Publications
Publications
- September 2014 (Revised July 2018)
- HBS Case Collection
adidas Group: IT Multi-Sourcing
By: Lynda M. Applegate, Martin Wiener, Carol Saunders and Grandon Gill
Abstract
This case describes the design and implementation of an IT-multi-sourcing strategy at a large global sportswear company, the adidas Group, which is headquartered in Germany. To help increase the benefits and reduce the risks of its sourcing arrangements, adidas carefully selected two tier-2 vendors to work with its primary tier-1 vendor, a large Indian outsourcing firm that it had worked with closely for over a decade. The management of the multi-sourcing arrangement is posing a number of challenges. The Chief Information Officer is considering a number of options to ensure the continued success of the multi-sourcing strategy, including restructuring the IT group, developing the skills of its staff, and starting a captive center.
Keywords
IT Strategy; Outsourcing; Organizational Structure; Information Technology; Strategy; Sports Industry; Apparel and Accessories Industry; Germany
Citation
Applegate, Lynda M., Martin Wiener, Carol Saunders, and Grandon Gill. "adidas Group: IT Multi-Sourcing." Harvard Business School Case 815-002, September 2014. (Revised July 2018.)