Strategic sourcing business models

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how seven sourcing models operate along a continuum depending on the complexity of the marketplace and the strategic needs of buyers and suppliers. Studies of business procurement and sourcing practices reveal that collaborative and holistic approaches will increase efficiencies and value in strategic outsourcing relationships. Design/methodology/approach The design is based on research and fieldwork from the University of Tennessee and vetted with the Sourcing Industry Group, the Center for Outsourcing Research and Education and the International Association for Contracts and Commercial Management. This work provided the basis and framework for the 2015 book, Strategic Sourcing in the New Economy: Harnessing the Potential of Sourcing Business Models in Modern Procurement. Findings Most organizations operate under conventional transaction-based models that are constrained by a formal, legally oriented, risk-averse and liability-based culture. There is growing awareness that transactional-based approaches do not always give each party the intended, or best, results. University of Tennessee research shows how organizations apply alternative output- and outcome-based approaches for complex contracts. That experience demonstrates that alternative Sourcing Business Models are viable approaches to the conventional transactional methods[1]. As senior leaders see positive results from carefully crafted collaborative agreements, momentum grows for both output- and outcome-based approaches. Practical implications Education on sourcing business models. Originality/value Collaborative outsourcing.