Within the area of strategic management and operations, organizations face critical decisions regarding the production and delivery of goods and services. Choose an industry or company and explore the strategic considerations behind a company’s choice to either make a product or service in-house or to outsource it externally. Examples could the creation of a new fashion line or the construction of a new office building.
Within your post, provide analysis that explains reasons why organizations might opt for in-house production as well as reason why they might choose to outsource. Look into the decision-making process surrounding activities on the critical path. Should critical path activities, which have a direct impact on project timelines, be outsourced? Support your argument with a thorough examination of the potential benefits and drawbacks, considering factors such as control, risk mitigation, value, quality and project success. You should also consider the concept of completive advantage, when determining whether or not to outsource. Your additional research should be used to support your post throughout your assignment,
Grading Criteria – Refer to the Discussion Forums Grading RubricDownload Discussion Forums Grading Rubric
The purpose of the weekly discussion forum assignment is for students to have an opportunity to contemplate the material presented during that week, and to gain new perspectives from each member of the course.
For full credit (30 points) on the discussion forums, students must:
make a substantial initial post (500 word minimum) responding to the discussion prompt questions while citing at least two credible sources (15 points) and
APA 7th Edition format is required for initial discussion posts.
