(See related pages)
|
|
|
| Outsourcing This video can be found on the Student DVD.Summary: A polarizing debate concerning the outsourcing of U.S. jobs overseas is featured in this BusinessWeek TV video on your Student DVD. On the one hand, companies see outsourcing as a strategic approach to realize cost savings and improved efficiencies that will actually increase jobs over the longer term. For example, projections show an increase of 317,367 new jobs by 2008. For example, in order to achieve the longer-term increase in jobs, there will be a 21 billion dollar savings by exporting computer jobs overseas. These new jobs will be higher skilled and better paying. Furthermore, the low technology, low skill jobs that are being outsourced are no longer aligned with the skill level and needs of the modern U.S. workforce. The other side of the debate suggests that companies who use outsourcing as an employment strategy are engaged in unethical business practices. Proponents of this view see the exportation of jobs "offshore" as a direct cause of the loss of U.S. jobs. The issue of outsourcing can be seen across industries with two notable exceptions: health care and education. The debate does not show any sign of abating. Regardless, the data show clearly that the best jobs go to those with the best skills. That means that there is a need to focus on increasing the skill level of the U.S. labor force.Discussion Questions
|