Interoperability in collaborative networks : a framework proposal

• Type: Thesis
• Date: 2008

Authors

Claudia-Melania Chituc (Author) FEUP; Américo Lopes de Azevedo (Author) Other; Américo Azevedo (Technical adviser) FEUP

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Electrical engineering

Other information

Resumo (PT): The developments of information and communication technologies and economic factors have forced organizations to engage in new forms of collaboration to perform business, such as collaborative networks. Collaborative networks bring enormous benefits to their member organizations. They require adequate tools and platforms to support interoperability among heterogeneous and geographically distributed organizations. Several reference models, frameworks, tools and infrastructures supporting (or claiming to support) seamless interoperability in a collaborative networked environment have been developed. Nevertheless, this objective has not been totally achieved. There are also few theoretical contributions in this research area, especially concerning collaborative networks’ performance assessment. A comprehensive theoretical model or an empirically tested framework supporting seamless interoperability and explaining the complex relations between heterogeneous organizations is not yet available. The aim of this research work is to advance the research in the area of interoperability in collaborative networks. After analyzing existing approaches (e.g., industry-neutral and industry-specific initiatives, e-business frameworks, reference models, architectures, infrastructures, tools), a set of twenty six general requirements for interoperability has been identified and a gap analysis has been performed. A proposal for collaborative networks’ formal modeling and an economic analysis to support a Join/Leave/Remain decision in a collaborative-competitive economic networked environment are also presented. Based on the research results achieved, a conceptual framework towards seamless interoperability in a collaborative networked environment has been elaborated, following a service-oriented approach. It comprises six elements: (1) a messaging service, assuring e-communication among organizations over the Internet; (2) a collaboration profile/ agreement definition and management service; (3) five clusters of collaborative business activities; (4) a centralized repository; (5) a set of business documents and contracting documents; (6) a performance assessment service. The functionality of the conceptual framework proposed is illustrated with a real implementation case targeting the footwear industry. An analytical model to compare e-business frameworks based on twenty two criteria is described, emphasizing the advantages of the conceptual framework proposed in this research work over other existing e-business frameworks. The applicability of the Analytic Hierarchy Process multi-criteria decision method in the selection of an e-business framework based on the comparison criteria defined is illustrated.

Abstract (EN): The developments of information and communication technologies and economic factors have forced organizations to engage in new forms of collaboration to perform business, such as collaborative networks. Collaborative networks bring enormous benefits to their member organizations. They require adequate tools and platforms to support interoperability among heterogeneous and geographically distributed organizations. Several reference models, frameworks, tools and infrastructures supporting (or claiming to support) seamless interoperability in a collaborative networked environment have been developed. Nevertheless, this objective has not been totally achieved. There are also few theoretical contributions in this research area, especially concerning collaborative networks’ performance assessment. A comprehensive theoretical model or an empirically tested framework supporting seamless interoperability and explaining the complex relations between heterogeneous organizations is not yet available. The aim of this research work is to advance the research in the area of interoperability in collaborative networks. After analyzing existing approaches (e.g., industry-neutral and industry-specific initiatives, e-business frameworks, reference models, architectures, infrastructures, tools), a set of twenty six general requirements for interoperability has been identified and a gap analysis has been performed. A proposal for collaborative networks’ formal modeling and an economic analysis to support a Join/Leave/Remain decision in a collaborative-competitive economic networked environment are also presented. Based on the research results achieved, a conceptual framework towards seamless interoperability in a collaborative networked environment has been elaborated, following a service-oriented approach. It comprises six elements: (1) a messaging service, assuring e-communication among organizations over the Internet; (2) a collaboration profile/ agreement definition and management service; (3) five clusters of collaborative business activities; (4) a centralized repository; (5) a set of business documents and contracting documents; (6) a performance assessment service. The functionality of the conceptual framework proposed is illustrated with a real implementation case targeting the footwear industry. An analytical model to compare e-business frameworks based on twenty two criteria is described, emphasizing the advantages of the conceptual framework proposed in this research work over other existing e-business frameworks. The applicability of the Analytic Hierarchy Process multi-criteria decision method in the selection of an e-business framework based on the comparison criteria defined is illustrated.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 271