Opportunities and Challenges of Outsourcing in Australian Businesses

This report analyzes the opportunities and challenges associated with outsourcing business functions and its impact on the performance of businesses in Australia, with a specific focus on the telecommunications sector. The study explores the research methodology, including qualitative and quantitative data collection from secondary sources, to address key research questions regarding the benefits, challenges, and effects of outsourcing on large telecommunication companies. The report reviews relevant literature, defines the project's scope, objectives, and limitations, and includes a time schedule for the research plan. It also examines the research design, which is exploratory in nature, and the methods used for data collection, such as journals, articles, and company magazines. The research identifies the challenges and opportunities related to outsourcing, the effects of outsourcing on large telecommunication companies, and the countries to which telecommunication companies outsource jobs. Finally, the report concludes with a discussion of the research's limitations and potential for future studies.

“OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF OUTSOURCING BUSINESS
FUNCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF BUSINESSES IN AUSTRALIA”
Assignment 2
Student Name: Student ID:
Subject Name: Subject ID:
Date Due: Professor Name:
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Table of Contents
“OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF OUTSOURCING BUSINESS FUNCTION
AND PERFORMANCE OF BUSINESSES IN AUSTRALIA”.....................................................1
1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................3
2. Project Objective......................................................................................................................3
3. Project Scope...............................................................................................................................4
4. Literature Review........................................................................................................................4
5. Research Questions/Hypothesis...................................................................................................5
6. Research Design and Methodology.............................................................................................5
6.1 Qualitative research................................................................................................................6
6.2 Quantitative research..............................................................................................................7
7. Research Limitations...................................................................................................................8
8. Time Schedule (Research plan)...................................................................................................8
9. Conclusion...................................................................................................................................9
10. Reference List..........................................................................................................................10
Appendix........................................................................................................................................11
Appendix 1.................................................................................................................................11
Appendix 2.................................................................................................................................12
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1. Introduction
Outsourcing has become an increasing trend amongst developed countries. Australia is a
developed country that is rapidly growing and expanding (Neuman, 2014). The scope of
the current study deals in outsourcing of increasing large number of less important jobs to
developing countries around the world. Especially in telecommunication sector, recently
there has been trends of large number of jobs getting outsourced. Tasks, which form non-
core activities as human resources or finances, are getting outsourced to countries as
China, India, Philippines and so on. This study analysis the research methodology that
has been adopted for the purpose of conducting this study (Creswell, 2007). Projective
objective, scope and hypothesis for the study is analysed to arrive at results for the study.
A brief description of the previous analysis and study undertaken has been provided in
the literature review section, that encompasses details regarding earlier conduct of the
study. Limitations for the research has also been undertaken along with time schedule
that will be required for completion of the project. A projected time frame for the project
along with scheduled delivery has been proposed within which the project is expected to
be completed (Salkind, 2010).
2. Project Objective
The current project discusses relevant concepts regarding outsourcing along with various
functions that are outsourced by organisations. This study is limited in scope as it
undertakes theoretical progress on the study. However, it has collected qualitative along
with quantitative data for analysis but it is limited to analysing aspects from
telecommunication industry only (Best, 2016). The project does not extend to other
industries where outsourcing has become a regular phenomenon. Hence, the study is
limited to analysing outsourcing aspects from telecommunication industry only.
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3. Project Scope
Project scope is an integral aspects that analyses varying concepts that have been used in the
study. The scope of the project is one-dimensional in nature and based in a single industry.
As analysis of immensely large data requires time and availability of data such endeavors
were not applied (Bryman, 2015). The scope of this study has incorporated outsourcing
aspects within telecommunication sector in Australia alone. This study does not extend to
other industries or includes a large number of companies rather it is entirely focused on
analysing trends pertaining to two companies large scale in the Australian market alone
(Silverman, 2016).
4. Literature Review
In order to successfully conduct any sort of analysis or study it becomes integral to have a
thorough literature review (Miller, 2012). A literature review is done utilising analysis from
relevant journals and articles also utilising relevant internet sources. The current literature
review undertaken for the analysis examines all relevant concepts related to outsourcing and
also its scopes relating to telecommunication industry in Australia (Sachdeva, 2009). Optus
and Telstra are the two companies that have undertaken for analysis in the current scenario as
they are large companies in the market and also trend setters. These companies in recent years
have been increasingly outsourcing their non-core functionalities such as to reduce costs and
increase their profitability. Non-core functionalities as finance and human resources has been
outsourced in recent years amongst most telecommunication companies in order to gain
competitive advantages (Denzin, 2008). Literature problems in this study primarily includes
limited number of journals and articles incorporated for the purpose of this study. Gaps in the
study includes data collection procedure which could have been enhanced in case of primary
data collection and availability. Opportunities in this research include scopes for further
extension. Hypothesis are assumed in this study for the purpose of arriving at findings of the
study and are in connection to understanding challenges and opportunities of outsourcing in
telecommunication sector in Australia (Gast, 2009).
