Industrial Networks (Routledge Revivals): A New View of Reality

First published in 1992, this volume brings together contemporary studies and reviews the research which established the study of networks as an area in its own right. By looking at the foundations of industrial networks and analysing network methodology and modelling, this book offers an integrated and coherent approach to the whole area. Covering small group analysis, network change processes and implications for business strategy, and presenting new ways to exploit inter-organisational relationships in the face of change, it tackles key issues with important implications for the future. This book will be of interest to students of economics and business.

Table of Contents:
List of figures and tables; Preface; Introduction; Part I Why Networks?; 1 Industrial Networks: A review G Easton Introduction Provenance Networks as relationships Networks as structures Networks as position Networks as process Implications and applications Conclusion; 2 A Model of industrial networks H. Hakansson and J. Johanson Starting points Actors Activities Resources The network; Part II Network formations – relationships and small groups; 3 Small group analysis in industrial networks P.C. Smith and J Laage-Hellman Introduction Issues and strategies Connection Transformation patterns Case analysis Summary and conclusions; 4 Non-economic exchange in industrial networks G. Easton and L Araujo Introduction Relationships other than economic exchange relationships Atmosphere in network relationships The co-relation dimension Implications Problems; Part III Network Change; 5 Changes in industrial networks as flow through nodes G. Easton and A. Lundgren Introduction Flow through nodes Characterising flow through nodes A case study – the development of the Swedish computer imaging industry Factors affecting change sequences Network extensions Conclusions; 6 Towards more integrated industrial systems S. hertz Background Network and industrial systems Integration and the reasons for integrating Effects of integration The dynamics of the integration process in an industrial system and the total network; 7 Evolution processes in industrial networks H. Hakansson Interaction between industrial producers The network Evolution processes The process of combining resources and activities The process of controlling resources and activities Dependencies between the two processes Implications; 8 Coordination and mobilisation processes in industrial networks A. Lundgren; Introduction Traditional theories of economic growth Economic changes in a network perspective The structure of networks Changes in networks coordination and mobilisation in an image processing network Coordination of activities Mobilisation of resources The dynamics of mobilisation and coordination Conclusions; 9 Analysing change and stability in distribution channel – a network approach L.E. Gadde and H. Hakansson Introduction On change and stability Early models of channel structure The network approach to channel analysis Conclusions; Part IV Network implications for business strategy; 10 Corporate strategy models and networks – diverging perspectives B. Axelsson Introduction A facelss and totally competitive environment – the dominant perspective Cooperation in dyads and organisation sets within a competitive environment – an emerging perspective Strategies in a full-face, totally mixed cooperative and competitive environment – a missing perspective? Implications for industrial network strategies; 11 Network positions and strategic action – an analytical framework L.G. Mattson and J. Johanson Introduction The industrial system Positions in networks Strategic action; 12 Foreign market entry – the textbook vs. the network view B. Axelsson and J. Johanson Introduction Foreign market entry decisions An early starter – Kommundata’s entry into the Middle East A late starter – Kabi Vitrum’s entry into the US An international among others – Scania’s entry into Australia Comments on the nature of foreign market entry processes Three issues of critical importance; Part V The Future; 13 Network research – future issues B. Axelsson Introduction Networks as governance structures: where, when, why? Different kinds of networks: what, why, how? The need to study specific phenomena and application areas: which, why, how? Conclusions; Bibliography; Index

About the Author :
Edited by Axelsson, B; Easton, G