Using examples, analyse the reasons why some places have become international outsourcing hubs.

Examine the challenges that increased global adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) brings to different places.

AO1/2 indicative content:

• The outsourcing definition is included in the subject guide. Hubs are well-networked places within global networks.
• Global information flows have helped some places, such as Bangalore and Manila, to become hubs for international outsourcing centres (call centres). ICT and information flows are also an important reason for the growth of outsourcing of manufacturing and agriculture (allowing complex networks of supply and
  demand to function).
• In addition to ICT, other factors play a role and may provide reasons for the growth of outsourcing in certain places, such as government incentives and human resources (including literacy and languages spoken).

Good, structured (AO4) answers may provide detailed exemplification of outsourcing hubs (cities and districts rather than merely countries). They may analyse the reasons why particular locations have a comparative advantage over others in terms of ICT provision or other production costs compared with other places. Or they may be more selective in the way they analyse outsourcing by breaking this into constituent parts, such as manufacturing and services or agriculture sectors.

For band C (4–6 marks), expect weak outlining of the reasons why international outsourcing happens in a recognizable country or city.

For band D (7–8 marks), expect a structured, well evidenced analysis of:

• either the reasons for international outsourcing to specific places
• or different categories/sectors of international outsourcing.

For band E (9–10 marks), expect both aspects to be addressed.

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

ICT refers to internet, broadband, mobiles and smartphones used by citizens, businesses and governments. From this arise multiple contexts for possible local challenges to be examined. Countries/national governments are creditable as places in addition to more local areas and neighbourhoods. The growing global pattern of adoption shows rapid uptake in Asia, Latin America and Africa (though at a slower rate than in Asia).

There are economic, social, cultural and political challenges and these vary according to the context.

Possible AO1/2 indicative content:

• the challenges of the shrinking world effect including unchecked flows of culture [Guide 2]
• global diffusion of culture is lined with cultural imperialism/loss of identity [Guide 5]
• loss of sovereignty for states/governments unable to control citizens’ internet access [Guide 6]
• the way ICT enables increased outsourcing and offshoring, which may have negative impacts [Guide 3]
• use of ICT by anti-globalization and terror groups (perspectives will vary on this) [Guide 7]
• the challenge of the digital divide and lack of participation in ICT (factors include income, age, literacy level), which in turn link to disparities in wealth at varying scales [Guide 3]
• e-waste is a product of growing ICT use [Guide 4].

Answers scoring highly according to the AO3 criteria for evaluation:

• might offer a carefully structured examination of different challenges in specific geographic contexts
• might offer a structured examination of the way different categories of ICT are affecting places and user groups
• might examine challenges from multiple perspectives, such as that of the state or its individual citizens (and in relation to people’s age, culture and identity).

Do not award AO1/2 credit for lengthy case studies of benefits derived from ICT, such as Kenya’s M-Pesa scheme: this is not asked for. However, some AO3 credit may be gained for any ongoing evaluation of the way certain challenges can – in part – be alleviated/offset/ameliorated by the benefits ICT nonetheless brings.

For band C (5–8 marks), expect weakly evidenced outlining of two or three relevant technology/shrinking world themes from the geography guide.

For band D (9–12 marks), expect:

• either a structured synthesis which links together several well evidenced and well focused themes from the geography guide
• or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).

For band E (13–15 marks), expect both of these traits.