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5. Research Questions/Hypothesis
In order to attain goals of objectives for the study, it becomes relevant to understand and develop
research questions or hypothesis in relation to them (Christensen, 2011).
 Primary Research Question 1: What are the challenges and opportunities associated
with outsourcing?
 Secondary Research Question 1: What is the concept related to outsourcing in
telecommunication sector in Australia?
 Secondary Research Question 2: How has outsourcing affected large
telecommunication companies in Australia?
 Secondary Research Question 3: What are the direct benefits and indirect benefits
associated with outsourcing?
 Secondary Research Question 4: What are the challenges faced by telecommunication
companies in their outsourcing of job?
 Secondary Research Question 5: Which countries does the telecommunication
company outsource jobs to?
Hypothesis:
 Null Hypothesis: The null hypothesis assumes that there are no associated benefits or
challenges from job outsourcing in Australian telecommunication sector
 Alternate Hypothesis: The alternate hypothesis in this case is that there are multiple
challenges or opportunities created in case of job outsourcing.
6. Research Design and Methodology
Research design and methodology is integral for any type of study undertaken. Research
methodology pertains to the ways and means according to which a study has been undertaken
(Flick, 2015). Research design includes processes and structure that is assumed for the
overall study. A methodology determines effectiveness with functionality for the operational
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processes to be undertaken for the particular research processes. It allows successful
completion of the study. A research design can be explanatory, exploratory or descriptive in
nature, dependent upon the nature of the study a particular design in adopted. A descriptive
method is one in which concepts, theories are described, whereas in exploratory study
various theories in connection to the study are explored with dearth of varied information. In
case of an explanatory research design, the scholar aims to make a fundamental association
with the variables of the research (Gomm, 2008). For the purpose of this study an exploratory
research design is adopted. Research methods are adopted for the collection of data and
information for conducting the research. For the purpose of this study, various data and
information needed to be collected. The scholar has mostly resorted to secondary data
collection technique due to lack of time and limitation of available primary data. Data
collection procedure entails development of detailed description of occurrences for arriving
at the key findings of the study. There are various methods of data collection for secondary
data. For the purpose of this study data has been collected mostly from journals, articles,
books, internet sources, company magazines and so on (Bergman, 2008).
6.1 Qualitative research
This study has made use of qualitative data for the purpose of this study. Qualitative data as
indicated above collected from source secondary nature has been collected. This qualitative data
has been analysed using inductive techniques. Each data collected by this method has been
checked for reliability and has been cross validated. Checking for validity as well as reliability
will allow the data to be more useful for the purpose of the research (Cohen, 2013). A method of
sampling had been adopted for such data collection from company magazines of multiple
companies. Sample size had been determined to 20 amongst which data for the company had
been selected which had all available possible information that would be required for conducting
of the study. Variables had been specified for such data collection to be two in nature, one being
challenges and the other being opportunities amongst countries those which outsource (Smith,
2015).
Qualitative research methods are integrated into various domains of social research as well as
natural sciences. It is a broad methodological approach encompassing a varied research methods.
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This process analyses how and why of decision making with a strong connection with
sociological research. Qualitative methods generally seeks empirical support for formation of
research hypothesis. It analyses underlying phenomenon along with situation for understand the
phenomenon in detail. It is one of the five integral angles of data collection methodology. It
includes reviews of literatures with orientation and means. In this case scholar can select
techniques of data ranging from multiple grounded theories, development, narratology for
predicting future occurrences. In order to generate data from qualitative research, interviews
needs to structured or focus groups created, or observatory methods integrated for the study.
Scholar aims at deriving meaning from all sorts of data that are derived from patterns and
categorised data form. There are various soecialists usage of qualitative research, which are then
interpreted according to differing techniques of research.
6.2 Quantitative research
This study has incorporated quantitative data collection as well for the purpose of research.
Quantitative data has been collected from secondary sources as well of companies. In social as
well as natural sciences, quantitative research is integrated for analysing an observable
phenomenon by means of statistical, mathematical or computational processes. Its primary
objective is to make use of hypothesis, mathematical models, theories in connection to a
phenomenon. It makes use of measurable data to draw connection with empirical observation
with expressions in quantitative mathematical relationships. The research analyses data that are
measurable in nature with help of statistical procedures. Application of quantitative research
are immense across various domain of sciences, economics, demographics, sociology,
marketing, political science, human development and so on. It makes use of hypothesis and
variables for developing a mathematical model that can be used for applying theories and
concepts for arriving at key findings of the study.
