Business Research: Outsourcing Business Functions Analysis

This report is a reflective analysis of a research project focused on the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions. The student details their learning experience, discussing the importance of outsourcing in today's competitive business environment and its impact on business operations. The research involved data collection using various methods, highlighting the significance of both primary and secondary sources. The report covers the benefits of outsourcing, such as focusing on core functions and improving efficiency, while also addressing potential drawbacks, like employee dissatisfaction and loss of control. The student reflects on the research process, including the challenges faced and the skills gained, emphasizing the importance of this knowledge for future professional roles and decision-making. The report also discusses the use of assignments to gather information and present it in a reliable manner, emphasizing the role of outsourcing in enhancing business productivity. The student concludes by highlighting how this research has formed a base for further activities and how the gained knowledge will be applied in their professional life.

RUNNING HEAD: BUSINESS RESEARCH
Business Research
Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions

Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions 1
Table of Contents
Assignment 3: Reflective writing...............................................................................................2
References..................................................................................................................................5

Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions 2
Assignment 3: Reflective writing
I have executed this research program on the topic “Advantages and disadvantages of
outsourcing business functions” in which discussion has been made regarding the role of
outsourcing and the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions. I have
gained knowledge of different aspects related to outsourcing business functions. In this
dynamic and competitive business environment, there has been a rise in the use of
outsourcing for enhancing the effectiveness of the business operations. This research program
has discussed the importance of outsourcing and different factors associated with
outsourcing. Companies are outsourcing the business functions for focusing on the main or
primary functions and conducting their operations in an effective manner. I have developed
knowledge regarding the role of outsourcing and its importance for the businesses operating
in the dynamic environment. I have collected data with the help of various methods or
techniques. Reliable and quality information has been collected for enhancing the execution
process of the research program (Turkenburg & McAuley, 2013).
I have gained knowledge of the concept of outsourcing which is an important element for a
business. During the execution process of this research program, I have developed knowledge
regarding the manner in which a research is executed. Execution of the research needs
considering various aspects. This research has enhanced my knowledge and skills which will
help me in future for performing the activities. Learning is an integral part of the life of every
individual as learning contributes to experience gained by an individual. I have conducted
this research with the skills, knowledge, and efforts. This learning which I have gained from
the execution of this research has encouraged me to conduct research programs in future
appropriately (Sturgeon & Gereffi, 2011).

Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions 3
This learning has prepared me for better future roles and performing the roles in a better way.
I have gained knowledge about outsourcing which has gained much importance in this
business environment. I have developed knowledge regarding the role played by outsourcing
in enhancing the performance of the business. Different factors have been discussed in this
research program which affects the decision of the business for outsourcing of the operations
of the business. This learning or experience gained from this research is of great use as it has
shaped my knowledge which I will apply to the professional life. I have gathered information
about the use of primary and secondary sources of data. This has taught me how to gather
quality data for presenting the different aspects of the research in a better manner (Nirmala,
2013).
I have executed this research program in a sequence for ensuring that the research is
completed within the timeframe as well as in an effective manner. This has helped me in
completing this research program for conducting the course properly. This program has
discussed the concept of outsourcing and its role in shaping the performance of the business.
There are various advantages of using outsourcing to a business along with disadvantages.
Knowledge has been developed regarding these advantages and disadvantages which have
provided a direction to me for completing the research (Johnston, 2014). This program has
been executed in an effective manner for successfully completing the program. For a future
career, one must possess knowledge of the important aspects of the business environment.
This knowledge which I have gained has helped me in meeting the requirements of the future
career. I will apply the skills and knowledge gained while conducting this research for
performing the roles assigned to me in the professional life. Knowledge is required as this
knowledge will help in making decisions for the challenges faced by the professional life
(Crossman, 2017).

Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions 4
During the learning process, I have faced few limitations which have affected the research
process. For overcoming the limitations faced I have applied various measures. I have
conducted this research by dividing the tasks of the research into different activities. These
activities are executed one after another for making sure that the research is completed well
on time and without any error (Tayauova, 2012). I have gathered quality data as well as
analyzed the data for developing knowledge regarding the research topic. I have collected
data with the help of different research methods or techniques for ensuring the quality of the
research. Different articles, journals and other internet sources for forming the base of this
research. I have collected data from primary sources which have developed knowledge
regarding the manner in which primary data is collected from the respondents. I will apply
this knowledge in the situations which I will face in the future and apply the skills for
conducting activities of the future career (Zhou & Ren, 2010).
This business research has discussed the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing
business functions. The focus of this research was on discussing different aspects related to
the research for maintaining the quality of the research. I have gained knowledge that
outsourcing has enhanced the performance of the business by concentrating on the important
functions of the business in a better way. This business research is an important part of the
research learning process as it has contributed towards the development of my knowledge
and skills. I have done research for gathering data related to the topic as information is
required for the purpose of developing knowledge of the topic. I will use this knowledge
gained for performing the actions properly by making the right decision. This business
research for formed a base for the further research activities. I will make sure that this
knowledge will be applied to the professional life (Sturgeon & Gereffi, 2009).
I have prepared assignment 1 and assignment 2 for performing the research in a better
manner. Different assignments have been conducted in this research for gathering

Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions 5
information properly and presenting the information in a reliable manner. Assignment 1 has
discussed the literature review section in which quality data has been presented which has
been collected with the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods. I have
understood that outsourcing has enhanced the productivity of the business, focusing on the
core functions of the business, promoting flexibility in the organization and effective
utilization of the resources available to the business (Smith, 2012). There are few
disadvantages which include an increase in dissatisfaction among the employees, increase in
differences among the employees and organization, affects the reputation of the business,
lack of control on the activities of the outsourced functions, hidden cost and threat to the
confidentiality (Spellman & Varrichio, 2012).
This research program has played a vital role for the course as for the completion of the
research has helped in the successful completion of the research for the attainment of the
objectives of the research. Research objectives have been decided so as to form a base for the
collection of the quality data. Research scope has discussed the aspects which have been
discussed in this research. Research questions have been formulated which has helped in the
collection of the quality data related to the research program.
Thus, I have gained knowledge of the role of outsourcing and the benefits and challenges
associated with the use of outsourcing. I have conducted the research by conducting different
activities which have helped in ensuring that the research is conducted within the time limited
and with required quality. This knowledge gained in this research will help me in
professional life as knowledge of market plays a vital role for a professional. Skills gained
will be used for carrying out further research activities.

Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business functions 6
References
Crossman, A., 2017, “An Overview of Qualitative Research Methods”, ThoughtCo.
Johnston, M. P., 2014, “Secondary Data Analysis: A Method of which the Time Has Come”,
Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, pp. 619 –626.
Nirmala, Y., 2013, “Chapter four: research design”, Language in India, vol. 13, no. 2, pp.
102.
Smith, A., 2012, “The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing”, UNLV Theses, Dissertations,
Professional Papers, and Capstone.
Spellman, J. & Varrichio, J., 2012, “"Bad Reputation?: The Potential Negative Impact of
Outsourcing on the Legal Profession”, Hofstra Labor and Employment Law Journal, Vol. 29,
Iss. 2, Article 8.
Sturgeon, T. & Gereffi, G., 2009, “Measuring success in the global economy: international
trade, industrial upgrading, and business function outsourcing in global value
chains”, Transnational Corporations, 18(2), pp.1–35.
Sturgeon, T. & Gereffi, G., 2011, “Measuring Success in the Global Economy: International
Trade, Industrial Upgrading, and Business Function Outsourcing in Global Value
Chains”, Survey of Current Business, 91(2), pp.33–59, 61–66.
Tayauova, G., 2012, “Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing: analysis of outsourcing
practices of Kazakhstan banks”, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, pp. 188 – 195.
Turkenburg, J. P. & McAuley, K. E., 2013, “Data collection and processing”, Acta
Crystallographica Section D, vol. 69, no. 7, pp. 1193-1194.
Zhou, Y. P. & Ren, Z. J., 2010, “Service Outsourcing”, University of Washington.