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IT Outsourcing - Dealing with Outsourcing Risks

Tommy van Schaik

In this course, you will learn to identify and mitigate staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks to your outsourcing projects.

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In this course, you will learn to identify and mitigate staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks to your outsourcing projects.

Running an outsourcing project presents the project manager with some unique risks throughout the entire process of preparing, starting, running, and closing the project. In this course, IT Outsourcing – Dealing with Outsourcing Risks, you will learn the risks associated with running an outsourcing project, how to identify these risks and how to mitigate them. First, you will discover how to identify and mitigate risks associated with the staff of an outsourcing project. Next, you will explore how to manage vendor and contract-related risks of an outsourcing project. Finally, you will learn how to deal with communication-related risks in an outsourcing project. After this course, you will be able to identify and deal with risks that are specific to an IT outsourcing project, greatly increasing the success rates of managing outsourced initiatives.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Outsourcing Risks Vendor Management Contract Management Communication Management Staff Management

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Recognizing and Minimizing Staff Related Risks
Dealing with Vendor and Contract Related Risks
Managing Communication Related Risks
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces experienced project managers to new concerns and problem spaces
Examines the challenges of managing outsourcing projects
Teaches how to identify and overcome outsourcing project risks early
Teaches how to effectively manage vendors and contracts in outsourcing projects
Taught by Tommy van Schaik, an experienced IT outsourcing expert
Provides a comprehensive overview of outsourcing project risks and their mitigation

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Reviews summary

Practical it outsourcing risk management

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and structured approach to managing risks in IT outsourcing projects. Students consistently highlight the course's ability to provide immediately applicable strategies for identifying and mitigating common pitfalls. The content is praised for its clear explanations across various risk categories, including staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related issues. While many find the course comprehensive for professionals enhancing their outsourcing expertise, a few note that some sections might feel like a refresher for highly experienced practitioners. Overall, it's a valuable resource for project managers and anyone navigating outsourced initiatives, preparing them to effectively manage complex challenges.
Well-organized and easy to follow.
"The course is very well-structured, making it easy to follow the progression of risk identification and mitigation."
"I appreciated the logical flow from staff risks to vendor and communication risks."
"The modules were bite-sized and focused, which really helped in retaining information."
Instructor provides valuable, real-world perspectives.
"The instructor's experience shines through; their examples made the concepts much more relatable."
"I felt the instructor was very knowledgeable and articulated the risks clearly, making complex topics accessible."
"Their insights into dealing with vendor relationships were particularly helpful given my current role."
Covers a wide array of risks specific to IT outsourcing.
"I appreciate how thoroughly the course covers staff, vendor, and communication risks; it felt very complete."
"It really broke down the various facets of outsourcing risks, from contracts to team dynamics, making it easy to understand."
"The systematic approach to different risk types was a major plus, leaving no stone unturned."
Offers immediately applicable methods for risk mitigation.
"The course provided me with very practical strategies that I could immediately apply to my ongoing outsourcing projects."
"I found the content directly applicable to real-world scenarios, which is exactly what I needed."
"It's great to get actionable insights instead of just theoretical concepts; I'm already using some of these techniques."
