Information technology workforce skills: The software and IT services provider perspective

Tim Goles (), Stephen Hawk () and Kate M. Kaiser ()
Additional contact information
Tim Goles: Bergheim Enterprises
Stephen Hawk: University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Kate M. Kaiser: Marquette University

Information Systems Frontiers, 2008, vol. 10, issue 2, No 5, 179-194

Abstract: Abstract It is now commonplace for an organization to turn to external firms for the provision of IT services and software. As technology advances and the business environment continues to evolve, a key challenge facing IT software and service providers is identifying critical skill sets, both today and in the future. The challenge is compounded as a result of the continuing growth of outsourcing and the increasing demand for technology solutions. This paper explores that challenge through a survey of IT software and service providers. We extend and complement previous studies of non-IT firms by comparing skills sought by non-IT organizations with those of IT services and software providers. Results indicate that, surprisingly, software and services providers place more emphasis on business domain and project management skills than on technical skills. This has implications for the hiring and retention practices of managers, and for academic curriculum and course offerings.

Keywords: IT; Workforce; Skills; Capabilities; Outsourcing; Software and service providers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10796-008-9072-9

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