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Reconciling agile frameworks with IT sourcing through an IT sourcing dimensions map and structured decision-making

Author

Listed:
  • Fouad Amiri

    (Utrecht University)

  • Sietse Overbeek

    (Utrecht University)

  • Gerard Wagenaar

    (Utrecht University)

  • Christoph Johann Stettina

    (Leiden University)

Abstract

While there is a plethora of literature on IT Sourcing (ITS) strategy, little is known about the impact of large-scale agile frameworks on these strategies. Empirical evidence suggests that application of agile frameworks has an impact on governance and processes in large organisations including ITS strategies. Yet, the effects of such frameworks remain unrevealed. This research investigates the impact of agile frameworks on ITS decisions and the way organisations configure their ITS strategies. The research first studies literature to realise that there is a lack of empirical research on ITS strategies in organisations that use agile frameworks. Then, through a systematic literature review, ten different dimensions of ITS are identified and used as the required construct for a multiple-case study at six Netherlands-based organisations. The results reveal that four dimensions, namely sourcing model, location, pricing model, and relational governance are mostly affected by agile frameworks. Furthermore, after more than three years of utilising agile frameworks, case organisations still have not discovered a proper optimum point for these dimensions. The results also uncover that organisations are not fully aware of the impact of agile transformation on the process of ITS decision-making. This process may remain intact for years, resulting in continuous experimentation and trial and error of ITS strategies. We conclude that organisations should recognise the effects of agile frameworks to make ITS decisions accordingly. Additionally, adhering to a more rational and structured decision-making process helps organisations to more efficiently find proper optimum points for the dimensions of ITS strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Fouad Amiri & Sietse Overbeek & Gerard Wagenaar & Christoph Johann Stettina, 2021. "Reconciling agile frameworks with IT sourcing through an IT sourcing dimensions map and structured decision-making," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1113-1142, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infsem:v:19:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10257-021-00534-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10257-021-00534-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Erik Beulen & Albert Plugge & Jos Hillegersberg, 2022. "Formal and relational governance of artificial intelligence outsourcing," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 719-748, December.
    2. Daniela Patricia Feversani & Valeria De Castro & Esperanza Marcos & Mario G. Piattini & María Luz Martín-Peña, 2023. "Towards a lightweight framework for service management evaluation in SMEs," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 81-122, March.

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