Assessment of collaborative networks structural stability

Abstract

Subject of this contribution is to develop a framework for assessment of collaborative networks (CN) structural stability on the stage of the CN design. CN design is a critical source of competitive advantage given that as much as 80% of total product cost may be fixed by these decisions. The importance of the stable CN structuring is evident. The elaborated framework aims to develop a technique for simultaneous CN structuring and its stability assessment based on parametric analysis of possible participants and integral stability assessment. This procedure is based on the application of special Index of Structure Consolidation (ISC), which makes it possible to estimate the project stability. The index shows mutual interest between CN partners and the coordinator. This index should be taken into account while taking decision about the final structure of the network and its application claims for fuzzy logic introduction. It makes it possible to increase the quality of decision-making about the CN configuration under the terms of uncertainty. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.