Reflective Analysis of Business Research on Outsourcing in Practice

This report presents a reflective analysis of a student's business research on outsourcing. The research explores the importance of outsourcing in the dynamic business environment, focusing on the skills and knowledge gained through the research process. The student employed various data collection methods to gather relevant information, analyzing the strategic decisions organizations make regarding outsourcing their business functions. The report delves into the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing, highlighting its impact on business performance and the factors influencing outsourcing decisions. The reflection emphasizes the learning experience, the application of research methodologies, and the development of knowledge regarding outsourcing concepts. It also discusses the practical implications of the research for future professional roles, including the importance of data collection, analysis, and ethical considerations. The student reflects on the systematic approach followed throughout the research program, including the different parts of the research and the knowledge gained about outsourcing and its related aspects. The report concludes by summarizing the key takeaways and emphasizing the practical value of the research for future endeavors.

RUNNING HEAD: Outsourcing
Business Research
Outsourcing

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Table of Contents
Reflective writing.......................................................................................................................2
References..................................................................................................................................5

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Reflective writing
This reflection is based on the learning I have gained from the execution of the previous
assignments of this business research. I have executed this business research on the topic
“Outsourcing” which is of much importance element of the dynamic business environment. I
have conducted this business research for the attainment of the objectives of the course. I will
discuss the skills and knowledge I have gained as well as important aspects which have
contributed to my experience.
I have assembled quality data by applying various methods of data collection
available. These different methods of data collection have ensured that focus is on assembling
quality and relevant data. From the assembled data, it has been analyzed that outsourcing is
an important aspect for every organization as the organizations are outsourcing their business
functions for different objectives (Jahyun Goo, 2009). I have knowledge of the importance of
outsourcing and role played by outsourcing. I have analyzed that companies are using
outsourcing for different reasons. Outsourcing decision is considered as a strategic decision
as this directly affects the cost involved and control on the operations of the function
outsourced. I have analyzed that outsourcing affects the performance of the business at large.
Organisations of different sizes are preferring outsourcing as an effective approach for
increasing effectiveness of the function. The decision regarding the use of outsourcing is
dependent on different factors. These factors are categories into advantages and
disadvantages of outsourcing (Neuman, 2014).
I have composed an objective for defining the goals which needed to be achieved
from the execution of the research program. The objectives which I have defined in this
research are an analysis of the concept of outsourcing, the role played and importance of
outsourcing and advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing of the business functions.

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Information has been gathered on the basis of these objectives by applying different data
collection methods (Hill, 2008). Objectives which I have defined have formed a base for
defining the scope of the research program. Views of the different authors have been
presented in the literature review section of the assignment for meeting the objectives set.
The literature review discusses the aspects covered in the objective for forming a base for the
topic of the research. Analysis has been done on the different methods of data collection for
ensuring that the selection has been made of the most appropriate methods (Patricia Hardre,
2010).
Outsourcing has been defined as a process where a function of the business is
delegated to the external party with a motive to increase effectiveness and efficiency and
reducing the cost involved in the function. I have analyzed that with the use of outsourcing
businesses are capable of focusing on the core activities or functions of the business. I can
define the term outsourcing on the basis of the knowledge I have gained as transferring the
duties, roles and responsibilities related to a function to a third party or outside party for a
certain amount. The positive impact of outsourcing can be seen on the increase in
effectiveness of the core functions of the business and reducing the cost involved in the
outsourced function. Businesses are moving towards the expansion of the area of operation
which has affected the functioning of different functions of the business. For coping with this
issue, businesses are using outsourcing (Ming-Chih Tsai, 2012).
According to me, learning is essential for every individual as this learning process
enhances the skills, knowledge, and experience gained. I personally believe that life is a
learning process as one learns on every stage of the life. During the execution of each activity
of the research, I have developed knowledge of different aspects of the research. The learning
experience gained during this research program has prepared me for future prospects. I will
be able to deal with the future events in a better manner by applying the knowledge and

