Analysis and evaluation of e-supply chain performances

This study proposes a model for the analysis and performance evaluation of e-supply chains (e-SCs), that are supply chains (SCs) in which actors are connected by Internet technologies. It is assumed that e-SC performances are influenced by the network organizational structures, by the criteria adopted to manage relationships among involved actors, and by the critical activities that the leading company performs. At first, the variables influencing such factors are identified and the interdependencies among them are analysed to establish existing correlations. This, in turn, enables one to group the values of the influencing factors in four coherent sets which are consistent with different business environments, thus assuring the effectiveness and efficiency to the e-SC. The obtained reference model is then tested by applying it to literature-based case studies. The output of this model may be used to design totally new e-SCs or to redesign the existing ones, in both manufacturing and services industries.