Make, Source, or Buy - The Decision to Acuire a New Reporting System. Igi Teaching Case Studies. (Electronic book text)

The College of Business (COB) at Northern Washington University (NWU) needs new data systems to provide reports and information both internally and for its external accrediting body. Dewitt Brown, COBs associate dean, has been tasked with determining COBs needs and developing recommendations for sources of systems. COB could develop the systems internally since it has database expertise among its faculty and staff. Or, it could outsource to NWUs information technology staff. A third option, at least for some systems, is to purchase from an outside vendor. The decision is crucial: efficient, accurate reporting of data is key to COBs strategic plan to continue its accreditation as well as ensure that operations are smooth as possible. If COB were to lose its accreditation, it would lose status and likely lose funding and students as well.