Selecting The Outsourcing Provider Course

Whether it is a small service or a large complex organizational function, outsourcing can be beneficial, but also risky.  Participants will step through the outsourcing selection process beginning with requirements analysis and finishing by managing the vendor relationship through performance measures.  Exploring both the vendor and client perspectives help to uncover risks to both parties, including global and offshore challenges.

This course is designed for those who manage outsourced services or are involved in the selection process.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
> Apply key factors to help determine whether to outsource or not
> Identify key requirements for evaluation
> Manage the bid process
> Apply "make or buy" analysis
> Select the appropriate style of contract
> Evaluate vendors fairly and objectively
> Successfully manage the vendor/client relationship and associated risks

Requirements Analysis
Before starting any vendor solicitation process, defining the size and scope of the effort is essential to managing expectations of all stakeholders.
Strategic Alignment and the Project Charter
Getting to Measurable Objectives and the Right Level of Requirements
Importance of Requirement Validation and Avoiding Analysis Paralysis

What to Outsource and the Make or Buy Analysis
How will the decision be made, who is involved in the decision and what do you need to know in order to make an intelligent decision? 
Developing the Decision Criteria
Getting the Right Decision Makers Involved
Analysis of Alternatives - SWOT Analysis
Return on Investment and the Total Cost of Ownership

Vendor Evaluations: Making the Decision
Making the right decision requires due diligence.  Having the right approach is critical for stakeholder buy-in. 
Identifying Potential Providers
Onshore v. Offshore
Managing the Bid Process (RFI, RFP, etc.)
Evaluating Fairly and Objectively

The Vendor/Client Agreement  (See Vendor Relations course for more depth)
Once the Vendor has been selected, the negotiation process will result in a formal agreement.  There are several factors to consider as part of this process.  
Selecting the Appropriate Contract
Legal, Ethical, Pricing and other Contract Issues
Minimizing Offshore Risks

Transitioning the Work
In addition to a formal contract, it is necessary to ensure ongoing performance measures are established.
Service Agreements (Performance Measures)
Roles and Responsibilities
Monitoring the Vendor
Security Measures Regarding Data

Managing the Vendor/Client Relationship (See Vendor Relations course for more depth)
Building a professional relationship requires trust on the part of both client and vendor.
Building a Professional Partnership
Evaluating Performance
Dispute Resolution and Reporting
Continuing or Ceasing the Relationship
Working Together to Make Improvements (Process, People and Technology)

None.