Hendrik Jähn

Value-added process-related performance analysis of enterprises acting in cooperative production structures1

This contribution presents an approach for the enterprise-related analysis of selected performance parameters based on a value-added process-related perspective. This procedure is termed performance analysis. Within that context especially small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises operating in networked production structures are focused on. In order to provide a comprehensive approach both hard and soft factors (performance parameters) are considered. As the result of that model an aggregated performance figure is calculated. It is based on the evaluation results of the performance parameters and its corresponding key figures. The article is divided into three main sections: the introduction of principles of performance measurement, analysis and controlling, the derivation of the performance analysis approach and its illustration and the introduction of an example for the performance analysis considering the soft performance parameter ‘climate of cooperation’. The main part of the performance analysis consists of two segments: the value-added process-neutral phases and the value-added process-related phases. In that context specific methodologies and instruments for the determination of performance parameters, corresponding key figures, evaluation functions and weights are introduced. Additionally possible implications on the enterprise management and controlling are discussed and a practical case study is presented. The performance analysis approach represents an important component of the operative enterprise controlling.

An Approach for the Ascertainment of Profit Shares for Network Participants

This paper introduces an approach for the automated calculation of profit shares for participants in non-hierarchical production networks under consideration of incentive and sanction mechanisms. Thereby the sanctions can be ascertained within an integrated approach for the evaluation of the performance of the individual value-adding units. Incentive mechanisms focus the interference of the behavior of the value-adding-units in order to act network-compliant. The discussed issues concern the two final phases of a typical life cycle of a virtual enterprise: the phase of the evaluation and the phase of the break-up of the network. Thereby the maximization of utility of the entire virtual enterprise serves as the main objective.

Quantitative Analysis of the Soft Factor “Cooperation Climate” in Collaborative Networks

In the following an approach for the quantitative inclusion of the soft-factor cooperation climate in the enterprise oriented performance analysis is presented. This quantitative analysis is realised by an adapted value benefit analysis in combination with the Repertory Grid methodology. Through this a comprehensive model representing value-adding process related and valueadding-process neutral phases has been developed. This framework can be integrated in a model for network management and operation. Although the model is of theoretic nature the result give evidence concerning the behaviour of participants in collaborative networks.

Distribution of Network Generated Profit by considering Individual Profit Expectations

In this contribution approaches for the distribution of profit within networked production structures to the different network members are introduced and discussed. In this context exact rules are indispensable for the success of a cooperation because profits are the main target of all economic activities. In this context three influencing parameters are considered: a fixed share, a value-adding-dependent share and a profit expectation dependent share whereby the last mentioned parameter represents the most important variable.

An approach for the quantitative consideration of soft-facts for planning and controlling networked production structures

This contribution introduces an approach which makes it possible to take into consideration soft-facts in a quantified form for the establishment and operation of production networks. This approach, called polyhedral analysis, with its two main parameters connectivity and eccentricity, delivers valuable information which makes it possible to generate the promise of successful network cooperation, from a social perspective, and thus to guarantee the long-term satisfaction of the customer. Because of these features, polyhedral analysis might be interpreted as a methodology for making decisions within the scope of the selection of partners in networked production structures. In this connection, the concept of the non-hierarchical regional production network is introduced as a special field for the application of polyhedral analysis and for the integration of soft-facts during the generation of a network. Concerning these marginal conditions, the introduced methodology has an important function for distributed operations and decision-making.

A Comprehensive Approach for the Management of Virtual Enterprises Including Performance Analysis, Provision of Incentives and Allocation of Income

This conceptual paper focuses a comprehensive business model for service-oriented collaborative networks and Virtual Enterprises. In that context an innovative concept for the operative controlling of enterprises operating in order-specific configured collaborative systems is introduced. This approach includes a variety of methodologies. The main part of that approach considers income allocation based on the realised performance. Therefore a concept for the order-specific performance analysis has been developed. Additionally incentive mechanisms are considered. By the help of that approach new impulses for the operative enterprise management and controlling are available.

Fundamentals for the Allocation of Financial Benefits in Virtual Enterprises

In the following fundamentals for the allocation of financial benefits such as profit are introduced. The content is based on the concept of value-adding process-related virtual enterprises. Before applying exact rules for the calculation and allocation of the financial benefits some initial process steps need to be completed. That is indispensable for the success of virtual enterprises because financial benefits are the main target of economic activities. The development of relevant approaches is based on the framework of the new institutional economics. Thereby, informational asymmetries, opportunistic behaviour, a limited rationality and an individual maximisation of utility are the basic assumptions. Considering the fundamentals of profit allocation forms an integral component of the operative management of cooperations.

The Application of Incentive Mechanisms for the Participation of Enterprises in Collaborative Networks from an Economic Perspective

This contribution is to be assigned to the operative production management of collaborative networks. By the application of incentive mechanisms, a competitive and effective management of production processes allows sustainable success. Incentives are relevant for all stages of a network lifecycle. In this paper, the problem is discussed that enterprises from a pool of cooperation-willing enterprises do not take part in a certain value-added process, even though it would be possible from the technical point of view and would also be economically reasonable. As a reason for this behavior, the utility calculus of an enterprise plays a decisive role. To convince these enterprises to collaborate in a value-added process, primarily incentive mechanisms are to be applied. In the following, this topic is taken on and is discussed extensively by means of two concrete examples. In this connection, a concrete calculation model both for the amount of incentives and the profit share is introduced.

Fundamentals for the Development of a Performance Analysis Approach in Collaborative Networks

This contribution focuses the challenge of analyzing the performances of enterprises which participate in modular Virtual Enterprises. Modular in that context means “consisting of independent participants”. In order to be able to draw valuable conclusions a comprehensive performance analysis approach (PAA) is required. For the development of an approach for the value-added process-related performance analysis the fulfilment of some preconditions is necessary. A comprehensive approach for the analysis of performances within networked production structures is an indispensable component of the operative management to secure sustainable success. In the following the fundamentals are distinguished and some effects are discussed. Additionally some possibilities for the extension of the approach are introduced.

Social compatibilities and competencies in network structures ? a quantitative approach

This paper is based on the knowledge that human beings increasingly play an important role in modern, networked and temporary work structures. This on the one hand refers to the competencies and on the other hand to his socio-cultural background. Based on that, a considerable potential is assumed in the optimisation of relationships to the partners which often act in the networks. Thus, a procedure was developed which uses several different established theories, models and methodologies from the fields of mathematics, psychology and competence research. Thereby, it is the target to provide an instrument for the decision maker by the help of which a statement can be made concerning the quality of a potential network. This is carried out largely in automated way, based on the parameters that need to be calculated in order to make the increasing complexity and reciprocal dependence of the partners and decisions controllable.