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experience gained while execution of this research program. This experience is of great value
as knowledge is an important asset which enhances the performance of the individual (Naber
& Wyatt, 2014).
According to me, this learning process will be of great use for me as I have executed
this program with my own efforts. I have prepared myself for performing the future roles
assigned to me in a better manner. For the purpose of completion of the course, it is required
to perform the activities in an effective manner. This business research has ensured that the
expected outcomes of the business research are attained. This business research has formed a
base which will guide the efforts in the right direction and complete the program in a better
manner. As a professional, I will need to conduct research programs with a motive to develop
knowledge or gather data related to a topic. This business research has helped in meeting the
future needs of the professional life. Outsourcing is an important element and this research
has contributed to my knowledge regarding this concept. This knowledge will be used for the
issues or event of the general life (Dalley-Hewer, et. al., 2015).
While the execution phase of the research program, I have divided the whole research
program into different parts. These different activities or parts have helped me in performing
the research successfully. A systematic approach has been followed throughout the research
program for covering every aspect of the research. I have initiated the research program for
assembling the quality data for maintaining the reliability of the data and presenting the views
of the different authors. I have analyzed different sources of data collection. During the
initiation of the data collection process, Knowledge of the outsourcing and different aspects
related to outsourcing has been developed (Powers, et. al., 2016).
This business research has enhanced my knowledge by contributing to the learning
process. During the execution of the research program, I have analyzed various aspects
related to the research. These aspects have helped in performing the research in a better

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manner. I have observed that while conducting a research, an individual need to collect data
and arrange the data. Analysis of the data needs to be done for the purpose of drawing a
conclusion on the basis of the analyzed data. This research has prepared me for performing
the future research programs in a better manner. During the research program, knowledge has
been developed regarding the role of ethics in the professional as well as personal life
(O'Gara, 2014).
I have initiated this research program in different parts for presenting the research
data in a better manner by describing the different methods of data collection. In the
assignment one of the research, data has been presented which is related to the topic.
Assignment one has developed the knowledge of the outsourcing along with the benefits and
challenges associated with the use of outsourcing in business. In the assignment two of this
research, methods applied for data collection have been defined (Dalley-Hewer, et. al., 2015).
This learning process which has been gained in this research has helped in the
completion of the current program in a proper manner. I will use the knowledge gained for
performing the events taking place in future in a better manner. This learning process has
enhanced the quality of knowledge possessed (Barney & Mackinlay, 2010).
Thus, the key summary of the reflection is that this reflection has enhanced my
experience which I will put to use in the future. I have learned regarding the different aspects
of the business research topic which will form a base for the further activities or researches in
the same area. I have learned the manner in which a research is conducted along with the
importance of research.

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References
Barney, K. & Mackinlay, E. (2010). Creating Rainbows from Words and Transforming
Understandings: Enhancing Student Learning through Reflective Writing in an
Aboriginal Music Course. Teaching in Higher Education, 15(2), pp.161–173.
Dalley-Hewer, J., Opie, J. & Knowles, N. (2015). A creative alternative to reflective writing:
promoting skills of reflection through walking a labyrinth. Physiotherapy, 101,
pp.e766–e767.
Hill, C. (2008). International Business: Competing in the Global Market Place. Strategic
Direction, 24(9).
Jahyun Goo, R. K. (2009). The Role of Service Level Agreements in Relational Management
of Information Technology Outsourcing: An Empirical Study. MIS Quarterly, 33(1),
119-145.
Ming-Chih Tsai, K.-h. L. (2012). The dark side of logistics outsourcing – Unraveling the
potential risks leading to failed relationships. Transportation Research Part E:
Logistics and Transportation Review, 48(1), 178-189.
Naber, C. & Wyatt, T. H. (2014). The effect of reflective writing interventions on the critical
thinking skills and dispositions of baccalaureate nursing students. Nurse Education
Today, 34(1), pp.67–72.
Neuman, L. (2014). Basics of Social Research. New York: Pearson.
O'Gara, S. (2014). Writing a CPD article: a CPD article enhanced Shaun O'Gara's
understanding of the process of writing a reflective account. Nursing Standard, 29(9),
pp.61–61.

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Patricia Hardre, M. C. (2010). Differential Effects of Web-Based and Paper-Based
Administration of Questionnaire Research Instruments in Authentic Contexts-of-Use.
Journal of Educational Computing Research, 42(1).
Powers, E., Vance, M. & Fleming, L. (2016). Teaching Reflective Writing Through Learning
Communities: An Opportunity to Meet Student Needs and Improve Student-Faculty
Relationships. Medical Science Educator, 26(1), pp.129–133.