With outsourcing of manufacturing jobs, what do you think the future holds for the US economy?
466376
You know, services are already being outsourced by developed countries due to the obvious cost advantages. Next in line are manufacturing jobs. \nIn short, any country which outsources intelligently has a very bright future. As economists say, resources are limited, so smart countries should invest their resources in  sectors of the future such as IT, space, biotechnology, etc. where the main input is human intelligence, where there is maximum value addition and maximum profits (and minimum pollution). \nManufacturing on the other hand is not as profitable as it once was compared to the "knowledge" sectors.
291680
"Outsourcing" (or contracting out) is often defined as the delegation of non-core operations or jobs from internal production within a business to an external entity (such as a subcontractor) that specializes in that operation. Outsourcing is a business decision that is often made to lower costs or focus on core competences. \n\nSince you mentioned U.S Govt.:\n\nGranted, the 2004 U.S. presidential election race focused on outsourcing to some degree. \nThis debate did not center on problems of declining quality of customer services - \nbut on the threat to U.S. jobs and work. \n\nCriticism of outsourcing, from the perspective of U.S. citizens, by-and-large, revolves around the costs associated with transferring control of the labor process to an external entity in another country.\n\nThe benefits of outsorcing IN THEORY are:\n\nBecause outsourcing allows for lower costs, even if quality reduces slightly or not at all- productivity increases, which benefits the economy on aggregate.\n(Assuming that e.g. there would be sold more US made HiFi systems if they could use cheap parts made in china)\n\nBut there are only few reports with actual figures on that thoery: \nProfessor Drezner reports that for every dollar spent on outsourcing to India, the United States reaps between $1.12 and $1.14 in benefits. \nDrezner also points out that large software companies such as Microsoft and Oracle have increased outsourcing and used the savings for investment and larger domestic payrolls. \n\nNationally, 70,000 computer programmers lost their jobs between 1999 and 2003, but more than 115,000 computer software engineers found higher-paying jobs during that same period.\n\nSo in the short run everyone would benefit from outsorcing.\n\nBut already that effect wears off as more and more people are facing unemployment in the US.\nIf outsorcing continues theres simply no income left to buy the products ..even if the products are cheap.\nHowever there would be a new market (like in China) so the company would survive, but the US would lose its status.\n\nJust take a look and compare the skyline of Shanghai to that of Manhattan, you will notice that Manhattan already cant compete.\nIts estimated that in about 40 years China will be the leading economy.
586254
Better technology and medicine is a given. Gas prices will probably be higher. People will continue to complain about the economy but no one will do anything about it. We'll have a different president (the way things are going now, probably a Democrat), but we'll still have troops over in Iraq. TV shows like "The Simpsons" and "Friends" will continue to be on reruns every other hour. Americans will continue their dieting craze, but won't stop eating fast food. More doomsayers will emerge, just as people did right before Y2K. And as for resolving the immigration issue, I really have no idea...
127603
I don't think we can or should ban outsourcing. \n\nAmerica is the leader in the creation of new industry and ideas.  I believe we should embrace outsourcing so we can create a new generation of business and creative leaders.   \n\nHowever, we need to do more to assist displaced workers by fixing our social support programs and educating our young people. \n\nThere will always be jobs in America, industries and activities that can not be outsourced, we need to help people find those jobs and support entrapenuers so they can create the next big idea for the rest of the world to copy.   \n\nOne last thought, this is a great test for our country, one that will make us stronger.
1102043
First, what high skill jobs are we gaining? The last report I read about job creation in the US said the complete opposite. Next, breadlines exist or haven't you heard the US has a homeless problem. Also, gas prices are going to continue to go up and not everyone can afford it. Finally, your last statement about loans and grants betrays an ignorance of economics that answers your own question. \nWhat is the trade deficit in the US? \nWhat is the average savings per American?\nHave wages kept pace with cost of living?\n\nI congratulate you on earning your degree. What kind of job do you now have?\n\nYou have chosen one of the fastest growing industries in the US. The criminal justice industry. Does that tell you anything about the direction this country is headed?
