Defining key performance indicators to manage the value chain in virtual enterprises

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This thesis is about the principles and practices of the emergmg discipline of virtualenterprising within the context of supply chain management. This type of enterprise makes itpossible for Southern African companies to compete in the global marketplace against globalplayers.Value chain analysis is firstly discussed to help the business units, within the virtualenterprise, identify their competitive advantage. This competitive advantage will secure theposition of these business units within the virtual enterprise. Electronic commerce isdescribed as the vehicle for data communication within the virtual enterprise, and thesupported enterprise resource planning (ERP) software as the transaction capturing software.A performance measurement system is proposed that will assist with the management ofvirtual enterprises at a macro level. Some conclusions and recommendations are made as tohow the management of performance can assist the business units, within the virtualenterprise, to grow financially and obtain sustainability. Recommendations are also made forthe implementation of the proposed structure within the 3-D Business Simulator.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University