1) Identify and discuss the similarities and differences between outsourcing and downsizing? (Use your own words to describe these two concepts - 1 paragraph)

2) You have been employed for two years in the accounting department of a midsized multinational consumer products company. Your performance has been outstanding, and it is clear that management feels you have great potential with the firm. However, you are quite surprised when your manager calls you into her office to tell you that you have been chosen to lead an effort to identify an outsourcing partner for the payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions. She assures you that there will be an excellent assignment for you after the outsourcing is successfully completed and all is functioning well in one to two years.

2.1 How would you use the Lewin's Force Field Analysis (pages 57-59) to inform management of the positive and negative impact of outsourcing the accounting functions? (2 to 3 paragraphs).

2.2 What benefits might your organization gain from outsourcing basic accounting functions? (1 paragraph)

2.3 Identify at least three major organizational challenges associated with transitioning these functions to an outsourcing firm? (1 paragraph)

2.4 What concerns do you have about taking on responsibility for outsourcing these business functions? (1 paragraph)