The Potential Impact of Offshore Ousourcing on Information Systems Education Programs
Thomas A. Pollack, A.J. Palumbo School of Business Administration, Duquesne University
As recently as the 1999-2000 academic year, the most sought after graduates were those completing degree requirements in a wide variety of information systems based programs. Many graduates were enticed by lucrative signing bonuses as organizations prepared for the dreaded uncertainty of Y2K. Information Systems type education programs and courses were in great demand as most students wanted to demonstrate that they had developed significant competency in using computers and understanding the value of information systems.
Now, four short years later, many information systems professionals are unemployed, and many others are fearful of losing their well-compensated positions to outsourcing initiatives. Particularly distressing is the fact that many of these outsourcing initiatives are offshore. The dislocation of information systems related employment opportunities in the United States is becoming real. Chief Information Officers in companies across the country are beginning to realize the magnitude of the potential loss of talent, knowledge, and performance. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that by 2010, nearly 300,000 computer-related jobs will be lost to offshore initiatives.
This paper will examine the impact of today's offshore outsourcing movement. It will also include a discussion of the potential impact on our education programs as a result of a decreased number of career opportuities and a declining interest in information systems education.
