Info Sec Africa, a leader in IT governance consulting services, has launched a capability assessment service for both client and service organisations. With the growth in the sourcing industry, there is a clear need for a measurement capability, says Peter Hill.
Fundamental to outsourcing is accepting that, while service delivery is transferred, accountability remains firmly with the remit of the client organisation, which must ensure that the risks are managed and there is continued delivery of value from the service provider. Unfortunately, few companies are equipped to do so. Without suitable processes many of the potential benefits of outsourcing will be undermined.
A 2003 survey by Accenture and the Economist Intelligence Unit cited the three risks most often considered are:
* The risk of valuable data falling into competitors` hands.
* The risk that the cost of outsourcing will exceed expectations.
* The erosion of in-house knowledge.
The failure of outsourcing arrangements is often attributed to:
* The inability of clients to adequately express their needs.
* Ambiguity in scope or the definition of services.
* Difficulties in defining service levels.
* Lack of rigor by the service provider in gathering and analysing those needs.
Capability assessment is focused on the entire sourcing lifecycle and is addressed from the perspective of either client or service provider. Each party is expected to developed specific competencies to make a success of the engagement. The desired level of maturity should be aligned to the business requirement. Hill says the focus is not on simply following "best practice" but more importantly is driven by an understanding on the value creation opportunities from outsourcing.
Info Sec Africa`s professional services now include both the assessment and improvement of capability by building operational, governance and closure processes for outsourcing.
For more information please visit www.infosecafrica.co.za.
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