CONSEQUENCES OF SARBANES-OXLEY ON IT SOURCING COMPANIES A survey at Volvo Cars IT and their central sourcing partners

Abstract

This Master thesis gives a picture of which consequences the demands of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 put on companies using IT sourcing as a part of their business strategy. The purpose is to bring up the problems to the surface. There are no or only a few sources that have mentioned the problem before. The thesis presents the opinions from four different perspectives around the issues within the Sarbanes-Oxley process. From the industries’ known experience receives the reader a better understanding in; the advantages and disadvantages and the demands they will face during the realization of a Sarbanes-Oxley process. The thesis is intended principally to professionals within IT sourcing or IT governance because it suggests how the relation between IT sourcing partners are affected and can be facilitated. The thesis’ empirical foundation is derived from ten interviews with representatives from; customers, suppliers, the academy and firms of accountants. The theoretical basis is composed from secondary data to receive an understanding and background to the problem area. We have come to the conclusion there are two categories of consequences: alteration and business relation. We found that the following alteration areas will be affected by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Business, Finance and Competence. We have also found a number of consequences affecting the relation between the customer and supplier.