The Black Book of Outsourcing: How to Manage the Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities (Wiley Desktop Editions) [Hardcover]

Douglas Brown (Author), Scott Wilson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“…a comprehensive introduction…” (Supply Management, 6th October 2005)

From the Inside Flap

This handy guide presents an intelligent overview of the costs and benefits of outsourcing, its uses and applications, and the processes used to manage it. Endorsed by industry experts, it demonstrates how to deal with outsourcing as an emotional and political issue, shows how to update your business strategies to take advantage of outsourcing opportunities, and provides a wealth of resources for those who want to build a successful career in the outsourcing industries.

Outsourcing is a hot topic among business leaders and workers in the global business community. In The Black Book of Outsourcing, outsourcing gurus Doug Brown and Scott Wilson demystify the subject and show executives and staffers alike how to successfully assess and implement outsourcing, communicate internally and with partners, measure performance, and lead outsourcing transitions.

But more than just outlining best practices, the authors debunk some of the most persistent myths about outsourcing and its effects on the economy, and provide managers with the help they need. Most important, they equip you with a wide range of opportunities for professionals in the outsourcing industry, including new certification programs and key outsourcing vendors.

The Black Book of Outsourcing covers every major topic and application of outsourcing, including:

• Outsourcing to meet new business challenges
• Achieving outsourcing operational excellence
• Building new revenue streams through outsourcing
• Using outsourcing to reduce corporate risk
• Developing value-creating outsourcing relationships
• Building a career as an outsourcing professional

Based on Brown and Wilson's extensive experience working with dozens of companies on every aspect of outsourcing, this book provides the practical tools and information you need to make smart decisions in planning, developing, implementing, and leading effective outsourcing initiatives. Whether managers are concerned about the emotional and political side of outsourcing or the practical side of getting it done, The Black Book of Outsourcing offers comprehensive coverage, practical solutions, proven tactics, and trustworthy advice.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (May 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471718890
• ISBN-13: 978-0471718895
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #299,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

241 of 246 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WEALTH OF INFORMATION AND INSIGHTS!, July 23, 2005

By 

Gerry Stern "Stern's Management Review Online" (Culver City, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Black Book of Outsourcing: How to Manage the Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities (Wiley Desktop Editions) (Hardcover)

An excellent source for information and guidance. The book's three main parts cover: how to plan, lead and manage outsourcing initiatives; a guide to finding an outsourcing career; and a guide for outsourcing entrepreneurs. Some specific topics include: making decisions to outsource; what is needed to be known before starting; assessing cost, benefit, and risk; outsourcing options; selecting suppliers and vendors; and much more. Includes an annotated, extensive vendor directory. Offers a wealth of information and insights.

135 of 136 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive survey, December 21, 2005

By 

Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Black Book of Outsourcing: How to Manage the Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities (Wiley Desktop Editions) (Hardcover)

Authors Douglas Brown and Scott Wilson offer a good, elementary introduction to outsourcing. They present a comprehensive survey of how to decide whether to outsource and how to select an outsource vendor, deal with contract negotiations and prepare for the reality behind the hype of outsourcing. Many business readers may be surprised to learn that, notwithstanding the great difference in pay between Indian and American engineers (for example), first-year savings on outsourcing contracts may be as little as 15%, and company productivity may fall by this amount or more because of the time you must invest in knowledge-transfer and training. The book includes a lengthy directory of firms involved in outsourcing services and provides several chapters to guide employees who are facing the possibility of having their jobs outsourced. We recommend this book to managers whose companies are considering outsourcing and to those who hope for careers in the burgeoning outsourcing industry.

138 of 142 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this Book if you're going to buy Just ONE book on Outsourcing, September 7, 2005

By 

James Emory - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Black Book of Outsourcing: How to Manage the Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities (Wiley Desktop Editions) (Hardcover)

A 'must read' for serious companies considering outsourcing.
Outsourcing is a $6 trillion global industry and is a hot topic not only in business but in the daily papers, where workers displaced complain and employers saving money face the pros and cons of outsourcing. Several books have appeared on the topic, but THE BLACK BOOK OF OUTSOURCING: HOW TO MANAGE THE CHANGES, CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES differs in several ways. It's written by a team of experts on the topic who's been coaching executives on outsourcing practices for over a decade, it explains the values - when conducted properly - of outsourcing, and it tells how to identify the right partners and fine-tune outsourcing relationships. It speaks to the user - not in theoretical or highly technical jargon as most the other outsourcing books available want to do. Full of actionable plans and items. Its like a consulting engagement in a book at a very affordable price. Go for this one if you're shopping for an outsourcing book. Trust me, its that much better.