Distributed Ledger Technology for the systematic Investigation and Reduction of Information Asymmetry in Collaborative Networks

Costs, risks and inefficiencies in Collaborative Networks (CNs) resulting from information asymmetries have been discussed in the scientific community for years. In this work, supply chain networks, as common representative of CNs, are used as object of investigation. Therein, problems and requirements of interorganizational information exchange are elaborated as well as the potential role Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) could play to address them. As major challenge, convincing all relevant network partners to resolve asymmetric information by sharing sensitive data is identified. To face this issue, the value of shared information is prioritized as a motivational aspect. Finally, we propose a search process to systematically assess the benefits of information sharing in collaborative networks. To coordinate and implement this process regarding the derived requirements of CNs we propose system components based on DLT design patterns

A multi-criteria model for the evaluation of business benefits in horizontal collaborative networks

Despite many advantages that could be gained through belonging to enterprise networks, only a few networks continue running businesses after the governments stop their funding. One of the reasons is the lack of a model that evaluates the benefits from the firm's point of view. The objective of this work is to develop a model that estimates the benefits in horizontal collaborative networks, for a considered business opportunity, and determines the optimal network configuration in terms of the selected enterprises. We propose a method for evaluating the profits for a collaborative network based on a combination of product realisation graph and core competences identification. Through the case study of a Swiss horizontal collaborative network, the proposed approach proves its efficiency in selecting the optimal network of partners and evaluating their corresponding turnover and profit

A multi-criteria model for the evaluation of business benefits in horizontal collaborative networks

Despite many advantages that could be gained through belonging to enterprise networks, only a few networks continue running businesses after the governments stop their funding. One of the reasons is the lack of a model that evaluates the benefits from the firm's point of view. The objective of this work is to develop a model that estimates the benefits in horizontal collaborative networks, for a considered business opportunity, and determines the optimal network configuration in terms of the selected enterprises. We propose a method for evaluating the profits for a collaborative network based on a combination of product realisation graph and core competences identification. Through the case study of a Swiss horizontal collaborative network, the proposed approach proves its efficiency in selecting the optimal network of partners and evaluating their corresponding turnover and profits

Best matching processes in distributed systems

The growing complexity and dynamic behavior of modern manufacturing and service industries along with competitive and globalized markets have gradually transformed traditional centralized systems into distributed networks of e- (electronic) Systems. Emerging examples include e-Factories, virtual enterprises, smart farms, automated warehouses, and intelligent transportation systems. These (and similar) distributed systems, regardless of context and application, have a property in common: They all involve certain types of interactions (collaborative, competitive, or both) among their distributed individuals—from clusters of passive sensors and machines to complex networks of computers, intelligent robots, humans, and enterprises. Having this common property, such systems may encounter common challenges in terms of suboptimal interactions and thus poor performance, caused by potential mismatch between individuals. For example, mismatched subassembly parts, vehicles—routes, suppliers—retailers, employees—departments, and products—automated guided vehicles—storage locations may lead to low-quality products, congested roads, unstable supply networks, conflicts, and low service level, respectively. This research refers to this problem as best matching, and investigates it as a major design principle of CCT, the Collaborative Control Theory. The original contribution of this research is to elaborate on the fundamentals of best matching in distributed and collaborative systems, by providing general frameworks for (1) Systematic analysis, inclusive taxonomy, analogical and structural comparison between different matching processes; (2) Specification and formulation of problems, and development of algorithms and protocols for best matching; (3) Validation of the models, algorithms, and protocols through extensive numerical experiments and case studies. The first goal is addressed by investigating matching problems in distributed production, manufacturing, supply, and service systems based on a recently developed reference model, the PRISM Taxonomy of Best Matching. Following the second goal, the identified problems are then formulated as mixed-integer programs. Due to the computational complexity of matching problems, various optimization algorithms are developed for solving different problem instances, including modified genetic algorithms, tabu search, and neighbourhood search heuristics. The dynamic and collaborative/competitive behaviors of matching processes in distributed settings are also formulated and examined through various collaboration, best matching, and task administration protocols. In line with the third goal, four case studies are conducted on various manufacturing, supply, and service systems to highlight the impact of best matching on their operational performance, including service level, utilization, stability, and cost-effectiveness, and validate the computational merits of the developed solution methodologies

