Choose the Best Cooperation Model for Your Next Big Project

According to GlobalViewResearch, the worldwide IT outsourcing industry is estimated to have a CAGR of 7.7% and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 806.63 billion by 2025. In recent decades and years, several cooperation models for software engineering outsourcing, such as dedicated development teams, managed teams, virtual teams, and more have been created. These models are meant to make technology partnerships more flexible and provide vendors and their clients with additional benefits. Deciding on the proper partnership model is critical for the accomplishment of your task and obtaining a return on your software investment. This article will discuss the different models of cooperation in IT, such as dedicated development teams, managed teams, staff augmentation, and Offshore Development Centers. Each of these models has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice always depends on the organization’s specific needs. We will discuss the pros and cons of each model, as well as the key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a model. Ultimately, the choice would depend on the type of project you are running and this article will help you pick the right model.

Overview of the Managed Teams

The managed teams model is a project management methodology that focuses on the management of teams rather than individual tasks. It is primarily used in large, complex projects that involve multiple teams and require greater coordination between teams. This model involves a central project manager, who is responsible for managing the whole project and ensuring that all teams are working together in harmony. The project manager delegates tasks to the teams, monitors progress and provides feedback. 

Advantages of the managed teams 

• Efficiency: The managed teams model ensures that tasks and resources are distributed among teams efficiently and quickly. This helps to reduce costs and maximize results. 
• Improved Communication: By having a central project manager, teams are encouraged to communicate more effectively with each other. This results in fewer misunderstandings and better decision-making. 
• Greater Collaboration: The managed teams model encourages teams to collaborate better, which leads to higher levels of innovation and productivity. 
• Increased Accountability: With a central project manager, teams are held accountable for their performance and results. 

Disadvantages of the managed teams

• Costly: The managed teams model can be costly, as it requires more resources and personnel. 
• Overly Complex: The managed teams model can be overly complex if not managed properly. This can lead to miscommunication, delays, and costly mistakes. 
• Risk of Over-Delegation: With the managed teams model, there is a risk of the project manager delegating too much responsibility to the teams. This can lead to teams feeling overwhelmed and unable to effectively manage their tasks.

Overview of Staff Augmentation Teams

Staff augmentation is a type of human resource management strategy where a business looks to outside sources to fill the gap between existing staff and the specific skills needed for a project, effectively extending the teams. It is a cost-effective way of meeting temporary or short-term demands and is used when access to the necessary skills and expertise is not available within the organization. The staff augmentation team model consists of a core team of regular employees with additional help or support provided by external contractors. 

Advantages of staff augmentation teams

• Allows a business to select the right expertise and skills needed to complete a project. 
• Can be a cost-effective solution as the organization is not committed to the long-term salary and benefits of additional staff. 
• Can be used to gain access to the latest technology and equipment. 
• Helps a business to scale up or down quickly and easily. 

Disadvantages of staff augmentation teams 

• Might be difficult to find the right contractor for the job. 
• Can be expensive to hire and manage external contractors. 
• Difficult to maintain control over the project if the external contractor is not managed correctly. 
• May lead to a lack of team cohesion and morale if the core team does not work well with the external team members.

Dedicated Development Team: A Comprehensive Overview

A dedicated development team is a model of software development where a team of dedicated developers is assigned to a single project for a fixed period of time. The dedicated team works exclusively on the development of that project, with no other distractions or tasks. 

Advantages of a dedicated development team 

• Cost savings: As the dedicated team works exclusively on the project, they can plan and develop it more efficiently, saving costs. 
• Increased productivity: The team is solely focused on the task at hand, resulting in higher levels of productivity. 
• Improved quality: The team has a deep understanding of the project, allowing them to produce a higher-quality product. 

Disadvantages of the dedicated development team model

• Lack of flexibility: The team is limited in their ability to respond to changes in the project scope or requirements.
• Reduced scalability: The team is limited in its ability to scale up or down in size. 
• Dependency: The team is dependent on the project owner for resources, budget, and technical guidance.

ODC Center Model Overview

The Offshore Development Center model is an organizational structure in which a company’s ODC activities are centralized into one unit. The ODC is responsible for the development and improvement of the company’s products and services. The model is popular in high-tech industries, such as software and electronics, where there is a need for constant innovation. 

Advantages of the ODC center model

• Cost Efficiency: By centralizing ODC activities into a single unit, the company can maximize its resources and reduce its overall costs. 
• Collaboration: By having all of the professionals working together in one place, the company can foster collaboration and innovation. 
• Improved quality: The company can focus on quality assurance and ensure that all products and services meet the company’s standards. 
• Increased productivity: Increased productivity, as the developers can work together more quickly and efficiently. 

Disadvantages of ODC center

• Increased risk: By having all of the ODC activities in one place, the company is at increased risk of having its intellectual property stolen or copied by competitors. 
• Limited resources: The company may not have enough resources to adequately support its ODC efforts. 
• Inflexibility: The business may not be able to quickly adjust to changing market conditions or customer needs.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, IT outsourcing can be a great way to significantly reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. However, it is important to select the right cooperation model for the project. Different models have different advantages, and the success of the project largely depends on the model chosen. Therefore, the organization must carefully evaluate all the options and select the model that best meets its needs.