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Managing IT Outsourcing (ISYS90055)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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AIMS
Outsourcing has become a routine part of management, yet it remains far from easy. In general, the concept of using external organisations (whether domestic or offshore) is considered an efficient and logical way to get things done, and is indeed widely accepted in many sectors of the economy. However, the learning curve is significant, it involves considerable hard work by both parties on a daily basis, and the results are highly dependent on the capabilities of the organisations involved. This subject focuses on the crucial activities that make a difference between success and disappointment.
Students who have a weighted average mark of at least 75% in the Master of Information Systems have the option to complete the on-line Advanced Elective ISYS90092 Outsourcing and Contracting instead of ISYS90055 Managing IT Outsourcing.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This subject provides an overview of both the theory and practice of managing outsourcing throughout the lifecycle.
Topics discussed are:
- Architect Phase: Deciding what and how to outsource. Designing a deal, developing a Contract Scorecard, Service Level Agreements and Key
- Performance Indicators, pricing, and the contract
- Engage Phase: Competitive bidding, choosing supplier/s, negotiation, due diligence
- Operate Phase: Mobilisation, governance and contract management, relationship management
- Refresh Phase: Disengagement (exit), next generation planning.
SUBJECT QUOTA
This subject has an enrolment quota of 60 students and therefore places are limited. The quota will be managed based on student performance using their WAM with preference given to Master of Information Systems students for the first 40 places. The remaining places will be made available to students in other Masters Degrees as well as Information Systems, again based on student performance using their WAM.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Describe a range of managerial issues regarding outsourcing
- Explain the lifecycle and corresponding ebbs and flows of bargaining power
- Understand the practical difficulties and realistic success strategies for outsourcing
- Justify decisions in what and how to outsource
- Recognise personal negotiation styles and how that influences approaches to outsourcing as well as results
- Empathise with challenges facing both purchasers and providers and form pragmatic solutions
- Independently research and argue disparate beliefs/theories of outsourcing
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Logic, practical long-term thinking
- Results-orientated and economic-effect cognition
- As well as writing and presentation
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ISYS90092 | Outsourcing and Contracting | Term 4 (Online) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
A written report (30%) of approximately 2000 words, requiring approximately 25-30 hours of work. Due first half of term. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO's) 3, 4, 5 and 6 are addressed in the report.
| Early term | 30% |
A group-based paper and anonymous feedback per group member (20%) of approximately 3000 words, requiring approximately 33-35 hours of work per student. Due second half of term. ILO's 1, 6 and 7 are addressed in the group-based paper along with anonymous feedback per group member.
| Mid term | 20% |
A group presentation and anonymous group assessment per group member (10%), requiring approximately 18-22 hours of work per student. Due last class of term. ILO's 1, 6 and 7 are addressed in the presentation.
| End of term | 10% |
Four short tests (40%), requiring approximately 20 minutes per test. Due across the teaching period. ILO's 1 to 6 are addressed in the tests.
| Throughout the semester | 40% |
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Cullen, S., Lacity, M. and Willcocks, L. Outsourcing: All You Need to Know. Either paperback edition on http://www.amazon.com/Outsourcing-All-You-Need-Know/dp/0992343615 or digital edition on http://whiteplumepublishing.com/
- Subject notes
Learning and Teaching Methods
The subject is delivered in 3 hour classes, two per day for 6 days. Each class will be made up of a combination of lectures, discussions and tutorial type activities. Outside class, students will study through prescribed readings.
Learning Resources
Additional readings are available via the LMS.
Careers/Industry Links
This subject is relevant to careers in with purchasers and/or providers of outsourced services, in addition to those running or considering their own business in the area.
This subject has a quota of 60
The quota will be managed based on student performance using their WAM with preference given to Master of Information Systems students for the first 40 places. The remaining places will be made available to students in other Masters Degrees as well as Information Systems, again based on student performance using their WAM. A statement will be placed in the handbook showing this method.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 12 November 2022