Outsourcing Research Articles

Designing a Service Provision Website Using the Design Thinking Method

Berkarya Abdi Sejahtera is a company that operates in the field of Outsourcing services such as Administration, Data Input, Operator, Warehouse, Labor, Security, Office Boy/Grill, Driver, Technician, Mechanic, and others. One way to increase company development is by using the website. Websites are increasing rapidly along with the number of websites that are used as a tool to promote companies to make them better known. Based on previous research conducted regarding Thrifdoor Business Website Design Using the Design Thinking Approach Method, it states that the creation process uses the Design Thinking method. The aim of this research is to create a website design by innovating using the Design Thinking method. and it is hoped that the design of this website will make it easier for companies to introduce their company. Observation is a process of observing and then recording systematically, logically, objectively and rationally regarding various phenomena in real situations, as well as artificial situations. The author collects and reviews data obtained by direct review and monitoring. Interviews are conducted to obtain data and information in the form of questions and answers from people who are directly involved with the system that is the object of research. Interviews will be conducted with members of PT Berkarya Abdi Sejahtera at the design stage. The 5 stages of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

Combine harvester outsourcing services and seasonal rural non‐farm employment in Myanmar

AbstractPrior research on mechanization outsource services has not explored seasonal variations in drivers and outcomes of adoption by smallholders. These omissions are important because seasonality of crop cultivation may influence intensity of demand for machines, while seasonality of demand for non‐farm labor may influence the availability and cost of agricultural workers and the opportunity costs of on‐farm self‐employment. We analyze seasonal correlates of combine harvester outsource service use in Myanmar. Surprisingly, adoption is not associated with lower labor costs or higher net margins from paddy cultivation. Rather, using combines releases family labor into more remunerative dry season non‐farm employment.

Research on the driving factors and impact mechanisms of green new quality productive forces in high-tech retail enterprises under China's Dual Carbon Goals

In recent years, the issue of global climate change has become increasingly severe, prompting countries worldwide to intensify their control over carbon emissions to achieve sustainable development goals. As a crucial component of the modern economy, high-tech retail enterprises significantly influence the entire industry's sustainable development through technological innovations and business models. This study focuses on Chinese high-tech retail enterprises, employing a theoretical framework grounded in Resource Dependency Theory and the dialectics of productive forces and relations from a Marxist political economy perspective, supported by Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study identifies the degree of green technology application, corporate environmental policy response strategies, and consumer environmental awareness and demand as mediating variables. The aim is to deeply explore the impact mechanisms driving green and new-quality productivity in Chinese high-tech retail enterprises and to provide an in-depth understanding of the sustainable development of their green and new-quality productivity. The findings indicate that external resources such as policy support, technological innovation, and market demand significantly impact the green productivity of high-tech retail enterprises. Government environmental policies and subsidy measures provide institutional safeguards and resource support for enterprises; technological innovation drives the application and efficiency improvement of green technologies; and market demand for environmentally friendly products promotes the green transformation of enterprises. The study explores how enterprises can integrate different external resources to maximize the benefits of green productivity, including formulating policy response strategies, strengthening technological innovation and R&D investment, seizing market opportunities, and establishing cooperative relationships. These findings offer necessary theoretical support and practical insights into the resource dependency strategies and the mechanisms impacting the development of green productivity in high-tech retail enterprises. This study provides valuable theoretical and practical references for high-tech retail enterprises in promoting the development of green and new-quality productivity. It offers valuable suggestions and guidance for enterprise decision-making and policy formulation. By revealing the dialectical interaction between external resources and internal production relations, this study provides a systematic path analysis and strategic recommendations for achieving the Dual Carbon goals.

Pengaruh Sistem Kerja Dan Kesejahteraan Terhadap Kinerja Tenaga Outsourcing Di PT.PLN (Persero) Rayon Ampera Palembang

This study aims to evaluate the impact of work systems and welfare on the performance of outsourcing employees at PT.PLN (Persero) Rayon Ampera Palembang. The research employed a population method, with all 40 outsourcing employees serving as the sample, using total sampling techniques. Data was collected through questionnaires utilizing a Likert scale as the measurement tool. The study used a quantitative approach, incorporating validity and reliability tests, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression analysis, as well as t-tests, F-tests, and determination tests, all conducted using SPSS version 25 software. The findings indicate that both the work system and welfare variables positively influence the performance of outsourcing employees, both individually and collectively.

