Collaborative networks are believed to bring benefits to its participants once they share risks, knowledge and profits. However, in order to obtain successful outcomes, a network must be properly designed and managed, which comprises controlling network performance. Thus, this paper puts forward a series of measurement themes and performance metrics to measure collaboration among manufacturing organisations in a network characterised by subcontracts. So as to achieve this objective, literature on collaborative networked organisations (CNOs) and performance metrics for collaboration is reviewed. Afterwards, a field study is carried out in a Brazilian network of firms that produce capital goods. A description is given on how this network is formed, managed and how its elements relate with each other. Then, a set of performance measures is suggested for each measurement theme. Finally, considerations are made on the research findings and limitations.

This study aims to optimize the one-dimensional cutting process of aluminum bars for the production of aluminum doors. Reducing the use of bars and the amount of material that becomes scrap is a key factor in process efficiency, reducing the need for raw material procurement. The mathematical model used considers the size of the bar, the number and size of cuts, the size of the leftovers that can be used and the size of the leftovers that are considered scrap. Based on real data from a company in the aluminum frame segment, the mathematical model was used to simulate three different scenarios. Three different objective functions were used in the simulations, and the results obtained in each scenario were described in order to indicate the advantages and disadvantages of using each objective function. For the instance sizes studied, the model is able to obtain optimal solutions with little computational time.

The concept of industrial clustering has been studied in-depth by policy makers and researchers from many fields, mainly due to the competitive advantages it may bring to regional economies. Companies often take part in collaborative initiatives with local partners while also taking advantage of knowledge spillovers to benefit from locating in a cluster. Thus, Knowledge Management (KM) and Performance Management (PM) have become relevant topics for policy makers and cluster associations when undertaking collaborative initiatives. Taking this into account, this paper aims to explore the interplay between both topics using a case study conducted in a collaborative network formed within a cluster. The results show that KM should be acknowledged as a formal area of cluster management so that PM practices can support knowledge-oriented initiatives and therefore make better use of the new knowledge created. Furthermore, tacit and explicit knowledge resulting from PM practices needs to be stored and disseminated throughout the cluster as a way of improving managerial practices and regional strategic direction.

This paper addresses local governance in industrial clusters, which is a fundamental mechanism for promoting and managing joint actions between local firms. Thus, it builds on current literature on industrial clusters management and proposes a new management model to help governance agencies plan, implement and assess joint actions. Also, a self-assessment tool is devised to help governance agencies determine their level of adherence to the model, as well as identify areas for improvement. The tool was applied in two Brazilian industrial clusters - Sertaozinho (metal-mechanic cluster) and Arapongas (wooden furniture cluster). Both cases had successfully established their institutional infrastructure and were able to formulate strategic plans. However, due to the lack of management tools, performance measurement systems and trust among companies, the outcomes and impact of joint actions could not be properly evaluated, which may compromise future initiatives among firms.

A identificação das necessidades e preferências dos consumidores está intimamente ligada à percepção da qualidade dos produtos. Por isso, abordagens de desenvolvimento de produto como o QFD destacam a importância da identificação dos requisitos dos clientes para o sucesso do processo de desenvolvimento de produtos. Apesar disso, pouca ênfase é dada à forma como essas etapas iniciais devem ser realizadas. Portanto, este trabalho propõe um método dividido em três etapas para ajudar tanto na identificação de necessidades dos clientes como na medição da importância relativa dos aspectos considerados relevantes por potenciais consumidores, utilizando a abordagem Fuzzy-AHP. Uma aplicação piloto foi realizada no setor de fones de ouvido para ilustrar as etapas do método, o que possibilitou diversas reflexões práticas sobre a aplicabilidade do método e a forma como os dados podem ser analisados e empregados para a tomada de decisão. Além disso, o método Fuzzy-AHP se demonstrou eficaz em demonstrar a importância relativa das preferências dos consumidores.