The new organisational paradigm

Most of us work in organisations that are hierarchical, vertical and functionally defined, The organisation chart for the typical company resembles a pyramid and provides a clear view of where everyone fits in relation to each other and will also normally reflect reporting relationships. In essence, the conventional organisation structure is little changed since the armies of the Roman Empire developed the precursor of the pyramid organisation. 

Most of us work in organisations that are hierarchical, vertical and functionally defined, 

The challenge to every business is to become a responsive organisation in every sense of the word. The organisation must respond to changes in the market with products and services that provide innovative solutions to customers problems it must respond to volatile demand and it must be able to provide high levels of flexibility in delivery. 

The key to success in this new competitive framework, it can be argued, is the way in which this network of alliances and suppliers are welded together in partnership to achieve mutually beneficial goals. 

It will be clear that one of the key ingredients of supply chain management excellence is a high level of collaboration across the network. 

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