3 research outputs found
A Service Portfolio Model for Value Creation in Networked Enterprise Systems
Abstract. Service science research is increasingly focusing on modeling value co-creation. However, there are concerns about the practical use of service systems-driven approaches to value creation in actual business settings. In this paper, we focus on the provision of knowledge services by a service system, and present an innovative model for clustering and profiling the value cocreation capabilities of such a service system. We then describe how this model drives the development of a new service management framework for managing the development of knowledge services. Finally, we present our early experiences from a practical deployment of our research findings in the development of a service system that offers knowledge services to enterprises for enhancing their collaboration quotient when participating in virtual organizations
An examination of the barriers in the effective use of outsourcing in the public sector.
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The government of South Africa has strived to centralize the procurement of goods and services, to
address inefficiencies in the outsourcing of non-core activities in the public sector. This is
deemed necessary to improve the efficiency of outsourcing processes in the public
sector. Public sector outsourcing has faced various challenges, including unethical practices
such as corruption, fraud and price inflation, resulting in inefficiency and increased
operational costs. This study examined the barriers facing the outsourcing of functions at the
South African Social Security Agency, Umzumbe Local Office. The design of this study was of an
exploratory nature and the researcher used a qualitative approach and a non-probability, purposive
sampling method. The sample size for the study comprised forty-one employees from the South
African Social Service Agency, in Umzumbe Local Office. Primary data was collected via
in-depth face-to-face interviews with six senior government officials, and focus group discussions
involved thirty-five discussants. The research instrument used for the study was an interview
schedule. Data was analysed using content analysis. The findings of the study reveal inefficiency
in daily operations, a lack of accountability, poor communication and proper planning,
non-compliance with supply chain laws, poor monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and a shortage of
capable human resources. As such, the outsourcing of activities in the public sector does not
achieve efficiency in its operations. The study recommends the hiring of skilled personnel in the
SCM unit, that the department must work closely with law enforcement agencies, and that a
consequence management approach be adopted to deal with inefficiency in the procurement
unit, unethical practices, non- compliance with SCM laws, and poor monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the barriers facing the outsourcing of functions in the public sector