A holistic model for understanding the dynamics of outsourcing
构建了一个包含200多个变量的系统动力学模型，模拟外包决策的长期动态，发现高专业化供应商更有利，并识别出创新陷阱、议价权转移等风险，为管理者提供建议。
Outsourcing is a complex process as many external and internal factors that look convincing in the first place might, however, lead to a failure in the long run. Motivated by this, we wanted to get a holistic understanding of such outsourcing decisions. Thus, we created a comprehensive System Dynamics simulation model including all relevant variables to examine the dynamic nature of outsourcing in a holistic manner and over time that consists of more than 200 interrelated variables. Our results show, amongst others, that higher process specialisation that requires substantial investments by the supplier appears to be favourable for an outsourcing company and shifting a larger quantity to such a supplier achieves better cost savings and thus accounts for a better overall outsourcing result. On an operational level, we identified an innovation trap, a bargaining power shift, a plagiarism trap, and a knowledge trap. Based on that, we give specific managerial recommendations to tackles these aspects. We conclude that, amongst others, it is important for innovative companies with rather complex processes and parts to carefully plan which and how many employees to release so as not to lose the knowledge on those outsourced processes and parts.