Browsing by Author "Pereira, Isabella Velasquez Celano Estrella"
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- Offshore outsourcing as a business strategy : a qualitative study of the offshoring adoption within the Portuguese footwear industryPublication . Pereira, Isabella Velasquez Celano Estrella; Silva, Susana Cristina Lima da Costa eThe purpose of this dissertation is to advance the theoretical and practical development of the adoption of offshore outsourcing as a business strategy, in the Portuguese footwear industry. The paper provides a literature review on the topics of outsourcing and offshoring and delves into secondary data about the global and Portuguese footwear sector. Based on the theoretical study, it is proposed a framework of analysis that was the basis for the research. The data were collected through the methodology of case studies with interviews conducted with the managers of shoe companies in Portugal. Moreover, it was also conducted interviews with Portuguese footwear authorities. To analyze the results, a qualitative method was used, which determined the main variables responsible for the adoption of the offshoring strategy by companies and its benefits and risks. The main findings suggest that although in the authorities’ opinions the offshore is not much adopted in the Portuguese footwear industry, it is appreciated by the studied companies. The managers interviewed affirmed that they only managed to achieve success and growth due to the adoption of this strategy. In general, companies face some local limitations that motivate them to look for foreign suppliers, in addition to the need to focus on their core activities with greater profitability. The main benefits identified are operational flexibility; savings; new knowledge acquisition; risk reduction; and possibility to grow. On the other hand, the strategy has some risks such as loss of quality and control; and freight lead time that requires a closer management. From a managerial perspective, the paper provides an important summary of the main variables that motivate the companies to offshore, which is essential for managers from different sectors to take into consideration when analyzing the offshoring adoption. This is an original paper that presents a Dual Perspective of the Offshore Analysis with an essential theoretical summary of the offshoring concept and its practical application within the footwear sector, a relevant activity for the global economy.