IMPACT OF GLOBAL SOURCING OF TALENT ON GRADUATE IS CURRICULA: A CASE STUDY OF ONE APPROACH TO REDESIGN

James B. Pick, School of Business, University of Redlands, james_pick@redlands.edu

Hindupur Ramakrishna, School of Business, University of Redlands, hindupur_ramakrishna@redlands.edu

ABSTRACT

With the extensive availability and rapidly decreasing cost of the Internet bandwidth around the world, the share of the outsourced service work from developed countries that is offshored is increasing. The global impact of this phenomenon has implications for properly preparing information systems (IS) students for this reality, whether to survive in this harsh reality or to seek potential opportunities. We present an exploratory case study of a successful curricular response to this reality. First, we examine background literature on outsourcing/offshoring phenomenon and on IS curricular redesign. A conceptual model is presented of team collaboration and outsourcing as they relate to IS
graduate curriculum. A case study of one approach to an IS graduate curriculum redesign incorporating outsourcing is then introduced. The paper examines whether or not the case supports the usefulness of the model. We found that improved curricular coverage of interpersonal communications, cultural diversity, teamwork, and risk assessment contribute to success for graduates involved in outsourcing who participate in international collaborative teams. Consultation with industry is recommended for incorporating outsourcing in Master in IS/IT curricula.