Fakultät Informatik und Mathematik
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The transfer of knowledge from client to service provider poses major challenges in information systems (IS) offshoring projects. Knowledge transfer directly affects IS offshoring success. Therefore, associated challenges must be overcome. Our study examines the determinants of success and failure of knowledge transfer in IS offshoring projects based on a ranking-type Delphi study. We questioned 32 experts from Germany, each with more than ten years of experience in near- or offshore initiatives to seek a consensus among them. We identified 19 success and 20 failure determinants. These determinants are ranked in order of importance using best-worst scaling. Aspects of closer cooperation are critical for effective knowledge transfer. This includes regular collaboration, willingness to help and support, and mutual trust. In contrast, critical determinants of failure are concerned with fears and fluctuation of human resources. Hidden ambiguities or knowledge gaps, an unwillingness and disability to share knowledge, and high fluctuation of human resources negatively impact knowledge transfer.
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the main tasks, necessary skills, and the implementation of the offshore coordinator’s role to facilitate knowledge transfer in information systems (IS) offshoring.
Design/methodology/approach
This empirical exploratory study uses the classical Delphi method that includes one qualitative and two quantitative rounds to collect data on IS experts’ perceptions to seek a consensus among them.
Findings
The participants agreed, with strong consensus, for a set of 16 tasks and 15 skills. The tasks focused primarily on relationship management and facilitating knowledge transfer on different levels. The set of skills consists of approximately 25 per cent “hard” skills, e.g. professional language skills and project management skills, and approximately 75 per cent “soft” skills, e.g. interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to deal with conflict. Two factors mainly influence implementing the offshore coordinator role: project size and the number of projects to be supported simultaneously.
Practical implications
The findings provide indications of how to define and fulfill this crucial role in practice to facilitate the knowledge transfer process in a positive way.
Originality/value
Similarities in previous research findings are aggregated to examine the intermediate role in detail from a consolidated perspective. This results in the first comprehensive set of critical tasks and skills assigned to the competency dimensions of the universal competency framework, demonstrating which and how many competency dimensions are critical.