Granularity of the processes allows for a greater degree of success in outsourcing, as C.K. Prahalad said in his recent Wall Street Journal article, “The Art of Outsourcing.” (I don’t provide a link because it would cost you to read it.) As CK writes, “It is this ability to fragment complex processes into their components — as well as the search for the best and lowest-cost talent to perform it — that is changing the nature of competitiveness.” It’s easier for customers to experiment.
So, in that next outsourcing engagement you ponder, remember, think small. If you don’t understand the component aspects of your IT project and service, talk to those who do until you understand how it breaks down. That will help you make intelligent proposals about what to try first.
