The term virtual enterprise has generated considerable confusion because of its rather liberal interpretation. This paper argues that the successful establishment of a virtual enterprise is mainly dependent on the virtual organizing processes of an enterpriseu27s strategies ( VOPES), rather than on the actual manifested transformation of the whole into a single virtual organization. A three-dimensional dynamic framework for VOPES is presented, with the aim of providing a coherent model for positioning the various virtual organizing strategies, and at the same time giving VOPES dynamic tendencies towards market negotiation, co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration. To achieve a competitive advantage, the top management of an enterprise operating in an intense information environment can organize their enterprise virtually by using the three-dimensional framework of: virtual customer relationship, virtual outsourcing, and virtual knowledge and expertise. The generic IT architecture of VOPES is also described and discussed.
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