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An evaluation of the outsourcing IS/ICT activities in Turkish ministerial computer departments
Author(s) -
Bensghir Turksel Kaya,
Tekneci Ali
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
public administration and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1099-162X
pISSN - 0271-2075
DOI - 10.1002/pad.489
Subject(s) - outsourcing , obsolescence , information and communications technology , business , knowledge process outsourcing , turkish , function (biology) , public sector , public relations , finance , marketing , economics , political science , linguistics , philosophy , economy , evolutionary biology , law , biology
Outsourcing an IS/ICT function has become fashionable in public administration reform. Through this modality, many organisations are cutting staff costs and increasing efficiency. Financial benefits can be great, public organisations can in fact expand IT usage and hence avoid obsolescence. Despite the benefits of outsourcing IT, there are risks involved. Public organisations need to weigh the benefits, risks and costs involved before making decisions to outsource. Recently, Turkish public organisations have been increasingly outsourcing functions such as facilities maintenance, catering, security and IS/ICT activities. This article, based on a field study, undertakes an evaluation of the experience of Chief Information Officers (CIO's) in outsourcing of IS/ICT activities in ministerial computer departments. The findings provide important lessons for outsourcing in Turkey and elsewhere. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.