Investigating agent-based inter-organizational systems and business network performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meditya Wasesa ◽  
Andries Stam ◽  
Eric van Heck
Keyword(s):  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Network Performance ◽  
Information Architecture ◽  
Organizational Systems ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Coordination Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
The Impact

Purpose From the theoretical perspectives of both multi-agent systems and smart business networks, empirical studies analyzing agent-based inter-organizational systems (ABIOS) in a real-life business setting are rare. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ABIOS on the performance of business networks. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a theoretical conceptual model portraying the influence of ABIOS on clients’ coordination structure and information architecture; and the impact of those structural alterations on business network performance in terms of the coordination, agility, and informational performances. To validate the model, a cross-case analysis was conducted in three logistics cases, namely, warehousing, freight forwarding, and intermodal transportation. Findings The application of ABIOS requires adjustments to the information architecture or the coordination structure, or both. Subsequently, those structural adjustments will stimulate improvements in the coordination, agility, and informational performances. Research limitations/implications The assessment of the clients’ performance improvement is done at the company level not at an aggregate network level. Moreover, the study only covers cases from the logistics sector. Practical implications This study explains the structural consequences of ABIOS applications. The adoption of an inter-organizational system is a strategic decision that requires support from multi-stakeholders. While the applications of ABIOS can offer performance improvement opportunities, adjustments must be made to the existing coordination structure or the information architecture, or both. Originality/value This study contributes to the smart business network literature and the ABIOS literature by presenting a validated conceptual model explaining the interplay among ABIOS, the coordination structure, informational structure, and business network performance, namely, the coordination, agility, and informational performances.

The impact of horizontal and vertical connections on relationships' commitment and trust

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amjad Hadjikhani ◽  
Peter Thilenius
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dyadic Interaction ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Horizontal Connections ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Lisrel Model

PurposeWhile an ever‐increasing body of research on business networks has commented on vertically connected relationships, this study embeds the horizontally connected relationships. Constructed on business network theories the paper aims to add more knowledge on business networks by developing a connection model including both vertical and horizontal connections. The model aims to explore the impact of connections on focal business relationships. It differentiates connected relationships on the basis of their vertical and horizontal natures. The purpose is to grasp the impact of these different connected relationships on the focal business relationship. The focal relationship elements are defined by commitment and trust, which capture their properties from the dyadic interaction and the two types of connected relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe paper tests the theoretical construction empirically. The empirical study is based on the IMP2 survey, utilizing information from extensive interviews with 138 firms regarding their relationships with important foreign customers.FindingsThe statistical findings in the form of a LISREL‐model clearly expose the impact of the horizontal connections and verify the validity of the theoretical model. It depicts that trust increase by vertical connections leading to increased commitment, thus strengthening the relationship while horizontal connection, on the contrary, weakens it. The facts also demonstrate how the horizontal connections impose effects on technological long‐term investments.Originality/valueMarketing researchers advocating certain theoretical views are thereby required to observe respect for the market realities with which managers are confronted.

Supplier performance measurement system use, relationship trust, and performance improvement: a dyadic perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vieri Maestrini ◽  
Andrea Stefano Patrucco ◽  
Davide Luzzini ◽  
Federico Caniato ◽  
Paolo Maccarrone
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Supplier Performance ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems ◽  
The Impact

PurposeGrounding on resource orchestration theory, this paper aims to study the relationship between the way buying companies use their supplier performance measurement systems and the performance improvements obtained from suppliers, with relationship trust identified as a mediator in the previous link.Design/methodology/approachThe authors design a conceptual model and test it through structural equation modelling on a final sample of 147 buyer-supplier responses, collected by means of a dyadic survey.FindingsResults suggest that the buyer company may achieve the most by balancing a diagnostic and interactive use of the measurement system, as they are both positively related to supplier performance improvement. Furthermore, relationship trust acts as a mediator in case of the interactive use, but not for the diagnostic. This type of use negatively affects relationship trust, due to its mechanistic use in the buyer-supplier relationship.Originality/valueThe authors’ results contribute to the current academic debate about supplier performance measurement system design and use by analyzing the impact of different supplier performance measurement system uses, and highlighting their relative impact on relationship trust and supplier performance improvement. From a methodological perspective, adopting a dyadic data collection process increases the robustness of the findings.

