Managing the risks of offshore IT development projects

One of the most important current issues in information technology (IT) and project management (PM) is the current trend toward offshore outsourcing of development projects. However, the benefits associated with outsourcing will not be achievable unless the risks are managed throughout the life cycle of these projects. This article provides a framework of risks associated with outsourced projects, and a process that can be used to develop a matrix of risks and controls appropriate for the project's objectives.