: Westkämper, E.; Sihn, W.

Abstract
The growing attempts of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to cooperate with other businesses of their size reflect the difficulties that SMEs face in coping with the current demands on manufacturing enterprises in Germany. By collaborating in networks, SMEs are able to achieve the same market power and economies of scale as large companies as well as the flexibility and rapid response of a small enterprise and its proximity to customers. Through the use of process- and employee-oriented manufacturing structures and the introduction of decentralised, autonomous organisational units, the successful market performance of SMEs can be achieved.