Networks and the role of service brokers
by Wilfried Sihn, Hansjorg Tutsch
International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM), Vol. 24, No. 5/6, 2002

Abstract: Global competition is characterised by different regional production factors and varying demands on the product function, quality and performance. Success is no longer solely determined by consistent market orientation but is becoming increasingly dependent on regional contributions to production and employment. Crucial success factors are: cooperation, the availability of components in a country and the use of the existing infrastructure. Thus, many companies are intensifying international production capacities or shifting their existing capacity to foreign markets in order to sell their products in both domestic and international markets. With this strategy, global market-oriented networks are formed in which independent partners each contribute their core competencies. In the following article, certain aspects and approaches to activate the performance potentials necessary for global competition are described. Virtual enterprises, such as cooperating networks, enable a close-to-the-customer production system which is characterised not only by proximity to the market but also by extremely flexible capacities and short shipping times. For small and medium-sized enterprises, this provides the unique opportunity to participate in global competition and use this opportunity to their maximum advantage. The intention of this article is not only to identify the advantages associated with the creation of a virtual enterprise, but to present ways to create a successful virtual enterprise, namely by supporting virtual enterprises through a service and management centre which offers help throughout all stages of the life cycle.

Online publication date: Fri, 11-Jul-2003

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com