A risk assessment methodology for a Virtual Enterprise (VE) was developed to facilitate analysis of the key factors of risks and assessment of the level of risks a VE faces during its complete functioning period. The paper provides a relatively simple and straightforward method to estimate risks and intends to give a concept for mitigating the risks related to the action phase of a VE. A model of the existence of a VE with hierarchical risk factors was developed, which can be helpful to a decision- maker of a collaborative network of small and medium-sized enterprises in formulating risk management strategies and tactics in order to mitigate overall risks of the VE. The proposed semi-quantitative risk assessment method uses for the estimation and evaluation of risks matrices based on probability and impact. This research proposes Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) for determining the overall risk factor of a VE. Also, the Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart concept is suggested for risk mitigation.

Fast changing market conditions force SMEs to collaborate dynamically with each other for carrying out projects accordingly to customer requirements in a competitive way. In order to simplify the cooperation, a Collaborative Network (CN) of enterprises forms Partner Networks (PN), where partners define the rules of collaboration and sign collaboration agreements. This paper provides a conceptual model of a sustainable realization of collaborative projects for SME-s from the machinery domain that follows criteria for involving new members to a PN. Furthermore, the authors describe the initiation of a PN joining process and introduce the business processes classifier for enterprises partners. The main objective of research is to enable the commencement of new projects, or Virtual Organization (VO) faster for the price proposal preparation. Today there is a gap exists in the state-of-the-art with respect to a comprehensive lifecycle of PN-initiation and collaborative project management, starting from its very inception. The primary purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel model that enables a faster PN initiation process; the novel process of PN initiation covers the aspects of composing the partner network, the PN-initiation lifecycle and a corresponding architecture for PN initiation

The advent of Industry 4.0 is changing the role of human labour towards a more supportive function in the production system, requiring new digital-, technical-, interdisciplinary-, collaborative- and communicative competencies. This challenges educational institutions to develop new teaching activities and materials to address ever emerging needs. To address this, this paper presents an Educational Framework to support educators in developing new teaching activities and study material for Industry 4.0. The model distinguishes itself from other educational design models by combining an iterative approach toward problem-solving, with the concept of authentic task design, as the core elements. Based on 14 pilot cases, it is concluded that educational framework have increased the educational activities in the areas in focus.