253909
This has been happening since the end of World War II.  Being in a capitalist society, which is the only society that gives hope to the poor man, you will have things such as outsourcing happen in the name of profits.  The fact is there are very few manufacturing jobs left in this country and of those that are here the majority use parts made in other countries.  We have become a nation of technology,  service, and agriculture as well as the health professions being where most of our jobs today and the future will be.  I wish that we would not have lost as many jobs as we have, however it did not just come sneaking up on us in the past couple of years.  To get reversal on this practice will take more than a couple of years as well.
814047
Thanks to Mrs.Thatcher and now Tony, our manufacturing industry has been transferred to China and India, as a result our service sectors dominating our market place. Who knows what will happen if Honda, Nissan and Toyota decide to move their factories from  the UK  to a cheaper and more cost effective alternative in the eastern europe. I can only guess that recession will follow and this may even affect the service sector.In my view,at the present time the service sector is the dominant labour market in the UK.
715521
Honestly and integrity. With the Democrats in power now, though,. businesses are not going to be able to succeed or grow and people will be stuck in 7 dollar an hour jobs instead 5 dollars. \n\nWhat a stupid bunch.
363072
Stop outsourcing jobs by doing away with Nafta, (which, by the way, was George Sr.'s doing and a republican congress passed for those who like to blame Bill), make it illegal for companies to use "temporary" employees for a job that is obvious a full time position, raise social security so that seniors do not have to work to supplement and that would free up jobs for younger generations that would in turn pay into the system, and on a more personal level, if everyone would try to buy primarily American made things that would help to keep the jobs in this country and Americans working.
448595
No. I think we have sent enough factories globally to cover all the jobs the world needs. Now, we are having to accept foreign manufacturers on our soil in order to stay afloat ourselves. I say, Sorry, no jobs available in America anymore.
415815
I tend to take the John Stossel view on the subject - despite what all of the politicans and the media say, outsourcing actually helps this country. It leads Americans to get more education and better jobs which pay higher wages. In the past ten years, the unemployment rate has actually gone DOWN, despite all of the "outsourcing" and the "taking of American jobs" that have been going on.
276492
Looks like it.\nBad government, numerous tragedies and natural disasters, slowing economy, lots of outsourcing, jobs are going to foreigners who're going to take jobs for less pay and more hours...\nTime to buck up, and head back to the glorious days.
932055
Do you want us to?  We could you know.\n\nI think we'll outsource the part about reconstructing your country, but should make quick work of your military.
266013
Is this a question, or a resume? As far as outsourcing to India, what a joke, thats why the economy is going to hell. shipping our jobs overseas--why pay $20 an hour when you can outsource to India for 20 cents
649300
Worst possible senerio would be the default of the Treasure and the collapse of the US and then the World Economies. What needs to happen is for the USA to stop spending increases and raise taxes. Tarriffs on imports would also help the American economy by making the price of imports higher relative to domestic products. The Unions are not helping situations either. I agree that the objective for all workers is to make as much money as you can, but to insist that you make so much money that you bankrupt the company is stupid. If the company does not make money , then neither do the employees in the long run. It is very dangerous for the United States to run a trade deficit, especially with a country like China.
1082212
I think the issue is more then a depression. The United States is losing confidence throughout the world. Foreign and American investors are turning to Europe as the solidified economy. A depression indicates a periodic significant drop in the economy. I think its going to be much worse. It will be permanent. New jobs consist of unskilled and underpaid positions. When 10,000 Americans are applying for jobs that pay 8 dollars an hour, just so they can work, and basic fuel products, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil etc are skyrocketing, how are people going to afford this at 8 dollars an hour? We are watching the decline of the American dream and hence its empire. This is sadly written by someone who loves America.
342651
NO. I think that would be impossible. We cannot flourish if people are not working. Outsourcing causes Americans to loose jobs. Think of the problem on an individual level, if as an individual you cannot take care of yourself and have to depend on others what would happen? Just like individuals our country needs to be self sufficient.