Final answer:
Areas suitable for outsourcing requiring engineering expertise mainly include manufacturing processes, although software development and various service sectors are also involved. Outsourcing and offshoring have affected job dynamics due to the cost-effectiveness of labor in other countries. Industrial engineers play a critical role in designing and managing outsourced manufacturing operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Areas suitable for outsourcing that require engineering analysis, design, and expertise include:
- Manufacturing processes
- Software development
- Human resources management
- Marketing strategies
While outsourcing was originally a practice for manufacturing and related work, it has expanded into various service sectors due to the availability of technically skilled individuals in other countries. This shift has led to the transfer of customer service and other services outside of the United States. Conversely, the rise in service job production has been accompanied by a decline in manufacturing positions within the U.S. This transition is greatly influenced by the economic efficiency of outsourcing manufacturing jobs to developing nations where labor costs are lower.
Industrial engineers are involved in the outsourcing of manufacturing operations. They manage the effective organization of resources for producing and distributing goods and services, ensuring that systems are designed within constraints such as cost and sustainability. Their role often includes identifying suppliers for components, creating manufacturing facilities, and establishing sales and marketing staff necessary to bring a product to market.