Outsourcing

November's Contract Services articles include "Outsourcing Xbox Manufacturing," by Heather Hayes, "Outsourcing Outlook," by Jim Miller, and "Quality in Pharmacovigilance," by Brian Edwards and Jeffrey Priem.

The European Union is attempting to reform its current business environment in hopes of restoring its role in the lobal R&D sector.

The author discusses the potential effect on CROs of pending major-pharma mergers and consolidations.

When choosing a CRO, take the time to conduct an in-depth evaluation of each department, paying special attention to the quality and training of its personnel.

The author examines the concept of evaluating CRO operating performance in today's pharmaceutical industry.

The results of this 2002 survey of contract services decision makers reviews and forecasts the state of the outsourcing industry.

Carefully crafted outsourcing arrangements allow companies to become powerful partners in the quest for market share.

The author discusses the Japanese cabinet's approval of a measure that lifts manufacturing restrictions on domestic pharmaceutical companies.

The author discusses the upcoming human research congressional debate and CROs' preparations to respond.

Treating a cross-organizational team as a full-fledged partnership helps complete a project on time and on budget.

A profile about how a provider with a solid reputation in niche areas of contract manufacturing became a full-service operation.

A knowledgeable and experienced contract service provider can help in the development and success of an inhalation drug product.

The author discusses recent acquisition activity in the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) outsourcing industry.

The use of on-line auctions can provide increased business and new sellling opportunitites for suppliers.

The author discusses the current soft demand and excess capacity in the contract-manufacturing market of small molecule actives and intermediates.

Reverse auctions can benefit both buyers and suppliers of goods and services, but extensive preparation and careful management are required to obtain those benefits.

The author discusses three current examples of new ideas in formulating outsourcing arrangments.

Public CROs are creating new ways of operating their outsourcing businesses to remain competitive in difficult economic conditions.

EVA takes into account a project's schedule and budget to determine the true cost performance.

The author discusses current economic times and conditions for large pharmaceutical companies.

Implementing an e-procurement solution requires executive sponsorship, up-front analysis of current processes, integration with back-end systems, and change mangement.

The author looks ahead to what 2002 may have in store for the contract services industry.

CROs must take advantage of Internet-based technologies to remain competitive and relevant in the industry.

Capacity is a pivotal commodity in the contract manufacturing business. If you have enough of the right kind of capacity, it's like platinum; conversely, too much of the wrong kind of capacity is like tin.

Contract service providers and clients alike must be realistic and forthcoming about their expectations to accomplish a truthful outsourcing partnership.

The 2001 POMA Sourcing Survey declares 2001 a good year for drug development and manufacturing outsourcing.

Recovery of the contract services industry picked up steam in the quarter ending 30 June 2001.

Evaluating a CRO should involve acquiring feedback from various personnel within the CRO, ranging from executives to line workers.

The author proposes a strategy for achieving a successful partnership with Big Pharma on the basis of forming a relationship with the company, deliberately managing the alliance, and clearly defining roles and responsibilities.

This project­based quality­improvement program uses short­term goals to achieve the long­term objectives of constant, continuous improvement.