Motivation and retention of outsourced employees

ABSTRACT A food service supplier is experiencing that, in their distribution centres, within 30 days, an average of 48% of the outsourced employees resign, which impacts profitability, productivity and service quality. This study investigates which factors of the Herzberg two-factor motivation theory contribute to the retention of outsourced employees of a food service supplier and whether there is a difference between eastern or southern European employees. A total of 299 outsourced employees of the food service suppliers at four out of nine distribution centres filled out a 15-item survey, including questions on the various aspects of the Herzberg motivation theory, and their intention to stay with the company. Results show that extrinsic motivation factors play a more significant role in the retention of outsourced employees in comparison to the intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors significantly correlated with retention are policies and administration, work conditions, supervision and interpersonal relations. Intrinsic factors significantly correlated with retention are advancement, the work itself and achievement. No significant relationship was found between the salary factor and employee retention. Although results showed that southern Europeans tend to stay longer with the company in comparison to eastern Europeans, no significant differences were observed regarding the impact of motivation and hygiene factors between the two sub-groups. To enhance retention, the food service supplier is advised to provide sufficient growth and development opportunities, assign important responsibilities and acknowledge accomplishments. Furthermore, the company must assess, track and oversee all relevant extrinsic and intrinsic motivation factors to connect the outsourced employees with the company for a longer term.

Tree stem-atmosphere greenhouse gas fluxes in a boreal riparian forest

Tree stems exchange greenhouse gases with the atmosphere but the magnitude, variability and drivers of these fluxes remain poorly understood. Here, we report stem fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in a boreal riparian forest, and investigate their spatiotemporal variability and ecosystem level importance. For two years, we measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes on a monthly basis in 14 spruces (Picea abies) and 14 birches (Betula pendula) growing near a headwater stream affected by historic ditching. We also measured N2O fluxes on three occasions. All tree stems were net emitters of CO2 and CH4, while N2O fluxes were around zero. CO2 fluxes correlated strongly with air temperature and peaked in summer. CH4 fluxes correlated modestly with air temperature and solar radiation and peaked in late winter and summer. Trees with larger stem diameter emitted more CO2 and less CH4 and trees closer to the stream emitted more CO2 and CH4. The CO2 and CH4 fluxes did not differ between spruce and birch, but correlations of CO2 fluxes with stem diameter and distance to stream differed between the tree species. The absence of vertical trends in CO2 and CH4 fluxes along the stems and their low correlation with groundwater levels and soil CO2 and CH4 partial pressures suggest tree internal production as the primary source of stem emissions. At the ecosystem level, the stem CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions represented 52 ± 16 % of the forest floor CO2 emissions and 3 ± 1 % and 11 ± 40 % of the forest floor CH4 and N2O uptake, respectively, during the snow-free period (median ± SE). The six month snow-cover period contributed 11 ± 45 % and 40 ± 29 % to annual stem CO2 and CH4 emissions, respectively. Overall, the stem gas fluxes were more typical for upland rather than wetland ecosystems likely due to historic ditching and subsequent groundwater level decrease.

More than one way to peel an orange : A fresh approach to building an effective lease administration function

This paper explores the evolving landscape of lease administration, prompted by shifts in labour markets, growing complexities of financial reporting for lease agreements and the emergence of robust lease management technology. Lease administration emerges as a critical business function, with a focus on managing lease data, ensuring accurate rent payments and navigating compliance and landlord relationships, while providing realtime reporting capability for business stakeholders. In addition, lease administrators transition from labour-intensive manual processes to a more analytical and technical approach. Given the altered environment in lease management requirements, tools and skill sets, now is an ideal juncture for companies to assess their current lease administration operating model, and the paper introduces a perfect assessment tool. The Lease Administration Framework, a proactive lease administration management system, highlights strategies and decisions for managing a company’s real estate portfolio while considering the use of in-house teams and outsourced service providers. The paper advocates for a tailored approach to be aligned with organisational needs, while emphasising the importance of evaluating talent, technology and risk tolerance in the decision-making process. By following the framework, corporate real estate (CRE) leaders can ensure financial prudence, gain the agility to allocate resources strategically, invest in growth initiatives and weather economic uncertainties.

