Alignment prediction in collaborative networks

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the alignment measurement in collaborative networks, using the fit concept and predictive performance measurement as its main enablers. A performance prediction approach is used in order to control a collaborative business network based not only in present and past performance measurements of each partner, but also taking into account the future behaviour of the intra‐ and inter‐organisational processes performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study was applied to a Brazilian collaborative network and mathematical approaches normally used in control theory were adopted to support alignment measurement.

Findings

The use of predictive measurements to manage the alignment between the results of inter‐organisational processes and performance targets set by the collaborative network.

Research limitations/implications

This approach was applied in a specific supply chain network, based on three industrial companies. For other network typologies it will be necessary to evaluate the alignment that can be achieved.

Practical implications

This predictive approach makes it possible to manage performance pro‐actively using feedforward and feedback control. Therefore, tools that consider performance estimation are used based on a data fusion approach, with a proper combination of leading and lagging measurements, which make it possible to use forecasting methods and tools to achieve good predictions.

Originality/value

The paper introduces an approach to alignment measurement leveraged by the new paradigm of performance prediction and presents an alignment metric for collaborative networks.

Citation

da Piedade Francisco, R., Azevedo, A. and Almeida, A. (2012), "Alignment prediction in collaborative networks", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 23 No. 8, pp. 1038-1056. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381211276862