Made in America

Few topics associated with global trade are more vehemently debated than outsourcing. For this discussion, you will watch two video clips that provide some perspective on outsourcing. Using the information you gain from the videos and the materials you studied in the course module, respond to the discussion question below.

The following video clip is from the film Outsourced. It covers American sentiment on losing jobs to India and the availability of Chinese goods. We want cheap stuff; however, most of it comes from China.

As countries like China and India become leaders in manufacturing, the costs of their expertise rises, diminishing their advantage against U.S. counterparts. At the same time, convoluted and increasingly risky supply chains dependent on inexperienced vendors have turned once stable brands like Boeing into the perfect “reshoring” case study. The following video explains why outsourcing can be bad for business.

Discuss

Select ONE of the following perspectives on outsourcing, and answer the related questions. Although your opinion is always valued, be sure to support your opinion with facts obtained from your course materials, the videos, or a reliable source. Make sure to cite your sources.

The consumer: Does the consumer benefit? Are prices lowered by outsourcing? Why or why not?
Efficiency and productivity: Does outsourcing enhance efficiency and productivity? Why or why not?
Competition: Does outsourcing encourage competition? Is this a good thing? Why or why not?
Developing countries: Does outsourcing benefit developing countries? Why or why not?
International stability: Does outsourcing foster international cooperation, respect, and stability? Why or why not?