GERENCIAMENTO DE RISCOS NO PLANEJAMENTO DAS LICITAÇÕES E CONTRATOS PÚBLICOS

Recent legislative changes in the area of public bidding and contracts, especially the guidelines implemented by Normative Instruction SEGES/MPDG Nº. 05/2017, established a new regime for contracting outsourced services in the Brazilian legal system. This new instrument aims to expand the dispute, in compliance with the principle of competitiveness, resulting in the expansion of the supplier market. IN Nº. 05/2017 establishes the rules and guidelines for the procedure for contracting services under the indirect execution regime within the scope of the Direct, autarchic and foundational Federal Public Administration. The regulation establishes innovative phases: Contracting Planning; Supplier Selection; and Contract Management. The Planning phase consists, according to the IN, of 3 stages: Preliminary Studies; Risk Management; and Terms of Reference or Basic Design. This paper aims to present a Risk Management Plan, developed in the planning phase of contracting a bidding process in the Electronic Auction for Price Registration modality. According to the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition p. 395, project risk management includes the processes of conducting planning, identification, analysis, response planning, implementation of responses and monitoring of risks in a project. The objective is to maximize exposure to positive events and minimize exposure to negative events. In this context, through causes, consequences, categories and SWOT analysis, 75 risks were identified. Risk management processes were used in accordance with the PMBOK® doctrine and the Pareto Principle to prioritize 25 risks.

Increase in marginal sea alkalinity may impact air–sea carbon dioxide exchange and buffer acidification

AbstractTotal alkalinity (TA) has increased in the Baltic Sea, with implications for atmospheric CO2‐induced acidification and CO2 uptake. We compiled extensive data of TA in surface waters of the Baltic Sea, aiming to (i) identify new tendencies in the relationship between TA and salinity (TA–S relationship), (ii) update the TA trend analysis, (iii) investigate spatial–temporal patterns, and (iv) discuss potential drivers and implications. We observed a progressive decrease in the slopes and increase in the intercepts of the TA–S overtime due to the persistent process of TA enhancement. A weak seasonal pattern was identified, with warmer months presenting lower salinity and TA. Lower rates of TA increase were observed in high salinities (Skagerrak–Kattegat; +1.00 to +2.20 μmol kg−1 yr−1), intermediate trends in low salinities (Gulf of Bothnia; +3.28 to +3.57 μmol kg−1 yr−1), and maximal trends in the Central Baltic Sea (+3.70 to +4.57 μmol kg−1 yr−1) and Bornholm Basin (+4.82 to +5.32 μmol kg−1 yr−1). The increase in the intercept of the TA–S in the Gulf of Bothnia suggests a progressive increase in the external supply of TA, although lower than previously thought. The maximum trend in the Bornholm Basin suggests an increase in external supply from the Southern catchment and/or the accumulation of internal production. The positive TA–phosphorus correlations underscore a significant internal source. The TA increase amplifies the CO2 uptake by 1.8–7.8% during spring/summer and reduces the CO2 outgassing by 3.4–7.7% in autumn/winter. The TA enhancement has the potential to buffer CO2‐induced acidification by 39–60% by 2050.

Possibilities for increasing labour productivity by implementing innovative activities in the repair and service sector of animal husbandry

At present, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus are signifi cantly behind the developed countries in terms of labor productivity and the share of domestic companies implementing technological innovations in the main sectors of the economy (especially in agriculture). One of the signifi cant factors of this lag is the underestimation in past years of the promising potential of various innovative technologies and, as a consequence the very limited and slow implementation of breakthrough innovations in the most significant sectors of the domestic economy. The decisive turn of the state economic policy of neighboring states in the area of deep technological transformation of all sectors of the economy is aimed at an innovative breakthrough and reaching advanced growth rates in the technological and economic development of fraternal countries. However, along with the introduction of the latest technologies the creation of completely new modern high-tech industries, which will require colossal financial investments, the task of comprehensively and thoroughly exploring internal production reserves, searching for new forms and methods of improving the efficiency of labour organization at existing enterprises, which will also bring a noticeable economic effect, remains relevant. This article describes in sufficient detail practical activities to improve and streamline accounting, planning, certifi cation, rationalization of workplaces of animal husbandry technical service organizations under the current conditions of the developing market. The results of the studies show that certification and rationalization of workplaces are effective tools in fi nding internal production reserves to improve the use of labour resources, fixed production assets, promotes the replacement of obsolete equipment, improves the relationship between workplaces, improves working conditions, and optimally balances the need for labour with the number of existing workplaces. This will significantly increase the overall efficiency of activities and competitiveness of service enterprises in the field of animal husbandry.

