A conceptual metric for managing collaborative networks

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to provide a model that could be used to define success in a collaborative network by measuring: partners' contribution, partners' involvement (shown in the health of the relationship between partners), and partners' outcome. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of this research consists of three stages: review, constructing and testing. Review stage comprised of a critical review of the literature in order to understand the characteristics of collaborative network organisations and the reasons behind the failures in collaborative networks. Construction stage resulted in development of a conceptual metric for managing collaborative networks. Testing stage tested the model through case study in a collaborative networks organisation. Findings – The model shows three kinds of measurements that might influence the success of collaborative networks. The contribution measurement uses Analytical Hierarchy Process approach to measure partners' contribution. Likert scale is also applied to measure the health of the relationships based on key performance indicators of relationship attributes. Analytical with mathematical approach is employed to measure the partners' outcome of the collaborative network. Research limitations/implications – The model is developed based on analytic strategy and need to be chained to present reality in a particular case(s). This paper presents application of the model into a single collaborative network. The fact that this collaboration has been engaged for more than a year in order to develop a particular product, but it was difficult to identify all outcomes precisely. Further research is required with larger sample sizes and with longer time in collaboration to confirm and enhance the conclusions of this paper. Practical implications – The model provides a practical way of assessing three network's measurements with respect to their objectives. It also provides a useful mechanism for facilitating a discussion between partners in a network. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by developing a methodology for measuring partners' contribution, involvement and outcome in the collaborative network as a system within IDEF0 functional modelling. The paper presents a novel metric for measuring contribution, health and outcome of a collaborative network.