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Abstract
The question of the merits of outsourcing facilities management remains relevant. This paper attempts to determine a clear distinction between out tasking and outsourcing, and then to provide a model to explain the advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) of this strategy by analysing the wants of both the client and supplier. Finally, it offers some guidance to assist with remedying the divergence identified.
Keywords:
outsourcing, contracting, procurement
INTRODUCTION
Outsourcing has existed within the facilities management (FM) industry longer than the entire concept of FM, albeit in its earlier incarnations in a very different form from the relatively sophisticated delivery in the early 21st century. Given its rich history, to a degree it is to be wondered why the merits or disadvantages of the approach within FM are still being debated at all.
The high degree of contract turnover within the total facilities management (TFM) sector, however, together with both recent large-scale regional and global outsourcing lenders and the rise of the private finance initiative (PFI), have all served to perpetuate the debate. Indeed, despite the varied and well-documented body of test case evidence, many FMs are still facing anew the strategic dilemma of whether to engage the services of a partner able to deliver the full range and depth of services required.
This paper attempts to create an alternative perspective on the debate and to generate new thinking on the part of both supplier and client in order to encourage the development of a deeper understanding of the motives and drivers of each. In this manner, it is hoped it may contribute to the proliferation of better contracts, improved relationships and genuinely shared objectives from outsourcing.
Is the outsourcing debate still valid?
CONTEXT: VALIDATING THE DEBATE
The continuing validity of the question deserves close consideration. Without this, no two professionals would be arguing within the same arena, and conclusions would be misplaced. Outsourcing as a term and concept has been significantly over-utilised as a catch-all for tasks simply not performed by the host.
Outsourcing or outtasking?
The key consideration at this stage is to establish firmly whether the debate itself is still valid. Several factors must be considered in determining this question:
* The collected FM service industries have become so well...