Research on the Status Quo and Internal Control of Enterprise Human Resource Service Outsourcing

Research on the Status Quo and Internal Control of Enterprise Human Resource Service Outsourcing

Out-Sourcing and Organizational Performance of Seroma Limited in Uganda

This study examines the outsourcing and organizational performance of Seroma LTD in Uganda. A sample of 66 respondents both female and male employees out of the target population of 70 of the company were used for the study. The study employed case study research. The study findings showed that the company does carry ·out outsourcing of services from third-party service providers as shown by the greater majority of respondents. The findings also showed that when it came to outsourcing management, the company was effective and thusconcluded that factors that were considered by the company before outsourcing were cost restructuring, quality appraisal, and current employee skills. Appraisal process and legal issues, stalling issues, and risk management. The study recommended that the company should carry out an appraisal of the outsourcing model that it is using which should also take into consideration the relationship the company has with the respective service providers. More so, the company should carry out a strict and vigorous appraisal process when selecting a potential outsourcing partner. This should be done in line with establishing reliability, post-transaction, service guarantees, and warranties as well as legal cover. Finally, the company should restructure its outsourcing strategy to take into account the need for productivity in Seroma since productivity is pivotal to organizational performance. Keywords: Organizational performance, Outsourced services, Outsourcing, Productivity, Strategic management

PODI: A Private Object Detection Inference framework for autonomous vehicles

Object detection is essential for autonomous vehicles to perceive and understand their environment. The restricted storage and processing capacities of vehicles necessitate the outsourcing of object detection services. However, this may raise concerns regarding the privacy of the uploaded images. Although there have been some studies on privacy-preserving object detection networks, they either lack location privacy protection or involve excessive computational and communication overheads. To address this issue, we propose a private object detection inference framework (PODI), which is based on a Faster R-CNN and aims to protect both classification and location privacy. PODI employs additive secret sharing protocols to support collaborative computation between two edge servers. By using efficient protocols such as secure Maxpool, secure array access, and secure exponent, PODI significantly reduces computational and communication overheads. A theoretical analysis has confirmed the security, correctness, and efficiency of PODI. Extensive experiments were used to demonstrate its security, inference accuracy comparable to plaintext approaches, and lower cost of secure inference.

Does outsourcing enable the survival of good care homes? A longitudinal analysis of all care homes in England, 2011–2023

BackgroundIt is unclear whether outsourcing has enabled the growth and survival of the best care homes, as intended. We aimed to test whether ownership (for-profit, public and third sector (non-profit))...

Intent to stay of Chinese agency workers in the information technology outsourcing industry

PurposeThe literature on information technology outsourcing (ITO) prioritises monetary considerations and overlooks human aspects. This qualitative study adopts a contextualised approach to address a research gap in understanding agency workers’ intent to stay in the ITO sector.Design/methodology/approachIn contrast to previous studies that focus on intra-organisational factors and use quantitative designs, this study takes a qualitative approach. It analyses data from 85 in-depth interviews with agency workers in the Chinese ITO supply chain and project managers of supplier and client firms.FindingsThe study constructs an integrated framework covering 15 factors at three levels and shows how they interact to influence Chinese agency workers’ intent to stay in the ITO supply chain. Variations in outsourcing management styles and practices among U.S., Japanese and Chinese client firms are presented to enrich the understanding of outsourcing dynamics in a global context.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the ITO literature by providing new insights into the retention of highly skilled agency workers and deepening the contextual understanding of this issue, throwing light on the human aspects often overshadowed by monetary considerations.

The Effect of Implementing PSAK 72 in Recognizing Business Income from Outsourcing Labor Provision Services and Reconciling Income Tax Returns and VAT (Case Study at PT XYZ)

The demands of globalization have led to increased cross-border transactions, necessitating the harmonization of financial reporting standards. PSAK 72, adopted from IFRS 15, was implemented in Indonesia on January 1, 2020, impacting various sectors, including the outsourced labor provision services sector. This study focuses on PT XYZ, examining the significant effects of PSAK 72 on income recognition and cost reporting, compared to the previous PSAK 23. The implementation of PSAK 72 resulted in a substantial increase in reported income and costs, despite minimal growth in customer numbers and contracts. The study also explores the fiscal adjustments required to reconcile income reporting between commercial financial reports and tax returns, highlighting the differences in income recognition principles between PSAK 72, the Income Tax Law, and VAT regulations. Through qualitative case study methods, including interviews, document analysis, and literature review, the research provides insights into the impact of PSAK 72 on financial reporting and tax compliance for entities in the outsourced labor services sector. The findings suggest the need for entities to adopt proper recording practices and for tax authorities to update regulations in line with evolving accounting standards to ensure legal certainty and minimize disputes.

