Managing Business Support Services: Collaborating to Compete

The book shelf Management Services presents some of the latest titles. Managing Business Support Services: Collaborating to Compete By Jonathan Reuvid Publisher: GMB Publishing ISBN: 1905050119 Price: 29.95

Review

The third edition of Managing Business Support Services sets out in an updated version, the essential information that any company will require when contemplating outsourcing services. Managing Business Support Services has been written at a time when increasingly, companies are seeking to outsource services and the book provides managers with the knowledge they need to understand outsourcing and all its ramifications.

The book is split into four distinct sections with contributions by twelve authors who contribute in their own specialist areas.

Section 1, entitled Strategic Options, explains topics such as the business case for outsourcing, managing cost, where in the world, the myths of outsourcing and new technology.

Section 2, Good Practice In Outsourcing, outlines the possibilities and potential of outsourcing covering applications management, data centre services, desktop services, networks and security and human resources.

Section 3, headed Successful Outsourcing, details how to define an outsourcing strategy - turning outsourcing theories into reality, the human side of outsourcing, creating a robust contract, effective governance and supply chain management.

The final section is a series of case studies relating to companies such as Corus, Mercedes-Benz and the Prudential Insurance.

For any company outsourcing can be a complex process that involves significant organisational strain. But outsourcing can be critical to corporate success for many companies by providing them with the competitive edge they need. Companies are facing continual change and reducing cost is no longer the only reason for outsourcing. The concept of outsourcing is, in effect, a growing realisation by companies that doing everything in-house might be comfortable, but not always effective or efficient, a fact well understood by management services practitioners.

About the Authors

This paperback book, written by a team of top advisors and practitioners from Capgemini, does provide a good overview of outsourcing. Institute members need to be aware that the book's final 112 pages, which include the case studies, highlight the work of Capgemini which is one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. Jonathan Reuvid is an economist with experience in investment banking, financial consulting and marketing strategy.