Models and tools for value systems analysis in collaborative environments

Dissertation to obtain the degree of Doctor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specialization of Collaborative NetworksParticipation in collaborative networks is vital for small and medium-sized enterprises to survive in the current market, bringing them several benefits. However,participation in collaborative networks also involves risks and often consortia fail due to internal conflicts. Conflicts can be originated by different prioritization of values and different perceptions of outcomes. The perception of outcomes is, to some extent, subjective given that it depends on the preferences of the subject and how exchanges are evaluated. Therefore, the establishment of a common Value System or the effort to align the Value Systems of network members can play an important role in the collaboration sustainability. Although the topic of values and values alignment has been studied within the scope of various scientific disciplines, there is still no common understanding on these concepts and the literature does not include any suitable models to formally represent and analyze Value Systems within the scope of collaborative networks. This thesis proposes a set of models and formal mechanisms for specifying and analyzing Value Systems in collaborative networks. The development of models and methods followed a hybrid approach, where qualitative and quantitative techniques are used in order to represent and analyze the Value System. A web application was designed and a prototype developed in order to show that the models and methods proposed can be implemented by a computer program and can be integrated into a single framework in order to support Value Systems management within the scope of collaborative networks. The application of a multifaceted and systematic validation strategy, supported by the “Square Validation Framework” brought together a set of preliminary results that attest the theoretical and practical relevance of the proposed approach and allow us to conclude that: (i) it is possible to define and analyze Value Systems in collaborative networks, considering the economic and sociologic approach, in an integrated and unambiguous way, (ii) the potential impacts between Value Systems in collaborative environments can be inferred if the typical influences among core values are known and the preferences of the actors, regarding those values, are identified; (iii) the identification and assessment of Value Systems misalignments would be improved if qualitative and quantitative assessment methods integrating the notion of shared-values, potential for conflict and positive impacts were developed

Conflict and error management: A case in the furniture industry

The purpose of this study is to investigate and provide tools for the furniture industry, for detecting and preventing damage from propagating errors. Many of the errors cascading in a furniture manufacturing facility are typically detected only after the original process that causes the error had already caused errors. Previous research has developed and validated theoretical methods, such as CEPD, to prevent and detect errors and conflicts. This thesis is the first effort to implement the logic of CEPD in the furniture industry. There are four relevant measures that are analyzed and improved in this thesis; they are preventability, reliability, damage, and time to completion. The study proposed an Efficient inspection assigning method that is based on Centralized and Decentralized strategy. The efficient inspection method increases performance by reducing the working time and maintains the preventability and reliability of the system. The method was validated for a case of laminating department of a furniture industry. A total of eighteen scenarios for the case were analyzed and simulated using ARENA simulation. For comparison, each simulation result scenario went through pairwise t-test. The significance test shows the new Efficient inspection method can maintain preventability and reliability with lower working time: On average, reliability was increased by 0.54% with standard deviation 0.09%; working time was reduced on averaged by 5.54% with standard deviation of 2.13%. Both improvements are directly realized by error and conflict prevention. Future research will address hybrid decentralized/centralized system optimization on performance without deteriorating reliability. Useful observations were also found that can lead to improvements in the CEPD logic

Out of the Shadows, Into the Streets!

