Original
When you make and buy: understanding service delivery portfolios in concurrent sourcing
Abstract
Concurrent sourcing, the simultaneous use of in-house provision and contracting out, remains underexplored. This study examines how the allocation between in-house and contracted modes in service delivery portfolios affects service performance. Using panel data on children’s social care services provided by English local authorities from 2014 to 2023, we find that concentrated portfolios, in which one delivery mode dominates and the other plays a supporting role, are associated with better performance. By contrast, dominant mode itself and the mix of contractor types within outsourced provision show limited influence. The findings highlight portfolio design as central to concurrent sourcing.
中文
既自制又购买：理解并发采购中的服务供给组合
摘要
并发采购，即同时采用内部供给与外包，仍未被充分研究。本研究考察服务供给组合中内部供给与合同外包模式之间的配置如何影响服务绩效。利用2014年至2023年英格兰地方政府提供的儿童社会照护服务面板数据，我们发现，集中型组合——其中一种供给模式占主导，另一种发挥辅助作用——与更好的绩效相关。相比之下，主导模式本身以及外包供给中承包商类型的组合影响有限。研究结果凸显了组合设计在并发采购中的核心地位。
关键词
并发采购、服务供给组合、内部供给、合同外包、服务绩效、儿童社会照护、地方政府