Everybody's doing it

Article Abstract:

Outsourcing is gaining widespread acceptance in the UK. In 1995, the information technology outsourcing market alone grew by 37% to reach 1.3 billion pounds sterling. Much of this growth was fuelled by the 70 organizations that embraced outsourcing for the first time and by eight huge outsourcing contracts from both the private and public sectors. Outsourcing is the practice of contracting out an organization's non-core activities to an outside service provider. Its many benefits include reduced costs, improved spending, increased flexibility, access to additional skills, enhanced quality, and tighter strategic focus. Despite these advantages, there are still a few issues that discourage the use of outsourcing. Chief of these is the misconception that the practice will mean loss of control. In truth, firms gain better control over outsourced tasks because they can hold their service providers accountable.

Management, Evaluation, Information technology, Contracts, Outsourcing, Information management

---

Quality counts

Article Abstract:

BNR Europe Ltd. was compelled to embrace the concept of total quality management when its Canadian parent company Northern Telecom launched its 'Excellence' program in 1992. In addition, there was mounting pressure from customers for the company to move towards ISO 9000 certification by the end of 1993. BNR contracts accountant Eric Palmer, along with the entire finance division, have been actively involved in the company's pursuit of quality. He recognizes the value of an internationally-recognized ISO-9000 certification. The extensive involvement of the financial division in the restructuring effort gave financial professionals the opportunity to prove that they are not only bean counters, but are also highly capable of dealing with a broad range of business issues.

Case studies, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Quality management, Total quality management, BNR

---

Rivals club together

Article Abstract:

Intercompany visits are increasing in the UK. Tens of thousands of British managers are visiting other companies to observe how they operate in the hope of discovering new ideas and finding solutions to their own problems. The increasing popularity of 'industrial tourism' does not seem to raise concerns about the security of business secrets. One business executive claims that opening the company's door to visitors from rival firms does not present any threat to its competitive advantage because ideas cannot simply be lifted from one organization and applied to another. The ten most frequently visited companies in the UK are Nissan, Rover, TLG, Royal Mail, Xyratex, Dutton, Digital Equipment, Rank Xerox, Nashua and Black & Decker.

United Kingdom, Interorganizational relations, Industrial tours

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Medium-term borrowing facilities
• Abstracts: Improvement lessons from Mid-State's thirteen-year quality journey. How customers choose banks
• Abstracts: Birmingham's driving ambitions. The beauty of a broader base. In the big league
• Abstracts: Desperately seeking limited liability. Small, but perfectly profitable. Directors beware? Auditors rejoice?
• Abstracts: Now for the interesting bit. Cider attack. The doubtful charms of share buy-backs

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.