ABSTRACT
Single-sourcing is generally meant to mean sourcing a whole service from a single supplier. An example of single-sourcing in a key service would be the way in which National Rail Enquiries used to run their website. They had a single outsourcer to provide the whole thing. Hosting, website, journey planner, static data, design etc. were all contracted through the same company. Single-sourcing is seen as a more risk-averse approach to outsourcing, although the author would disagree as the ability to transfer the risk is questionable, and is quite prevalent in the public sector. Joint ventures are another solution to outsourcing. This is where the client and supplier form a joint venture company to provide the service. The author worked in a joint venture in Schlumberger where the communications of Schlumberger were handled by a joint venture company and then social impact bonds, also known as 'pay for success' bonds or 'social benefit' bonds are another growing solution.
