Practices for Network Management

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxiii

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2. Introduction

   • Jukka Vesalainen, Katri Valkokari, Magnus Hellström

   Pages 1-17

3. Networks-as-Coordinated Social Systems

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 19-19

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   2. Introduction to Part I—Viewing Networks as Social Systems

      • Peter Zettinig, Mika Viljanen

      Pages 21-26

   3. Stakeholder Identification, Salience, and Strategic Mindset Analysis

      • Danijela Majdenic, Jonathan Van Mumford, Milla Wirén, Peter Zettinig

      Pages 27-45

   4. Leading Human Values in Complex Environments

      • Johnny Långstedt, Robin Wikström, Magnus Hellström

      Pages 47-62

   5. Making Sense of Network Dynamics through Network Picturing

      • Tiina Valjakka, Valtteri Kaartemo, Katri Valkokari

      Pages 63-77

   6. Functional Contracting for Network Creation and Governance

      • Mika Viljanen, Anna Hurmerinta, Johanna Liinamaa, Maria Ivanova-Gongne, Hanna Luotola, Magnus Gustafsson

      Pages 79-90

   7. Boundary Spanning and the Art of Persuasion

      • Jukka Vesalainen, Anni Rajala, Joakim Wincent

      Pages 91-103

4. Networks-as-Knowledge-Creating Platforms

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 105-105

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   2. Introduction to Part II—Knowledge Integration in Networks

      • Rainer Breite

      Pages 107-112

   3. Expert Knowledge Integration—A Systematic Approach for Multi-stakeholder Innovation

      • Anu Suominen, Sari Mäenpää, Rainer Breite

      Pages 113-129

   4. Third-Party-Supported Benchmarking for Reciprocal Learning

      • Sari Mäenpää, Anu Suominen, Rainer Breite

      Pages 131-145

   5. Value Proposition Co-development

      • Juho Ylimäki, Jukka Vesalainen

      Pages 147-158

   6. Relational Factors as Part of Network Relationship Evaluation

      • Rainer Breite, Sari Mäenpää, Anu Suominen, Mika Perho

      Pages 159-175

   7. A Tool for Increased Cognitive Ergonomics in Operative Supplier Selection in a Global Context

      • Tomi Nokelainen, Magnus Hellström, Robin Wikström

      Pages 177-196

5. Networks-as-Value-Generating Entities

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 197-197

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   2. Introduction to Part III—Moving Toward Mutual Benefits and Increased Total Value

      • Magnus Hellström

      Pages 199-203

   3. Life Cycle Cost Calculations as the Means for Value Communication in Networks

      • Susanna Kunttu, Outi Kettunen, Tero Välisalo

      Pages 205-217

   4. The Service Configurator—How to Optimally Split Project Scopes

      • Magnus Hellström, Víctor A. Sifontes Herrera, Robin Wikström, Johnny Långstedt

      Pages 219-236

Presenting 17 tools developed through rigorous design science research, this book bridges the relevance gap within network management. In so doing, it proposes a novel system-framework and establishes a path towards a networks-as-practice view on inter-organizational relationships. The systems-framework builds on three institutionalized business practices: Networks-as-coordinated social systems, Networks-as-knowledge-creating platforms, and Networks-as-value-generating entities. Through these tools, Towards Relational Business Practices intends to propose a new managerial praxis and provoke new and improved frameworks and models for network management. 

• management
• marketing
• industrial management
• managerial tools
• inter-organizational

• University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland

  Jukka Vesalainen

• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tampere, Finland

  Katri Valkokari

• Åbo Akademi University, Åbo, Finland

  Magnus Hellström

Jukka Vesalainen is Professor of Management and Organization at University of Vaasa, Finland, where his current research addresses networking and business relationships. He has published research articles in top international journals including Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, and International Small Business Journal.

Katri Valkokari is a principal scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in the Business Ecosystems, Value Chains and Foresight research area. Over the past 15 years, she has carried out several business development projects concerning different SME networks. She has published several international and national articles on business networks, innovation management and sustainability.

Magnus Hellström is a Senior Lecturer and docent in industrial management at Åbo Akademi University, Finland. Magnus has over five years’ experience working within the engineering works industry. His research interests include modularity, industrial services, and business ecosystems.