Variables set for this purpose has been profitability and operational costs (Taylor, 2015). Data
from across 20 companies had been collected and analysed in order to understand impact of
outsourcing on their profitability and operational costs. Quantitative data has been analysed
using statistical techniques and procedures as mean, standard deviation, correlation coefficient
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and ANOVA test. ANNOVA is a test for variance that is used to demonstrate correlation
amongst various data. Quantitative models are used in this regard due to its capability
regarding measurement of such data. Tests for quantitative techniques are made available
across wide range of data for the purposes of arriving at key research findings and analysis.
7. Research Limitations
The research has been conducted thoroughly with all relevant steps and procedures. Though
there are a multiple scopes that has been included in the project, there are certain research
limitations that needs to be overcome. This particular research is limited in scope as it is
based in telecommunication sector of Australia. Further, it does not analyses outsourcing
from other countries apart from Australia (Liamputtong, 2013). This study makes use
of data from two large companies that are market listed hence has totally excluded from its
scope small and medium scale enterprises. The study has not been able to incorporate
analysis form other sectors and study relevant trends regarding outsourcing in them. As the
study has been conducted using secondary sources, it suffers from the limitations of
secondary data. This study is limited in nature but its analysis can be extended to incorporate
further analytical trends for future and further studies including a broad range of scopes
(Koul, 2009).
8. Time Schedule (Research plan)
Designing a particular schedule is critical for every study as it will decided in time achievements.
This study is extensive in its scope hence will require extensive time for data collection and
review of relevant literatures. For this purpose a Gantt chart is prepared which will help
designate a suitable timing for the study. The below mentioned Gantt Chart is designed for
scheduling the study and incorporate necessary time taken for the same (Blumberg, 2014).
Appendix 1
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In Appendix 2 the graph reflects the time calculations and their incorporations within the
articular frame. It is a better pictorial representation for the entire study for understanding total
time taken.
9. Conclusion
Analysis of the various aspects of the study reflects underlying methodology that has been
adopted for the study. Research methodology adopted for the study depicts, the study has made
extensive use of primary along with secondary data source applying various relevant journals for
its literature. Analysis of quantitative data as well as qualitative is critical for arriving at key
findings for the study. However, this study suffers from certain limitations but covers its own
scope extensively. It incorporates detailed data and analysis from various sources for results of
the study. There are certain limitations posed by this study, which can be extended in case its
scope is extended, and more industry analysis is taken into being. At every step of the study an
ethical procedure has been adopted for the study. Ethics has not been excluded in either data
collected or in its analytical procedures. Each of the participants had been made aware regarding
the various aspects of the research. A prospective schedule for the project procedure is developed
and all steps will be incorporated such that the schedule is met adequately. All quantitative and
qualitative data for the study that are included has been checked and cross verified to adhere to
suitable norms as possible. The study will be completed in the desired time as proposed.
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10. Reference List
Bergman, M. M. 2008. Advances in mixed methods research: Theories and applications. Sage.
Best, J. W. 2016. Research in education. Pearson Education India.
Blumberg, B. F. 2014. Business research methods. McGraw-hill education.
Bryman, A. &. 2015. Business research methods. Oxford University Press, USA.
Christensen, L. B. 2011. Research methods, design, and analysis.
Cohen, L. M. 2013. Research methods in education. Routledge.
Creswell, J. W. 2007. Designing and conducting mixed methods research.
Denzin, N. K. 2008. Strategies of qualitative inquiry (Vol. 2). Sage.
Flick, U. 2015. Introducing research methodology: A beginner's guide to doing a research
project. Sage.
Gast, D. L. 2009. Single subject research methodology in behavioral sciences. Routledge.
Gomm, R. 2008. Social research methodology: A critical introduction. Palgrave Macmillan.
Koul, L. 2009. Methodology Of Educational Research, 4Enew E. Vikas publishing house PVT
Ltd.
Liamputtong, P. 2013. Qualitative research methods.
Miller, T. B. 2012. Ethics in qualitative research. Sage.
Neuman, W. L. 2014. Basics of social research. Pearson Canada.
Sachdeva, J. K. 2009. Business research methodology. Himalaya Publishing House.
Salkind, N. J. 2010. Encyclopedia of research design (Vol. 1). Sage.
Silverman, D. 2016. Qualitative research. Sage.
Smith, J. A. 2015. Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. Sage.
Taylor, S. J. 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource. John
Wiley & Sons.
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Appendix
Appendix 1
GANTT CHART
Research for analysing opportunities and challenges of Outsourcing Business
Function and Performance of Businesses in Australia
Topic
Days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1
4
1
5
Work
Proposal
Introductio
n
Research
Questions
Problem
Statement
Literature
Review
Data
Analysis
Solution
from
Analysis
Recommen
dations
Conclusion
Presentatio
n and Viva
Table 1: Time Schedule
Source: Author
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Appendix 2
1
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Presentation and Viva
Conclusion
Recommendations
Solution from Analysis
Data Analysis
Literature Review
Problem Statement
Research Questions
Introduction
Work Proposal
Series2
Topic
Table 2: Time Schedule for Research
Source: Author
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