An exploration of social movement media practices in an increasingly complex media ecology, through richly detailed cases of immigrant rights activism.For decades, social movements have vied for attention from the mainstream mass media—newspapers, radio, and television. Today, many argue that social media power social movements, from the Egyptian revolution to Occupy Wall Street. Yet, as Sasha Costanza-Chock reports, community organizers know that social media enhance, rather than replace, face-to-face organizing. The revolution will be tweeted, but tweets alone do not the revolution make. In Out of the Shadows, Into the Streets! Costanza-Chock traces a much broader social movement media ecology. Through a richly detailed account of daily media practices in the immigrant rights movement, the book argues that there is a new paradigm of social movement media making: transmedia organizing. Despite the current spotlight on digital media, Costanza-Chock finds, social movement media practices tend to be cross-platform, participatory, and linked to action. Immigrant rights organizers leverage social media creatively, even as they create media ranging from posters and street theater to Spanish-language radio, print, and television.Drawing on extensive interviews, workshops, and media organizing projects, Costanza-Chock presents case studies of transmedia organizing in the immigrant rights movement over the last decade. Chapters focus on the historic mass protests against the anti-immigrant Sensenbrenner Bill; coverage of police brutality against peaceful activists; efforts to widen access to digital media tools and skills for low-wage immigrant workers; paths to participation in DREAM activism; and the implications of professionalism for transmedia organizing. These cases show us how savvy transmedia organizers work to strengthen movement identity, win political and economic victories, and transform public consciousness forever

Evaluating theoretical conceptualisations for supply chain and finance integration: a Scottish focus group

With supply chain finance gaining more prominence in practice and drawing increasing attention from researchers, the question arises how this emerging discipline can build on existing theoretical conceptualisations. However, few studies have incorporated theoretical frameworks and there remains therefore a gap in literature. To fill this gap, the study reviews five theories on their suitability for supply chain finance: transaction cost economics, agency theory, network theory, collaborative networks and social exchange theory. A Scottish focus group consisting of practitioners involved in supply chain finance provided empirical data for the evaluation. The findings suggest that there is supporting evidence for using agency theory, network theory, transaction cost economics and social exchange theory as theoretical frameworks for studying phenomena of supply chain finance. Furthermore, the results indicate that the conceptualisations based on agency theory should be extended with ‘reverse principal–agent theory’ to fit with the contingencies of supply chain finance. The frameworks of collaborative networks are found less suitable. In addition to these theoretical considerations, the focus group discussion also points out that the financial department's collaboration with other departments involved in the primary supply chain process in firms needs to be improved. To achieve this training and supplier development, particularly for smaller firms, is seen as key. These outcomes have informed a research agenda for research groups, early career researchers and doctoral students

Is affirmative action an enabler of the advancement of the right to gender equality in the South African workplace post-1994? A case study: taking a glance into South African academia

Research Report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Masters in International Human Rights Exchange in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of WitwatersrandSouth Africa is said to display one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.1 The Right to Equality is the backbone of the fundamental law of the country and yet gender equality in the workplace is still contested to be a myth for the average South African woman. This is a qualitative desktop research study that takes an interdisciplinary approach in investigating if the various affirmative action measures and equity policies post-1994 have in reality enabled the advancement of women’s equality in academia. It is now two decades into the new democracy post-1994. Therefore, South Africa should be in a position to look back and take stock of whether or not gender equality still remains a myth in academia. Drawing from various salient research, even global literature stipulates that although much has been done to combat gender inequality so little progress has been made.2 Regardless of how high one stands in the world and looks out into the workplace horizon, specifically in academia, women still have relatively little decision-making power in organisations.3 In the South African context, it is evident that the most progressive legal policies and affirmative action measures (transformation processes) exist in theory but not so much in practice. Nonetheless, the gap lies in the implementation processes, which come at a high cost for universities.4 In that, for them to invest in the development of female academics they have to adopt the implementation of strategies that address the needs of female academics holistically.5 However, there are sociological ills, which cannot be divorced from gender stereotyping, cultural norms, attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate gender inequalities. More so because these facets are mostly interwoven in patriarchy and at times are practised subconsciously, as societal norms dictate that men are superior to women.6 As illustrated in the iceberg theory, this highlights that gender inequality is perpetuated mostly by the hidden cultures and practices within our society.7 Thus, more often than not affirmative action policies tend to take a back seat when it comes to addressing issues of gender inequality in the workplace