Business process outsourcing: a new test of management competence

Discusses the need for effective business process outsourcing, and starts by identifying core and non‐core activities. Common tasks of outsourcing are identified and each task is examined, in turn, to identify the management competences required. Presents a framework of technical and behavioural competences and puts forward an effective action‐learning approach for use by management development specialists. One role is examined to demonstrate a manager’s outsourced responsibilities, and the competences required to manage them.