to clients in information systems (IS) outsourcing. This research attempts to address this apparent theoretical and empirical deficiency by providing a deeper understanding and more holistic analysis of the key factors which facilitate or inhibit knowledge transfer success in IS outsourcing. This study employed a qualitative, multiple case study approach in the interpretive paradigm. Data was collected mainly from the IS departments of three public sector organisations in Oman. Oman was chosen as the context for the study due to its rapid growth in recent years and the opportunity to consider the many major IS outsourcing projects which have been undertaken by its public sector. Through semi-structured interviews, this study explored the perspectives of the internal IS staff on their experience of knowledge transfer and learning from vendors through various IS outsourcing projects. Written and electronic documentations as well as non-participant observations also served as important triangulation and complementary sources in understanding the phenomenon being studied and as means of gaining additional perspectives and further insights on key issues. The empirical evidence demonstrated that there are five sets of factors which facilitate or inhibit knowledge transfer success in IS outsourcing. These are: knowledge (knowledge tacitness and knowledge complexity), client (learning intent, absorptive capacity and motivation), vendor (vendor capability, vendor credibility and vendor openness), relationship (relationship quality, relationship duration, relationship governance and organisational distance) and knowledge transfer mechanisms (formal and informal). The findings of this study contributed and extended the growing body of research on IS outsourcing by developing a novel, holistic conceptual framework which examined five sets of factors that impact knowledge transfer success. Additionally, it provided prescriptive value for practitioners seeking to realise efficient and effective knowledge transfer in IS outsourcing

OSS For Health Care in Developing Countries : Comparative Case Studies of DHIS2 and Patient Based Systems In Ethiopia And Vietnam

This thesis investigates issues related to the development and implementation of OSS (Open Source Software) for health care in developing countries. The aim is to understand why the same OSS technology for health care leads to varying outcomes in different developing countries, and how to find effective ways to organize it. A theoretical perspective inspired by the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) theory was employed to set a base for the analysis process. A comparative case analysis was carried out over the development and use processes for two OSS applications (DHIS 2 and patient based systems) that were both developed and use in two developing countries – Ethiopia and Vietnam, Four comparative case studies (across countries and across systems) thus emerged. Social conditions inferred from the SCOT literature that served as the point of departure for the starting point of my analysis included 1) Team structure and organization, 2) Technical capacity, 3) Nature of the sector 4), and Technology introduction process. The study was informed by qualitative methods, and carried out within an action research framework over the period of 2005-2006. Through the analysis process, three main categories of social conditions relevant in shaping the outcomes were identified, which are 1) Technical Infrastructure, 2) Organizational Arrangements, and 3) Development Process. Points of departures between my theoretical inferences and as seen in the traditional SCOT literature were identified such as the level of internet dependence and the dedication and commitment of developers. These conditions were seen to be specifically relevant to the empirical domain characterized by OSS, developing countries and health care. In making these inferences, this thesis makes a contribution to the domain of social analysis of OSS applications. Practically, the research suggests implications in managing OSS projects for health care in developing countries such as emphasizing the role of appropriate team organization and structure, managing the technology introduction process, strengthening the link between development and use, and sensitively cultivating the support from the network

An investigation of knowledge transfer in information systems (IS) outsourcing

Inter-organisational knowledge transfer is of central interest both as an academic topic and in business practice. However, despite the attention given to the importance of this subject from different perspectives in various contexts, little is known about how knowledge is transferred from vendors to clients in information systems (IS) outsourcing. This research attempts to address this apparent theoretical and empirical deficiency by providing a deeper understanding and more holistic analysis of the key factors which facilitate or inhibit knowledge transfer success in IS outsourcing. This study employed a qualitative, multiple case study approach in the interpretive paradigm. Data was collected mainly from the IS departments of three public sector organisations in Oman. Oman was chosen as the context for the study due to its rapid growth in recent years and the opportunity to consider the many major IS outsourcing projects which have been undertaken by its public sector. Through semi-structured interviews, this study explored the perspectives of the internal IS staff on their experience of knowledge transfer and learning from vendors through various IS outsourcing projects. Written and electronic documentations as well as non-participant observations also served as important triangulation and complementary sources in understanding the phenomenon being studied and as means of gaining additional perspectives and further insights on key issues. The empirical evidence demonstrated that there are five sets of factors which facilitate or inhibit knowledge transfer success in IS outsourcing. These are: knowledge (knowledge tacitness and knowledge complexity), client (learning intent, absorptive capacity and motivation), vendor (vendor capability, vendor credibility and vendor openness), relationship (relationship quality, relationship duration, relationship governance and organisational distance) and knowledge transfer mechanisms (formal and informal). The findings of this study contributed and extended the growing body of research on IS outsourcing by developing a novel, holistic conceptual framework which examined five sets of factors that impact knowledge transfer success. Additionally, it provided prescriptive value for practitioners seeking to realise efficient and effective knowledge transfer in IS outsourcing.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo