Final answer:
Decentralized systems are where development occurs at the headquarters but operations are managed by foreign autonomous units. Companies often engage in decentralization to utilize cheaper labor markets and adapt to local conditions while maintaining control from the home base.
Step-by-step explanation:
The systems in which development occurs at the home base, but operations are handed over to autonomous units in foreign locations, are best described as decentralized systems. This structure allows for development and strategic decisions to be made at the company's headquarters, while the day-to-day operations, and often times the manufacturing and customer service components, are carried out by different units located throughout the world. For example, a company like Apple designs its products in the United States but may have components produced in various countries and assembled in places like Malaysia, with tech support potentially being outsourced to India.
In a globalized economy, we've seen an increase in such decentralized systems due to the benefits of accessing cheaper labor markets and the ability to quickly adapt to local market conditions. Additionally, firms may engage in outsourcing and offshoring as part of their strategic approach to cutting costs and maximizing efficiency.