TopCoder
TopCoder (A): Developing Software through Crowdsourcing
The Jan 15, 2010 Harvard Business School article TopCoder (A): Developing Software through Crowdsourcing describes the outsourcing model used by TopCoder called crowdsourcing. TopCoder is capitalizing on a global community of programmers and a client base while serving as an intermediary. The case analysis will address a means of successfully running the firm in comparison to a normal brick and mortar development company. It will address some of the concerns that a client might have while contracting with TopCoder. The analysis will explain why developers will be more than willing to participate in these types of crowdsourcing events. Lastly, addressing some of the barriers to entry in this type of a business, and how to grow the revenues that are currently earned.
Developing Capabilities
TopCoders approach is a very inventive one. The firm is on the cutting edge of "getting work done" in a global economy. They have managed to leverage the skills of the masses in a very specialized way. The nurturing approach used to build their workforce of 200,000 software developers is ambitious. Some of the skills needed to manage this type of firm include having an overarching vision. This vision needs to be grounded in the idea of an open innovation market, where innovation is embraced and fostered, such as the decision to virtualize the project management role, even if this is considered a critical position in software design. This market will receive thousands of products but only the best solution will be provided in this market. There is the recognition that everyone is and needs to be more productive today. The main goal would be to not follow the hype, rather to focus on the tried and true method that has established the underlying strength of the organization. There will be a need for the full understanding and utilization hyperspecialization. Within that specialization there need to be a
The Jan 15, 2010 Harvard Business School article TopCoder (A): Developing Software through Crowdsourcing describes the outsourcing model used by TopCoder called crowdsourcing. TopCoder is capitalizing on a global community of programmers and a client base while serving as an intermediary. The case analysis will address a means of successfully running the firm in comparison to a normal brick and mortar development company. It will address some of the concerns that a client might have while contracting with TopCoder. The analysis will explain why developers will be more than willing to participate in these types of crowdsourcing events. Lastly, addressing some of the barriers to entry in this type of a business, and how to grow the revenues that are currently earned.
Developing Capabilities
TopCoders approach is a very inventive one. The firm is on the cutting edge of "getting work done" in a global economy. They have managed to leverage the skills of the masses in a very specialized way. The nurturing approach used to build their workforce of 200,000 software developers is ambitious. Some of the skills needed to manage this type of firm include having an overarching vision. This vision needs to be grounded in the idea of an open innovation market, where innovation is embraced and fostered, such as the decision to virtualize the project management role, even if this is considered a critical position in software design. This market will receive thousands of products but only the best solution will be provided in this market. There is the recognition that everyone is and needs to be more productive today. The main goal would be to not follow the hype, rather to focus on the tried and true method that has established the underlying strength of the organization. There will be a need for the full understanding and utilization hyperspecialization. Within that specialization there need to be a
Bibliography: Lakhani, Karim R., David A. Garvin and Eric Lonstein. "TopCoder (A): Developing Software through Crowdsourcing." Harvard Business School (2012). Document.