[FoxPro]

Why not outsource management?

I have thought of that before. I asked that of an executive at a large tire company recently. The meeting ended very quickly (I could tell they were just pumping me for information on off shoring, and I would never make a dime off of them).

[Dead Dog]

It's an sarcastic comment, in a sense. Our management tells us to move up the "value chain". This is exacly what you have done, I definately don't fault you for it, it's your only choice. That or trade burn barrel recipies with Willie Green.

The problem with moving up the "value change" is that you become a middle man, overhead. Your customer will bypass you ASAP, just as these execs were trying to do. If a company/country/people can't design or build something, they won't be selling it very long.

I'm stressed, I still have my job, but who knows for how long. I'm racking my brain for anything I can learn to do that adds value to a product and creates wealth. I figure I've got a maximum of 5 years to do it, otherwise It's soup lines...or possibly a PLA bayonet.

[Lion in Winter]

What is the REAL reason your wife left you?

[BlazingArizona]

I have thought of that before. I asked that of an executive at a large tire company recently. The meeting ended very quickly (I could tell they were just pumping me for information on off shoring, and I would never make a dime off of them).

Why do these clients need you, anyway? What's stopping them from going directly to a giant offshore consulting agency like Tata, and cutting out yet another American middleman?

Given time, I'm sure they'll find a country where people will work for free.

[banjo joe]

Here's the rub: competent management knows there are significant problems with outsourcing company IT (security and integration chief among them). So far few outsourcing projects have realized savings. The integration has to be completely reworked in many cases.
So, what? Management cares only for paper "savings" in the short term. Cut costs, increase bonus, move to next position, leave the mess for the next sucker to clean up.