Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

12-2018

Abstract

This paper compares two modes for outsourcing the development of information services projects: single-sourcing (where one vendor handles all outsourced activities) and multisourcing (where multiple vendors handle those activities). We assess the relative efficacy of these two outsourcing modes by identifying the effects of three factors: task modularity, the extent of alignment between a (verifiable) performance metric and project revenue, and the extent to which project revenue is itself verifiable. We find that if tasks are modular then multisourcing strictly dominates single-sourcing—provided the verifiable performance metric and project revenue are not completely aligned. Yet if tasks are integrated, then the choice of sourcing mode is more nuanced: the best choice depends on trade-offs among the alignment between performance metric and project revenue, the verifiability of project revenue, and moral hazard. If the verifiable performance metric and project revenue are perfectly aligned, or if project revenue is completely verifiable, then firms prefer single-sourcing because it entails less moral hazard than does multisourcing. Comparative statistics for the effects of task interdependence costs and vendors’ risk aversion reveal that multisourcing (single-sourcing) should be preferred when there are interdependence costs (/when vendors are strongly risk averse).

Discipline

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Research Areas

Operations Management

Publication

MIS Quarterly

Volume

42

Issue

4

First Page

1171

Last Page

1186

ISSN

0276-7783

Identifier

10.25300/MISQ/2018/14067

Publisher

University of Minnesota, Management Information Systems Research Center

Embargo Period

9-10-2019

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Comments

Appendix with proofs added at the end of paper.

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2018/14067

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