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  • On the role of value systems to promote the sustainability of collaborative environments
    Publication . Abreu, António; Camarinha-Matos, Luis M.
    The establishment of a common value system is an important element for the sustainability of collaborative networks. However, since the networks are typically formed by heterogeneous and autonomous entities, it is natural that each member has its own set of values and effort to align the various value systems is therefore necessary. In this context, the role of value systems in the virtual organization breeding environment is discussed under the assumption that the promotion of cooperation is based on the reciprocity mechanism. Example scenarios are included in the discussion and illustrations are given based on data from real networks.
  • Performance indicators for collaborative networks based on collaboration benefits
    Publication . Camarinha-Matos, Luis M.; Abreu, António
    Collaborative networks are typically assumed to bring clear benefits and competitive advantage to the participating members. However, the identification and characterisation of objective and measurable collaboration benefits is an important element for the wide adoption of this paradigm. Departing from a brief categorisation of the intuitive advantages of collaboration, this paper introduces an approach for the analysis of benefits in collaborative processes, introducing a number of performance indicators. The potential application of the indicators derived from this analysis is then discussed in the context of a virtual organisation’s breeding environment. Finally, experimental results based on data from two existing collaborative networks are presented and discussed.
  • Elements of a methodology to assess the alignment of core-values in collaborative networks
    Publication . Abreu, António; Macedo, Patrícia; Camarinha-Matos, Luis
    Collaborative networks are typically formed by heterogeneous and autonomous entities, and thus it is natural that each member has its own set of core-values. Since these values somehow drive the behaviour of the involved entities, the ability to quickly identify partners with compatible or common core-values represents an important element for the success of collaborative networks. However, tools to assess or measure the level of alignment of core-values are lacking. Since the concept of 'alignment' in this context is still ill-defined and shows a multifaceted nature, three perspectives are discussed. The first one uses a causal maps approach in order to capture, structure, and represent the influence relationships among core-values. This representation provides the basis to measure the alignment in terms of the structural similarity and influence among value systems. The second perspective considers the compatibility and incompatibility among core-values in order to define the alignment level. Under this perspective we propose a fuzzy inference system to estimate the alignment level, since this approach allows dealing with variables that are vaguely defined, and whose inter-relationships are difficult to define. Another advantage provided by this method is the possibility to incorporate expert human judgment in the definition of the alignment level. The last perspective uses a belief Bayesian network method, and was selected in order to assess the alignment level based on members' past behaviour. An example of application is presented where the details of each method are discussed.
  • On the role of value systems and reciprocity in collaborative environments
    Publication . Abreu, António; Camarinha-Matos, Luis M.
    The establishment of a common value system is an important element for the sustainability of collaborative networks. This paper discusses the role of value systems in the VO breeding environment when the promotion of the cooperation is based on reciprocity mechanism. Some scenarios are included in the discussion and illustrations are given based on data from real networks.
  • Distributed process execution in collaborative networks
    Publication . F. G. Osório, A. Luís; Luis M. Camarinha-Matos
    Processes are a central entity in enterprise collaboration. Collaborative processes need to be executed and coordinated in a distributed Computational platform where computers are connected through heterogeneous networks and systems. Life cycle management of such collaborative processes requires a framework able to handle their diversity based on different computational and communication requirements. This paper proposes a rational for such framework, points out key requirements and proposes it strategy for a supporting technological infrastructure. Beyond the portability of collaborative process definitions among different technological bindings, a framework to handle different life cycle phases of those definitions is presented and discussed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.