Large-scale perspective as a challenge

Abstract

This article is available in English and Dutch1. Scale forms a challenge for chain researchers: when exactly is something 'large-scale'? What are the underlying factors (e.g. number of parties, data, objects in the chain, complexity) that determine this? It appears to be a continuum between small- and large-scale, where positioning on that continuum is situation dependent.2. Scale forms a challenge for chain professionals and consultants as well. Large-scale projects require a fundamentally different approach than regular, small-scale projects; starting from the principles of gradualism and a good starting place. Fallacies of the wrong level are looming and should be prevented.3. Because it is difficult to determine whether a situation is large-scale, it is important to make assumptions about an information strategy/chain project explicit and test them on both a small- and large-scale scenarios.4. The theory of Chain-computerisation can provide guidance for dealing with scale.