Virtual Organization of Supply Chains

The main purpose of this chapter is to present a possible alternative for optimization of supply chain management. The chapter discusses the virtual organization as an important tool for optimization of supply chain management. A simple model for discussing organization of supply chain is introduced, which serves as an important starting point for assessing the current organization of the supply chain. Issues regarding collaboration between supply chain members are often emphasized in small, emerging economies in Central Europe. In these economies, supply chain management practices are not in the forefront. This chapter addresses issues regarding the collaboration of supply chain members based on a proposed model that can help responsible peoples in organizations to assess the current state of collaboration and show possible further directions in optimizing supply chain management, based on an increasing amount of virtual collaboration. In terms of practical implications, usage of selected tools in the frame of the proposed model of virtual organization is discussed, where usage, benefits, and drawbacks are outlined.