Kate Vitasek


Kate Vitasek is an American author and educator. Vitasek is a lead researcher at the University of Tennessee. Her research focuses on the Vested outsourcing business model, sourcing business model theory, the relational contract, and collaborative business relationships. She is a faculty member in the Haslam College of Business Graduate and Executive Education program at the University of Tennessee.

Career

Before joining University of Tennessee, she worked for P&G, Microsoft, Accenture, Stream International, and Modus Media International.
At University of Tennessee, Vitasek researches business models. In 2010, Vitasek and two researchers codified their findings on the Vested business model into a methodology to enable organizations to create collaborative relationships. Vitasek's work on the Vested business model led to what is known to as Sourcing Business Model theory. Many of Vitasek's books are about Vested outsourcing. Vitasek has also done research for the U.S. Air Force on issues relating to contracting logistics and transportation.

Reviews of works

Vested Outsourcing describes how to outsource business processes or services. The book identifies potential issues in outsourcing and how companies can best work together for a good outsourcing relationship. Hollye Moss, professor at the Western Carolina University, wrote that the book "takes a new approach to the relationship, creating a win-win scenario. It is well-written, easy to read, and thought-provoking." Booklist wrote that Vested: How P&G, McDonald's and Microsoft are Redefining Winning in Business Relationships was a "lively presentation" by the authors and that it "should appeal to businesspeople willing to take a chance on trust and transparency to produce transformative results."

Awards and recognition

Vitasek was recognized by The Journal of Commerce as a “Woman on the Move in Trade and Transportation” and as a “Rainmaker” by DC Velocity for her contributions to building the supply chain profession. For her work on Vested, she was named one of Globalization Today's “Powerhouse 25” outsourcing industry leaders. Other accolades include recognition by Logistics Quarterly and Supply Chain Digest as a “Woman in Supply Chain,” honored as a “Woman of International Influence” by Global Executive Women, and being named on the Global Sourcing Association's inaugural “A-List.”

Selected works

Books

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