Activity Coordination for Flexible Processes in Instant Virtual Enterprises

This paper presents a novel approach to supporting the design and evolution of supply networks which integrates collaborative planning with last-minute responsiveness and supply network evolution. The underlying theoretical model is based on activity coordination (T.W. Malone and K. Crowston) and meta-management (A. Mowshowitz) to deliver two key contributions. Firstly, innovative and emergent compositions of value-adding activities and services are enabled by separating abstract requirements for activities such as transportation from providers (e.g. logistic suppliers). Secondly, responsiveness to last-minute changes of customer needs or transport disturbances is provided by postponing the allocation of providers to abstract activity requirements till the last possible moment, and continuously monitoring and improving the effectiveness of the supplier allocation.