OPBOK

OPBOK books

1 Title/current version OPBOK books
OPBOK (Outsourcing Professional Body of Knowledge) Version 10

2 The basics of OPBOK books
OPBOK (Outsourcing Professional Body of Knowledge) provides
a set of best practices from around the globe for the design,
implementation and management of outsourcing contracts,
including a code of ethics and business practices for outsourcing
professionals.

3 Summary of OPBOK books
OPBOK (Outsourcing Professional Body of Knowledge) is
owned and maintained by the International Association of
Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP). which was formed in 2005
by a consortium of leading companies involved in outsourcing as
customers, providers, and advisors. OPBOK was fi rst published
in 2006; the current version is Version 10, which refl ects major
updates from IAOP of the commonly accepted practices and
skills required to ensure outsourcing success. It is the basis for
IAOP’s Certifi ed Outsourcing Professional® qualifi cation and
certifi cation programmes.

OPBOK describes the generally accepted set of knowledge and
practices applicable to the successful design, implementation, and
management of outsourcing contracts. It provides:
• A framework for understanding what outsourcing is and how
it fi ts within business operations
• The knowledge and practice areas generally accepted as
critical to outsourcing success
• A glossary of terms commonly used in outsourcing deals and
contracts

OPBOK is divided into ten knowledge areas covering major areas
of outsourcing expertise. The OPBOK framework is based on a
five-stage outsourcing process (see Figure).

4 Target audience of OPBOK books
Targeted principally at outsourcing professionals who are buyers,
providers and advisors in the outsourcing industry; also of
interest to senior management in buying organizations; trainers
and academics addressing outsourcing topics.

5 Scope and constraints of OPBOK books
The scope of OPBOK is governance and defining a strategic
approach to outsourcing, governance, identifying and
communicating business requirements, selecting and qualifying
providers, gaining internal buy-in, creating project teams, and
getting value for money and return on investment.

OPBOK and Carnegie Mellon’s eSourcing Capability Models
(eSCMs) are becoming the most relevant outsourcing standards.
OPBOK complements eSCM-CL (eSCM for clients). OPBOK
focuses on outsourcing of any service (but only outsourcing).
eSCM-CL focuses on sourcing of IT-enabled services and covers
multiple types of sourcing, including outsourcing, insourcing,
and shared services. OPBOK is used as the basis for individual
certification – the Certifi ed Outsourcing Professional (COP),
while eSCM-CL supports organizational appraisal, evaluation,
and certification.

Strengths
OPBOK reflects the best practice of outsourcing professionals
worldwide, including the ‘make or break’ factors that can
affect any outsourcing initiative.

Constraints
OPBOK does not address insourcing or shared services.

6 Relevant website of OPBOK books
www.iaop.org