Competent statistical programmer: Need of business process outsourcing industry

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
• Biometrics outsourcing

Background:

• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) has matured over two decades.
• India is a preferred destination for pharmaceutical outsourcing due to cost advantages.
• Statistical programming and analysis in biometrics outsourcing require specialized skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight common issues in the SAS programming service industry.
• To identify essential skills for statistical programmers to address industry changes.
• To discuss the shift from task delivery to project accountability in outsourcing.

Main Methods:

• The study identifies industry challenges and skill gaps.
• It analyzes the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical outsourcing sector.
• It emphasizes the need for comprehensive programmer training.

Main Results:

• There is an imbalance in demand and supply of competent statistical programmers.
• High churn rates and a limited supply of skilled professionals exacerbate the issue.
• The industry is transitioning from task-based delivery to a model emphasizing ownership and accountability.

Conclusions:

• Statistical programmers require advanced technical, analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and soft skills.
• The shift towards a consulting model necessitates programmers with greater accountability.
• Adapting to these changes is crucial for service providers in the pharmaceutical outsourcing industry.