Although it is written as "A Guide for Local Elected Officials" the clarity of the book's mapping out of the decision-making process for outsourcing makes for a broader application to private enterprise as well.

The flow charts, tables and brief cases richly demonstrate how, by following a logical stream of choices, managers will have the information needed to make a "side-by-side comparison of the three basic alternatives [to performing a specific function]:

• the current process,
• the redesigned alternative, and
• the outsourced alternative."

Competitive pressures are forcing virtually all entities to constantly seek ways to wring waste out of their business processes. The process described is an excellent way to take the imprecision and often emotion-laden issues out of in-house vs. oursource decisions, regardless of organizational type.

You may order this $15 book directly from the National League of Cities at http://206.239.112.5/book/cgi/listproducts.cfm or by calling (888) 571-2939.