Understanding virtual organisation to identify possible risks

This paper reviews literature covering a wide range of collaborative networks. It begins with definitions of virtual organisation (VO) and then proceeds to examine the primary and secondary characteristics of VOs before tracing the VO life cycle by examining the viewpoints of a number of authors. Before examining the similarities and differences between the virtual organisation, the supply chain and extended enterprise, which assets in identifying the risk, associated with all types of collaborative networks. Covering this wide area will identify a more comprehensive initial list of risk sources that would have been possible by only studding literature review relating to virtual organisation.