Multi-vendors communication framework for outsourced project

Abstract

One of the key aspects to obtain a successful outsourced project which involves multiple vendors is effective communication. This study is inspired by a four-month delay occurred in an outsourced software project where a serious communication problem existed among the stakeholders and the different software vendors involved during the implementation phase. The project manager being the only one in charged to communicate with everyone in the project, had difficulties handling the situation. A solution in the form of a communication framework is needed to understand and to smoothen the exchange of information among the multiple vendors. An investigation was conducted to study the existing communication skills practices among the vendors from different organizations. Next, it was necessary to design an instrument capable of determining the participants’ communication knowledge and awareness levels. The quantitative approach was chosen to gather the existing communication skills practices data. The respondents’ feedback was analyzed and used to better understand the work environment and how to better manage the project. A communication framework for the personnel involved in the project was developed and proposed to improve the communication among multiple vendors and stakeholders.