Decline of the Engineering Class: Effects of Global Outsourcing of Engineering Services

Abstract

Paul Bryant, management consultant to architecture/engineering/construction (A/E/C) industry firms, is researching the recent trend of global outsourcing of engineering services. The purpose of the research is to identify the impact global outsourcing has on U.S. engineering firms and individuals in order to develop a body of knowledge that encompasses the trend and its effects. Current research being performed by academia on outsourcing has largely ignored the A/E/C industry, tending to focus more on high-tech, manufacturing, and financial services. The reason for this is that the A/E/C industry is very fragmented, with numerous small and midsize firms, with relatively few multibillion-dollar multinational firms that are publicly traded or large enough to be listed in the Forbes 2000. This discourages examination of outsourcing in the industry, except on a very limited basis.