Outsourcing continues to be of key interest to supply managers around the globe. In the most recently published 2006 CAPS Research Cross Industry benchmark survey, 27 percent of companies reported outsourcing some of their purchasing activities. This benchmark was introduced in 2006 in response to numerous requests for CAPS Research to trend outsourcing as it relates to activities and functions characterized as being part of the supply management organization

A more comprehensive look at outsourcing is found in the CAPS Research focus study titled, "Outsourcing Strategically for Sustainable Competitive Advantage". This report provides an in-depth view of the trends in outsourcing, how outsourcing decisions are made, and how companies can be more successful in achieving their goals for outsourcing. More than 80 percent of respondents of the survey that corresponds to this report indicated that cost reduction (in operating cost and capital investment) and the need to focus on the core business led them to outsource.

Click on the following link to access this focus study: Outsourcing Strategically for Sustainable Competitive Advantage

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The decision to outsource a particular activity will vary for each firm and each situation. Core questions revolve around retaining control of core competencies, protecting proprietary information, and assessing long-term benefits. Will the value that is achieved through an outsourced model ultimately benefit or help the firm to achieve its goals? These and other issues were discussed at a CAPS Research Critical Issues Partnership Event.

Click on the following link to access the Critical Issues report to read 4 case studies presented at this program: Outsourcing Strategies and Implications

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Looking for a benchmarking report that focuses on the trends and directions in services outsourcing and offshoring? With the growth in services spending and the recognition of the opportunities to improve business results through services purchasing, this CAPS Research benchmarking summary report can be used to better define how services spend is controlled.

To access the benchmarking report, click on the following link: Services Spend Management: Outsourcing/Offshoring Your Services Spend

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CAPS Research publications are timely, relevant and focus on issues that are being addressed by supply management organizations around the globe. The reports and research findings that are available to the general public on the CAPS Research web site include over 70 focus studies and PRACTIX articles, 30 benchmarking reports and over 10 critical issues reports. On each page of the CAPS Research web site, in the upper right corner, you will find a search box. Enter a word or words to locate a topic of interest. If you need tips for searching click here: Search Help

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For more information about CAPS Research programs and products please contact us at Research@capsresearch.org.

Sincerely,
Phillip Carter, D.B.A.
Executive Director
CAPS Research

CAPS Research is a global research organization jointly sponsored by the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, and the Institute for Supply Management™.