May feel introductory for highly experienced professionals.
"For someone with significant experience in outsourcing, some modules felt a bit basic or a review of what I already knew."
"I was hoping for a deeper dive into advanced mitigation techniques, but it's a solid foundation for others."
"While comprehensive, I think beginners will benefit most; more experienced folks might find it moves a little slow."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in IT Outsourcing - Dealing with Outsourcing Risks with these activities:
Review IT Project Management
Review IT Project Management to ensure your familiarity with the foundational principles and methodologies of project management, which will be applied in the context of outsourcing.
Browse courses on Project Management
Show steps
  • Review the key concepts of project management, including scope, time, cost, quality, and risk management.
  • Review the different project management methodologies, such as waterfall, agile, and hybrid approaches.
  • Review the tools and techniques used in project management, such as Gantt charts, work breakdown structures, and earned value management.
Review Outsourcing Concepts
Review Outsourcing Concepts to ensure you're familiar with the key concepts, benefits, and challenges of outsourcing, which will be essential for understanding the risks associated with outsourcing projects.
Browse courses on Outsourcing
Show steps
  • Review the different types of outsourcing, such as IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing, and knowledge process outsourcing.
  • Review the benefits of outsourcing, such as cost reduction, increased efficiency, and access to specialized expertise.
  • Review the challenges of outsourcing, such as managing vendor relationships, ensuring quality control, and protecting intellectual property.
Identify and Mitigate Staff-Related Risks
Practice identifying and mitigating staff-related risks to gain hands-on experience in managing one of the most common challenges in outsourcing projects.
Browse courses on Staffing
Show steps
  • Review common staff-related risks, such as turnover, performance issues, and conflicts.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate staff-related risks, such as establishing clear expectations, providing training and development opportunities, and fostering a positive work environment.
  • Apply your strategies to a real-world outsourcing project scenario.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Negotiate and Manage Outsourcing Contracts
Engage in guided tutorials on negotiating and managing outsourcing contracts to develop the skills necessary for managing vendor and contract-related risks effectively.
Browse courses on Contract Management
Show steps
  • Review key clauses in outsourcing contracts, such as scope of work, pricing, and termination.
  • Learn negotiation techniques for outsourcing contracts.
  • Practice negotiating an outsourcing contract with a simulated vendor.
Communicate Effectively in Outsourcing Projects
Participate in workshops focused on effective communication in outsourcing projects, enabling you to develop strategies for managing communication-related risks and fostering successful collaborations.
Browse courses on Communication
Show steps
  • Learn about different communication channels and their effectiveness in outsourcing projects.
  • Develop strategies for communicating with stakeholders, including vendors, clients, and team members.
  • Practice your communication skills in a simulated outsourcing project environment.
Develop a risk mitigation plan
Creating a custom risk mitigation plan will enable learners to apply their understanding of risk mitigation techniques to real-world scenarios.
Show steps
  • Identify appropriate risk response strategies for each identified risk.
  • Develop a detailed plan outlining actions, timelines, and responsibilities.
  • Obtain sign-off from key stakeholders on the mitigation plan.
Create an Outsourcing Risk Management Plan
Develop an Outsourcing Risk Management Plan to gain practical experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing outsourcing projects.
Browse courses on Risk Management
Show steps
  • Identify potential risks in an outsourcing project.
  • Assess the likelihood and impact of each risk.
  • Develop mitigation strategies for each risk.
  • Create a risk management plan that outlines the identified risks, mitigation strategies, and monitoring procedures.

