Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

What term describes performing small, defined tasks via a scalable ad hoc workforce of everyday people?

1. Nearshoring

2. Insourcing

3. Crowdsourcing

4. Homesourcing

The correct answer is: Crowdsourcing

The term that best describes the performance of small, defined tasks through a scalable ad hoc workforce of everyday people is crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing leverages the collective intelligence and skills of a large group of individuals, often through online platforms, to accomplish tasks or generate ideas that might otherwise require significant resources if done in-house. This approach allows organizations to tap into a diverse pool of contributors who can work on specific tasks on demand, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs. This model is particularly effective for a variety of tasks, such as gathering insights, generating content, conducting surveys, or solving complex problems. It capitalizes on the availability and willingness of everyday individuals to participate, often voluntarily or for a small fee, which is a defining characteristic of crowdsourcing. In contrast, the other terms refer to different workforce strategies: nearshoring involves relocating business processes to a nearby country, insourcing refers to bringing processes in-house from external providers, and homesourcing refers to outsourcing tasks to individuals working from home, which is not necessarily ad hoc.