Inter-sourcing: alternative IT sourcing solutions using student interns

Abstract

Information Technology (IT) sourcing decisions are motivated by cost savings, skills acquisition, and staffing flexibility. The research in progress introduces a new alternative in sourcing, inter-sourcing. This practice incorporates the benefits of offshoring and outsourcing, while eliminating many of the challenges. University interns perform IT projects for corporations as employees of satellite offices. This paper presents the emergent themes from exploratory interviews with directors of three satellite offices, university staff members, and the director of the associated business incubator. Implications for theory and practice are discussed, along with future directions for this research.