Testbed simulation modelling in an open business ecosystem context–benchmarking logistics network performance LRN2018 SI invited paper

This article examines whether holistic systems thinking in a performance measurement context can benefit business development and managerial decision-making in innovative companies utilising a business network. A single-case study examines a logistics network entity consisting of multiple companies committed to an open business ecosystem seeking to create new business opportunities and proposes a testbed simulation tool to benchmark three distinct conceptual models. The systemic approach offers both operational and strategic benefits in supporting managerial decision-making to deliver process efficiency and generate customer value. Findings conclude that holistic business perspective governs the complexity of a logistic system via deeper qualitative investigation, while hard systems thinking captures the quantitative details of the system allowing network performance optimisation.