Information Systems Research | December 2013
firm. Outsourcing initiatives vary in terms of uncertainty and complexity of the engagement and consequent choice of the governing contract (fixed or variable). Using data on the hundred largest outsourcing initiatives implemented between 1996 and 2005, we find that relative to an industry, size-and book-to-market matched sample of control firms, the mean three year buy-and-hold abnormal return for fixed price outsourcing contracts is 17.5 percent (p<0.05) while the equivalent return for variable price contracts is -21.2 percent (p<0.10). We find support for the hypothesis that lower (greater) levels of complexity and uncertainty in the task and relational
environments that increase the likelihood of choice of fixed (variable) price contracts are
associated with greater (lower) returns to outsourcing. The market is slow to incorporate this signal provided by the contract. The results imply that firms have not managed strategic outsourcing initiatives efficiently, destroying significant shareholder value in the process.
Professor Deepa Mani is Professor of Information Systems and the Deputy Dean of Academic Programmes & Digital Learning at the Indian School of Business. Deepa’s research interests are at the intersection of technology, organisation, and society. She has demonstrated significant thought leadership on the business and policy implications of technological innovations and investments. Her research articles have been published in leading academic journals and extensively featured in refereed conference proceedings, edited book chapters, and popular media outlets. Deepa serves as a Senior Editor at Information Systems Research. Deepa’s research has also had widespread impact on business practice and policy. In recognition of her impact, she was awarded the prestigious INFORMS Information Systems Society (ISS) Practical Impacts Award in 2022.
Deepa has been appointed to serve on several expert committees of the Central and State governments to provide guidance on policies for the digital economy, digital interventions in key sectors, and catalyse grassroot impacts using technology. She also extensively coaches organizations, keynotes corporate leadership events, and conducts executive education in the areas of digital business models, digital transformation and technology product management.
Deepa completed her undergraduate education at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, Masters in Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, and her doctorate in Information Systems from the University of Texas, Austin.
