Internet job boards are the ideal sourcing method given the constraints of a minimal budget and a short timeline. They provide immediate access to a large and active pool of candidates at a very low cost, with some platforms offering free posting options. This combination of wide reach, speed, and cost-effectiveness directly addresses the primary challenges of filling the IT service desk role quickly and without significant financial outlay.

A. Word of mouth: This method is often slow, has a limited reach, and is unpredictable, making it unsuitable when time is a critical factor.

B. Internal IT staff based on a SWOT analysis: This is an internal transfer, not sourcing new staff. It also requires time for analysis and creates a new vacancy elsewhere.

D. Recruitment agency: While potentially fast, recruitment agencies are the most expensive option, charging a substantial fee, which contradicts the "little to no budget" constraint.

1. Portolese, L. (2016). Human Resource Management. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. In Chapter 4, "Recruitment," Section 4.3, "Recruiting Sources," it is detailed that websites and job boards are a cost-effective method for reaching a large number of potential applicants quickly. Conversely, the text notes that recruitment agencies (recruiters) typically charge high fees, often 20–30% of the candidate's annual salary. (Available at: https://open.lib.umn.edu/humanresourcemanagement/chapter/4-3-recruiting-sources/)

2. Othman, M. K., & Osmani, M. (2009). The impact of e-recruitment on the recruitment process. Journal of Global Business and Economics, 1(1), 73-83. This study highlights that e-recruitment (which includes internet job boards) significantly reduces both the time-to-hire and the cost-per-hire compared to traditional recruitment methods like agencies or print advertising.

3. Breaugh, J. A. (2008). Recruitment and selection: The great human race. In S. G. Rogelberg (Ed.), The Encyclopedia of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Vol. 2, pp. 667-670). SAGE Publications, Inc. This academic encyclopedia entry discusses the trade-offs of various recruitment sources, noting that while employee referrals (word of mouth) are low-cost, their effectiveness depends on the existing employee network. It confirms that public and private employment agencies are effective but carry high costs, whereas internet recruiting offers a broad reach for a lower cost. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412952651.n263)