Critical Thinking: Consultant Case Study

Critical Thinking: Consultant Case Study

Read Case Study IV-3 entitled “IT Infrastructure Outsourcing at Schaeffer (A): The Outsourcing Decision” on pages 628-633 in your textbook, Managing Information Technology.

Prepare a paper answering the following question:

• What benefits does Schaffer hope to achieve from outsourcing its IT infrastructure?
• Describe the steps taken to develop the RFP and the role that an outside consultant played in this process.
• What are the perceived disadvantages to outsourcing raised by its managers?
• Some managers suggested a third alternative: Outsource the IT infrastructure for the Reitzel division only. Which alternative do you think Schaeffer should choose, and why?
• Why do you think so many disadvantages were raised after the task force recommendation had been developed? How could this controversy have been avoided?

Your paper should be 8-10 pages in length and well-written. Please be sure to incorporate the questions into your responses. Use APA style guidelines, citing references as appropriate.