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  • © 2017

Practices for Network Management

In Search of Collaborative Advantage

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Presents a collection of 21 novel managerial tools for network and relationship management

  • Explores the limitations of network management

  • Follows a design science approach

  • Includes analysis and evaluation of the tools presented

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Softcover Book USD 169.99
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  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
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Hardcover Book USD 169.99
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Table of contents (22 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxiii
  2. Introduction

    • Jukka Vesalainen, Katri Valkokari, Magnus Hellström
    Pages 1-17
  3. Networks-as-Coordinated Social Systems

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 19-19
    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
    2. Expert Knowledge Integration—A Systematic Approach for Multi-stakeholder Innovation

      • Anu Suominen, Sari Mäenpää, Rainer Breite
      Pages 113-129
    3. Third-Party-Supported Benchmarking for Reciprocal Learning

      • Sari Mäenpää, Anu Suominen, Rainer Breite
      Pages 131-145
    4. Value Proposition Co-development

      • Juho Ylimäki, Jukka Vesalainen
      Pages 147-158
    5. Relational Factors as Part of Network Relationship Evaluation

      • Rainer Breite, Sari Mäenpää, Anu Suominen, Mika Perho
      Pages 159-175
    6. 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
    2. Life Cycle Cost Calculations as the Means for Value Communication in Networks

      • Susanna Kunttu, Outi Kettunen, Tero Välisalo
      Pages 205-217
    3. The Service Configurator—How to Optimally Split Project Scopes

      • Magnus Hellström, Víctor A. Sifontes Herrera, Robin Wikström, Johnny Långstedt
      Pages 219-236

About this book

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. 

Editors and Affiliations

  • University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland

    Jukka Vesalainen

  • VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tampere, Finland

    Katri Valkokari

  • Åbo Akademi University, Åbo, Finland

    Magnus Hellström

About the editors

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 MarketingEntrepreneurship 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.

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Practices for Network Management

  • Book Subtitle: In Search of Collaborative Advantage

  • Editors: Jukka Vesalainen, Katri Valkokari, Magnus Hellström

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49649-8

  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham

  • eBook Packages: Business and Management, Business and Management (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2017

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-49648-1Published: 20 February 2017

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-319-84208-0Published: 20 June 2018

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-49649-8Published: 09 February 2017

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XXIII, 348

  • Number of Illustrations: 45 b/w illustrations, 6 illustrations in colour

  • Topics: Management, Organization, Entrepreneurship

Buy it now

Buying options

Softcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access