This paper presents an exploratory study of knowledge content in outsourced Information systems development projects within the context of a developing economy, in general, and Ethiopia, in particular. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten project managers to identify the relevant knowledge types in information systems outsourcing.
The results indicate that six knowledge types, namely business domain knowledge, technical knowledge, information systems application knowledge, organizational knowledge, adapted information systems development methodology knowledge, and newly generated project-specific knowledge are important in information systems development outsourcing. The analysis suggests that the identified knowledge areas are not completely independent, but rather they are complementary. Both knowledge types are necessary for the development of information systems. Moreover, neither the client nor the vendor possesses the full range of the required knowledge.
The paper then argues that the very generic classification of knowledge has limitation to provide a complete specification of the knowledge items needed in information systems outsourcing context. It also notes that the knowledge content in outsourcing arrangements of Ethiopia is characterized by inadequate and unrelated knowledge transfer between outsourcing partners; less attention paid by vendors to knowledge about the clients' existing systems and IT landscape; and low level of awareness about the knowledge content with regard to know-why of using a new system or technology.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
2.1 Knowledge
2.2 Dimensions of knowledge in ISO
3. Research Methodology
4. Data Analysis and Results
4.1 Content of Knowledge Transfer in Information Systems Outsourcing
4.1.1 Contents Transferred to Vendors from Clients
4.1.2 Contents Transferred to Clients from Vendors
5. Discussions
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary aim of this research is to enhance the understanding of context-specific knowledge content in information systems outsourcing (ISO) by providing a comprehensive specification of knowledge types required within the specific context of Ethiopian organizations.
- Identification of relevant knowledge types in ISO projects.
- Examination of knowledge transfer flows between clients and vendors.
- Analysis of the complementary nature of different knowledge areas.
- Evaluation of knowledge management challenges in developing economies like Ethiopia.
- Investigation into the specific knowledge needs of both outsourcing partners.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1.1 Contents Transferred to Vendors from Clients
Clients need to transfer the necessary knowledge to its vendors when required. The transfer of these knowledge enable the vendor to better understand about its client including the business the client is doing and the service it really wants. In the exploratory study, vendors made to described the knowledge they required from their client. In this regard, Project Manager of Vendor B mentioned the required knowledge from their clients as: we need client's requirements, work flows, organizational policies, working procedures, and organizational regulations to be transferred to us. Based on this knowledge we develop the system.
Moreover, knowledge of client's existing systems and IT infrastructure is important for vendors to make decisions on the technical choice for the system. Nevertheless, this study show that vendors have limited understanding of the clients' existing systems. Pertaining to this, project manager of Client W and Project Manager of Client U described the situation respectively as follows: The newly implemented system is not compatible with the existing hardware and software system we have for running our daily operations and it also lacks international standards in searching and retrieving documents from our library collections (Project manager of Client W).
The completed project is intended to be installed/implemented at 127 sites but so far it has been implemented for 25 sites due to the lack of well established IT infrastructure (Project Manager of Client U).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Discusses the centrality of knowledge in information systems outsourcing and identifies the research gap regarding knowledge content in developing economies like Ethiopia.
2. Literature Review: Reviews existing definitions and taxonomies of knowledge and examines how knowledge dimensions are categorized within the context of information systems outsourcing.
3. Research Methodology: Describes the qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews with project managers from ten organizations in Ethiopia to gather empirical data.
4. Data Analysis and Results: Presents the findings regarding the types of knowledge transferred between clients and vendors, highlighting specific gaps and operational challenges.
5. Discussions: Interprets the findings by linking the identified knowledge types—such as business domain, technical, and project-specific knowledge—back to the practical realities of outsourcing projects.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings and concludes that a comprehensive understanding of both tacit and explicit knowledge is essential for successful outsourcing outcomes.
Keywords
Knowledge Content, Knowledge Transfer, Outsourcing, Information Systems, Ethiopia, Business Domain Knowledge, Technical Knowledge, Project Management, IT Infrastructure, Knowledge Taxonomy, Developing Economy, Software Development, Client-Vendor Relationship, Tacit Knowledge, Explicit Knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on identifying and specifying the relevant types of knowledge that need to be transferred between partners in information systems outsourcing projects, specifically within the Ethiopian context.
What are the central thematic areas covered in the study?
The study centers on knowledge management in outsourcing, identifying key dimensions such as business domain knowledge, technical knowledge, organizational knowledge, and project-specific knowledge.
What is the primary research goal?
The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive characterization of knowledge content that is practically relevant to ISO arrangements, addressing the limitations of existing generic knowledge taxonomies.
Which scientific methodology was employed?
The study utilizes a qualitative research methodology, specifically conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten project managers from four vendor and six client organizations.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body examines the transfer of knowledge from clients to vendors, the transfer from vendors to clients, and discusses how these knowledge types complement each other during the information systems development process.
How would you characterize this work using keywords?
The work is best characterized by terms like knowledge transfer, information systems outsourcing, knowledge content, business domain knowledge, and IT infrastructure.
Why are standard knowledge taxonomies considered insufficient for this study?
The author argues that generic taxonomies are too broad and fail to provide a complete, context-specific specification of the knowledge items required for the unique challenges faced in outsourcing arrangements.
What specific problem does the study identify regarding vendor knowledge?
The study notes that vendors often pay insufficient attention to the client's existing IT landscape and existing systems, which frequently leads to system incompatibility and implementation failures.
What role does public sector consulting play in Ethiopian ISO projects according to the findings?
Public sector consulting agencies often initiate projects without sufficient involvement from the client's internal IT staff, which complicates the knowledge transfer process and negatively impacts project quality.
How does the study link project payments to the quality of knowledge transfer?
The research highlights that vendors may prioritize deliverables for payment milestones over long-term quality, leading to insufficient attention being paid to knowledge depth and project sustainability.
- Quote paper
- Solomon Abebe (Author), 2018, Knowledge Content in Outsourced Information Systems Development Projects. Insights from an Exploratory Study of a Developing Country, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/503568
