5 to 500: managing a large total outsourcing deal at ABC India

Abstract

This report is an action research study over a period of 4 months a MNC company with large operations in India (referred to in this report as ABC Corp). We follow the evolution of ABC India from a small N to one of the largest software exporters in India. With this backdrop, the challenge posed by changing demands from the marketplace and hence changes in its business model and expectations from the parent company in the USA, are studied. Specifically, we study a rapidly growing project (growing from 5 to500 in 3 months) that is one of the first projects faced with the new world order at ABC India. The changes wrought by the changed business model offer a vast canvas of study. These include the problems of high growth, changes in the business model and changing ways of operation at ABC India. The aim was to develop an understanding of how we can develop technical and management competencies in the 5 to 500 project group, as well as to ensure that teams have a strong knowledge base. We move through the Look-Think-Act paradigm of action research with a combination of focus groups, surveys and interviews. The issues facing ABC India are explored through multiple means, and we present guidelines that can be used in the 5 to 500 project to achieve its aims.