The focus of the conference is to teach attendees which IT (Information Technology) functions can be outsourced (funneled to another organization), and how quality and productivity can be improved through this method. Keynote speeches will be given by best-selling author and marketing icon Dr. Jagdish Sheth of Emory University and David Guzman, CIO of Owens and Minor and a recipient of Info Week 500 innovators award. The conference will feature 18 panel sessions that will cover numerous topics, including the ABCs of outsourcing, trends in security and privacy since September 11, the legal issues of outsourcing, and successful models.

Dr. Palvia received his M.B.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and is a recognized authority on outsourcing. Prior to joining the ranks of academe, Dr. Palvia worked in industry for IBM and Control Data Corporation. His 2002 book, with co-editors P. Palvia and Ed Roche, on Global Information Technology and Electronic Commerce, is being adopted by several universities worldwide. His is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Information Technology - Cases and Applications (JITCA).

The conference is co-sponsored by C.W. Post's College of Management. The College's business programs are accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance College Schools of Business. The College offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in finance, international business, marketing, management and management information systems. It also offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with concentrations in general business, finance, international business, logistics & supply chain management, management, management information systems and marketing. The College of Management is also home to the School of Professional Accountancy which offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in accountancy and a master's degree in taxation.

Co-sponsors include SAP, Inc., Global IT Management Association, and Ivy League Publishing, Ltd.

Cost for the two-day seminar is $295 prior to February 23, $345 prior to March 14, and $395 after March 15. Additional persons from the same organization pay half of these rates. Dozens of books and support materials are available. Information can be obtained from: Center for Global Outsourcing, PO Box 681503, Marietta, GA 30068; by calling (770) 649-6718; or emailing admin@outsourceglobal.org