Career center

Learners who complete IT Outsourcing - Dealing with Outsourcing Risks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Risk Manager
Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. This includes developing and implementing risk management plans, and ensuring that the organization is prepared to respond to any risks that may arise. This course provides valuable insights into identifying and mitigating risks, which is essential for effective risk management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager
Vendor Manager
Vendor Managers are responsible for managing the relationship between an organization and its vendors. This includes identifying and mitigating risks associated with the vendor relationship, and ensuring that the vendor is providing the organization with the products and services it needs. This course provides valuable insights into managing vendor and contract-related risks, which is essential for effective vendor management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vendor Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This includes managing risks associated with the project, and ensuring that the project is completed successfully. This course provides valuable insights into identifying and mitigating staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks, which are all critical for successful project management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
IT Project Manager
IT Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing IT projects. This includes managing risks associated with the project, and ensuring that the project is completed successfully. This course provides valuable insights into identifying and mitigating staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks, which are all critical for successful IT project management.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for planning, managing, and controlling programs. This includes managing risks associated with the program, and ensuring that the program is completed successfully. This course provides valuable insights into identifying and mitigating staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks, which are all critical for successful program management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of an organization. This includes managing risks associated with the organization's operations, and ensuring that the organization operates efficiently and effectively. This course provides valuable insights into identifying and mitigating staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks, which are all critical for successful operations management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager
Solution Architect
Solution Architects are responsible for designing and implementing solutions for complex business problems. This includes identifying and mitigating risks associated with the solution, and ensuring that the solution is successful. This course provides valuable insights into identifying and mitigating staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks, which are all critical for successful solution architecture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Solution Architect
Staffing Manager
Staffing Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the staffing of an organization. This includes managing risks associated with the staffing process, and ensuring that the organization is able to attract and retain a talented workforce. This course provides valuable insights into identifying and mitigating staff-related risks, which is essential for effective staffing management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Staffing Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and managing products. This includes managing risks associated with the product development process, and ensuring that the product is successful. This course provides valuable insights into identifying and mitigating staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks, which are all critical for successful product management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT infrastructure. This includes overseeing the organization's IT outsourcing projects, and ensuring that these projects are completed successfully. This course provides valuable insights into managing staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks, which are all essential for successful IT outsourcing.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager
Senior IT Manager
Senior IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT infrastructure. This includes overseeing the organization's IT outsourcing projects, and ensuring that these projects are completed successfully. This course provides valuable insights into managing staff, vendor, contract, and communication-related risks, which are all essential for successful IT outsourcing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Senior IT Manager
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers are responsible for ensuring a customer's satisfaction with a product or service. They work closely with customers to ensure they have a positive experience, and that any issues are resolved quickly and effectively. This course provides valuable insights into dealing with communication-related risks, which is vital for Customer Success Managers to maintain positive relationships with customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager
Contract Manager
Contract Managers are responsible for managing the lifecycle of a contract, including drafting, negotiating, and administering the contract. This course teaches the importance of dealing with vendor and contract-related risks, which is highly relevant for this role. The course may also provide beneficial insights into managing staff-related risks, as Contract Managers often work closely with staff to ensure that the contract is implemented effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Contract Manager
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes, and identifying and solving problems. This course discusses the importance of minimizing risks, which ties directly into the work of a Business Analyst. An ability to identify and mitigate risks ensures that a Business Analyst is able to effectively handle any obstacles that may arise during the analysis and implementation of business solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Consultant
In working with clients, Consultants often have a deep understanding of a client's needs and pain points, which allows them to create change that will lead to positive outcomes. The ability to identify and mitigate risks ensures that a Consultant is able to identify and address any potential problems that may arise during the implementation of change, and to develop strategies to overcome these challenges.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in IT Outsourcing - Dealing with Outsourcing Risks.
Cover image
Service Chain Management
Save
Useful guide for executives who are considering outsourcing their IT functions. It discusses the benefits and risks of outsourcing, as well as how to develop and manage an outsourcing strategy.
Service Chain Management: Technology Innovation for...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Education
Save
Helps to understand how outsourcing can be part of a successful long-term business strategy.
Education: The American Caste System Edition II
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Open Group Architecture Framework TOGAF Version...
Save
Guide to best practices in outsourcing. It provides practical advice on how to develop and manage outsourcing relationships.
The Open Group Architecture Framework TOGAF Version...
Paperback
Check
The Open Group Architecture Framework TOGAF Version...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Unequal Gains
Save
Provides a global perspective on outsourcing. It discusses the challenges and opportunities of outsourcing in different countries and regions.
Unequal Gains: American Growth and Inequality since...
Hardcover
$$
Unequal Gains: American Growth and Inequality since...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Managing the Drug Discovery Process
Save
Guide to outsourcing for business leaders. It provides practical advice on how to make outsourcing decisions, negotiate contracts, and manage outsourcing relationships.
Managing the Drug Discovery Process: Insights and...
Paperback
$$$$
Managing the Drug Discovery Process: Insights and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Modernizing Product Development Processes
Save
A survey of global outsourcing practices including case studies.
Modernizing Product Development Processes: Guide...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Managing Sport Events
Save
Focuses on applying outsourcing on a large scale, and how to use it to transform businesses.
Managing Sport Events
Paperback
$$$
Managing Sport Events
Hardcover
$$$
Managing Sport Events
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Outsourcing Revolution
Save
Offers a vendor perspective on managing outsourcing relationships.
The Outsourcing Revolution: Why It Makes Sense and...
Hardcover
$$$

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Course image
Time
55 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Tommy van Schaik
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called IT Outsourcing. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. IT Outsourcing - Preparing for an Outsourcing Initiative
  2. IT Outsourcing - Vendor Selection and Contracting
  3. IT Outsourcing - Running an Outsourcing Initiative
  4. IT Outsourcing - Dealing with Outsourcing Risks (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces experienced project managers to new concerns and problem spaces
Examines the challenges of managing outsourcing projects
Teaches how to identify and overcome outsourcing project risks early
Teaches how to effectively manage vendors and contracts in outsourcing projects
Taught by Tommy van Schaik, an experienced IT outsourcing expert
Provides a comprehensive overview of outsourcing project risks and their mitigation
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