Load-bearing capacity, internal accuracy and time-efficiency of heat-pressed, milled and 3D-printed lithium disilicate ultra-thin occlusal veneers

ObjectivesThe primary aim of this in vitro study was to compare the load-bearing capacity of lithium disilicate occlusal veneers, fabricated via different manufacturing processes. Secondary objectives included assessing internal accuracy and production time-efficiency. MethodsFour fabrication methods for ultra-thin lithium disilicate occlusal veneers on extracted human molars with simulated erosive defects were compared (n = 20/group): CAM: milled lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD); HPR: heat-pressed lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press) out of a milled PMMA template (Ddpmma CAST); 3DP: 3D-printed lithium disilicate (experimental lithium disilicate); PTE: heat-pressed lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press) out of a 3D-printed template (SilaPrint cast). Internal accuracy was measured prior to thermo-mechanical aging, followed by static loading to measure the load-bearing capacity (Fmax). Fabrication time (time-efficiency) was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test. ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found in median load-bearing capacities (Fmax) between the groups (KW p = 0.5902): CAM 1821 N, HPR 1896 N, 3DP 2003 N, PTE 1687 N. Significant differences were found in internal accuracy between the groups that employed printing processes (3DP, PTE) and all other groups in margins (p < 0.001), cusps (p < 0.0018), and fossae (p < 0.0346). The time-efficiency measurements indicated an increase in fabrication time, starting from CAM 67.2 ± 5.8 min, followed by HPR 200.8 ± 33.0 min, PTE 289.2 ± 38.7 min, and peaking with the highest duration observed for 3DP 701.6 ± 8.1 min. SignificanceThe fabrication method of ultra-thin lithium disilicate occlusal veneers does not significantly impact their load-bearing capacity, but affects the clinical fit and adaptation of the veneers.

Big data service outsourcing and cost-sharing choices for the manufacturer

Big data service outsourcing and cost-sharing choices for the manufacturer

The Influence of Transformational Leadership Style and Work Motivation on the Performance of PT Tara's Outsourced Employees in the Maintenance Work Unit of PT Bukit Asam Kertapati Pier Unit

This study was conducted to determine the influence of transformational leadership style and work motivation on the performance of PT Tara's outsourced employees in the PT Bukit Asam Dermaga Kertapati Unit maintenance work unit. The population and sample in this study are all PT Tara's outsourced employees in the PT Bukit Asam Kertapati Pier Unit maintenance work unit in 2023-2024, with as many as 33 employees using the census method. The results of multiple linear regression analysis show that transnational leadership style and work motivation have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. In a transformational leadership style, it is hoped that the role of the boss can provide opportunities for employees to provide opinions. Work motivation: it is hoped that the boss can provide fair input to employees so that fellow employees can establish good relationships.

The Optimal Logistics Distribution Service Strategy of the E-commerce Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network under Blockchain Technology and the Government Blockchain Subsidy

The booming development of e-commerce has promoted the diversified development of logistics distribution services (LDS). For LDS, e-commerce retailers (e-retailers) often choose either the outsourced logistics distribution services strategy (OLDSS) or the self-built logistics distribution services strategy (SBLDSS). Although there are problems such as products getting lost and damaged during the logistics distribution process, the high transparency and traceability characteristics of blockchain technology (BT) can help solve the problem of products being lost and damaged in the logistics distribution process. However, due to the high cost of BT, e-retailers may encounter reduced sales, which causes the supply chain corporate profits to decrease. To encourage the BT investment enthusiasm of the e-retailers and regulate corporate profits, the government implements subsidies for e-retailers’ BT, namely, the government blockchain subsidy (GBS). In addition, in recent years, environmental degradation has become increasingly severe, causing negative impacts on people’s lives. To promote sustainable development, we use variational inequality to establish an e-commerce closed-loop supply chain (E-CLSC) network equilibrium model in which the network equilibrium decisions of e-retailers choosing the OLDSS and those choosing the SBLDSS are obtained. Then, we analyze the impact of the BT input cost and the GBS quota on equilibrium decisions by studying their properties and verifying the theoretical results by performing numerical examples. Finally, we analyze the profits of the e-retailers to obtain the impact of the BT input cost and the GBS quota on e-retailers’ choice of the optimal LDS strategy; in this way, we provide a scientific basis for e-retailers to choose the optimal LDS strategy. The results show that increasing the BT input costs reduces e-retailers’ product sales under the two LDS strategies, which decreases the production rate and the recovery rate of the products. When the BT input cost is low, SBLDSS is the best choice for e-retailers. When the BT input cost is high, OLDSS is the best choice for e-retailers. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between GBS and e-retailers’ product sales; thus, GBS is conducive to expanding market demand, regulating the profits of manufacturers, increasing the e-retailers’ profits, improving the enthusiasm of the e-retailers for BT investment, and promoting the overall development of supply chain enterprises. For e-retailers, choosing the OLDSS can lead to a better development of the E-CLSC.