An Analysis of IT/IS Offshore Outsourcing: Educator Perspectives

The key questions: What are the concerns in U.S. universities due to IT/IS offshore outsourcing, in relation to interest and enrolment by students in IT/IS programs? What are the prevailing consequences of IT/IS offshore outsourcing on undergraduate training for IT/IS programs? What are the specific changes in IT/IS university programs that can be attributed to offshore outsourcing? The factors include: influence on student interest in IT/IS, the U.S. IT/IS worker morale, data security and intellectual property protection, the need for innovation, government role through regulation, funding and policies, remuneration for IT/IS careers, image of IT/IS careers, IT industry, the role of professional organizations, and mass media. These issues touch on several entities; the IT/IS educators, students, working IT professionals, IT employers, government and the news media. Each of these groups of people have a role to play, and yet none can single-handedly make the difference. It is through coordination or oversight, together with clear goals, objectives and strategies that will make the difference.