When a growing business outsources to save costs, which item should be outsourced?

• A. Outsource marketing campaigns
• B. Outsource product design
• C. Outsource administration benefits
• D. Outsource IT security

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to target non-core, routine tasks that can be handled more efficiently by specialists, freeing you to focus on growth. Outsourcing benefits administration fits this pattern because it’s a back-office function with standardized, repetitive processes. A specialized benefits administrator can manage enrollment, plan options, eligibility, compliance reporting, and renewals more cost-effectively and with fewer errors than an in-house team juggling these tasks alongside strategic work. This also reduces HR overhead and administrative burden, directly impacting costs.

Marketing campaigns, product design, and IT security are more closely tied to growth, brand, differentiation, and risk management. Marketing campaigns can be outsourced, but they involve brand control and strategic alignment, which may not always yield reliable cost savings. Product design is often a core, IP-sensitive activity where in-house control helps protect competitive advantage. IT security is critical to protect data and systems, and while some outsourcing can help, it requires careful vendor management and carries higher risk, making it less straightforward as a cost-saving outsourcing target.