Sustainable Solutions for SCM

In this environment, a real cooperation operates in a particular organisational form (e.g. cluster, joint venture, strategy alliance, etc.). The effectiveness of the cooperation is, inter alia, determined by the following: • Authority and power (how cooperation affects the competitiveness of participating subjects). • Reciprocity (which mutual benefits and what restrictions apply for participating subjects). • Decency and respectability (which exist between participating subjects and against their competitors). The aim of real cooperation is competitiveness and efficiency distributed among participating subjects. If this goal is reached, it can be assumed a rational decision of participating subjects to continue cooperation. If the goal is not achieved, there is either a modification - a change of co-operation or its repeal - cancelation and return to the competitive environment. Causes of the failure to achieve a goal can in general be internal (caused by participating subjects) or external (due to the market situation). Facilitation of cooperation as well as cooperation management processes are directly affected by the basic process – basic management functions (decision-making, organising, leading, planning and controlling). These functions determine the operation and effectiveness of these processes. Cooperative and competitive environment coexist together. Participating subjects do not need to enter to the cooperation as a whole. They move here only part of their processes. It follows that cooperation between participating subjects takes place only in clearly defined areas. In all other areas they remain competitors. 4.6 Conclusions – cooperation management as a sustainable solution An organisation, whether commercial or not, is a social group. Its goal is to fulfil the set goals. Cooperating organisation have certain categories in common. Most often these are common goals that can be reached more effectively via cooperation [53]. Organisations assume culture of the society from which they stem and at the same time they create their own (organisational or company culture). Success represents an important aspect – this is represented in a way by company survival, market success, profit etc. If organisation is not in the long-term successful in fulfilling its goals or it is not competitive, one of the solutions is to connect with another organisation or organisations.

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