From research to relevance: The evolution of the Vested outsourcing model
Abstract
For over two decades, the University of Tennessee has researched better outsourcing methods, leading to the development of the Vested outsourcing business model. The Vested model combines a formal relational contract with an outcome-based business model to create a highly collaborative win–win contract where both the buyer and service provider have a vested interest in each other’s success. Since the model was first introduced in 2010, it has been used by over 150 organisations. The win–win approach has proven to deliver lower cost and better service for companies outsourcing while enabling service providers to increase their profit when they create value for their customer. This paper outlines the evolution of the Vested model from research to the relevance it is having on today’s outsourcing practices. The paper provides a high level overview of the model and provide a case study of the Vested model in practice. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
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Author's Biography
Kate Vitasek is an international authority on highly collaborative win–win relationships for her award-winning research on the Vested® business model. Author of eight books, she leads the University of Tennessee’s Certified Deal Architect programme. World Trade Magazine has lauded her as one of the ‘Fabulous 50+1’ most influential people having an impact on global commerce, and she is a member of the Hall of Fame for both the Sourcing Industry Group and the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals. Kate is a contributor for Forbes magazine and has been featured on CNN International, Bloomberg, NPR and Fox Business News.
Andrew Downard PhD is an experienced senior executive, consultant and academic with wide exposure to leading-edge international companies. He has significant experience in the procurement, supply chain and contracting functions. Andrew is the Founder of Collaborative Impact Advisory, a boutique consultancy focused on helping clients maximise the value they get from their business relationships. Ci-Advisory is also a Vested Centre of Excellence. Andrew is a Certified Deal Architect Coach and co-teaches the University of Tennessee’s Vested Executive Education course.
Karl Manrodt PhD serves as a Professor of Logistics at Georgia College & State University. He is co-author of eight books including Vested Outsourcing: Five Rules That Will Transform Outsourcing and Strategic Sourcing in the New Economy: Harnessing the Potential of Sourcing Business Models for Modern Procurement. He is a popular speaker and has given over 150 presentations across the globe. Karl has served on the Board of Directors for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals as well as being an editor, reviewer and editorial board member of numerous academic and trade journals.
Citation
Vitasek, Kate, Downard, Andrew and Manrodt, Karl (2025, September 1). From research to relevance: The evolution of the Vested outsourcing model. In the Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Procurement, Volume 8, Issue 1. https://doi.org/10.69554/NYNU2464.
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