The impact of business networks on foreign subsidiaries development

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-443
Author(s):  
Enrico Baraldi ◽  
Francesco Ciabuschi ◽  
Olof Lindahl ◽  
Andrea Perna ◽  
Gian Luca Gregori
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
International Expansion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Automatic Control Systems ◽  
Industrial Networks ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore two specific areas pertaining to industrial networks and international business (IB). First, the authors look at how business relationships influence the internationalization in time, from the establishment of the first subsidiary in a foreign market to the following ones, and in space, that is, across different markets. Second, the authors investigate how an increasing external network dependence of subsidiaries in their internationalization may cause a detachment of a subsidiary from the mother company as its knowledge becomes insufficient to guide a subsidiary’s internationalization. Design/methodology/approach This paper utilizes an exploratory, longitudinal, single-case study of Loccioni – a manufacturer of measuring and automatic control systems for industrial customers – to illustrate the specific dynamics of the influences of industrial networks on the internationalization of subsidiaries. Findings The case study helps to elucidate the roles, entailing also free will and own initiative, of small suppliers’ subsidiaries which operate inside several global factories, and how “surfing” on many different global factories, by means of several local subsidiaries, actually supports these suppliers’ own international developments. This notion adds to our understanding of the global factory phenomenon a supplier focus that stresses how the role of suppliers is not merely that of being passive recipients of activities and directions from a focal orchestrating firm, but can also be that of initiative-takers themselves. Originality/value The paper contributes to the IMP tradition by providing a multi-layered and geographically more fine-grained view of the network embedding companies that operate on internationalized markets. This paper thereby sheds light on a less investigated area of research within the IMP tradition: the link between internationalization in different countries and the interconnectedness between the industrial networks spanning these countries. At the same time, this paper contributes to IB theories by showing how a late-internationalizing SME can enter highly international markets by “plugging into” several established “Global Factories” as a way to exploit further opportunities for international expansion.

scholarly journals The impact of effectuation on small firm buying decisions

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Small Firm ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Personal Selling ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Entrepreneurial Decision ◽  
Interaction Approach ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Relationship Decisions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the effect of effectuation logic on the buying intentions of small firm owner-managers. Design/methodology/approach Literature relating to organisational buying, marketing and personal selling and entrepreneurial decision making was synthesised. Findings This paper presents a conceptual model based on propositions relating to how effectuation logic may explain the predilection of small firm owner-managers to select trusted suppliers from within personal and business networks, and to engage on flexible terms. It suggests that supplier relationship decisions made using effectuation logic may enable wider choice of suppliers than the formal processes of large firms. Research limitations/implications The findings were developed from a narrative review of literature and are yet to be empirically tested. Originality/value By synthesising research findings on small firm buyer behaviour, the IMP interaction approach and effectuation, it has been possible to develop a predictive model representing buyer–seller relationships in the context of small firms which suggests that owner-managers select suppliers in line with the principles of effectuation means and effectuation affordable loss.

Digital communication, value co-creation and customer engagement in business networks: a conceptual matrix and propositions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
C.M. Sashi
Keyword(s):  
Customer Value ◽  
Digital Communication ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Relational Exchange ◽  
Initial Attempt ◽  
Business Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Engagement ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Technological innovations that resulted in the emergence and widespread adoption of digital communication in recent years have led to a surge of academic and practitioner interest in its implications for the co-creation of value and customer engagement. However, in comparison to the attention given to the study of customer engagement in consumer markets, few studies have examined its key role in business markets. This paper aims to examine the impact of digital communication on value co-creation and customer engagement in inter-organizational relationships in business networks. Design/methodology/approach Co-creation of value and customer engagement in business networks occurs among interconnected organizations that are partners in intermediate transactions. The paper develops a matrix of inter-organizational engagement among partners in business networks and propositions linking digital communication to value co-creation and inter-organizational engagement. Findings The relationships among network organizations may be characterized by the extent of relational exchange and inter-organizational bonds among them. Four types of inter-organizational engagement emerge: transactional partners, loyal partners, trusted partners and engaged partners. The partners co-create value to better satisfy customers. Research limitations/implications The paper is an initial attempt to develop a conceptual understanding of customer engagement in business markets and formulate propositions that can be further investigated. Networks of partner organizations co-create value, altering their input and output markets, value addition and products, permitting greater flexibility and customization in satisfying the needs of customers. Practical implications The ability afforded by digital communication for real-time interactive communication enables individuals from multiple departments and hierarchical positions within multiple organizations dispersed across geographic locations and industries to maintain contact, quickly and easily communicate task information, build trust and commitment in long-term relationships with network partners and provide superior customer value. Originality/value The paper represents a unique attempt to understand the nature of customer engagement in business markets. It discusses how digital communication alters market transactions among partner organizations in a network by facilitating changes in their make/buy decisions. It develops a matrix of inter-organizational engagement in business networks and propositions that improve understanding of the customer engagement concept and provide the foundation for strategies to better satisfy customers.

An agent-based model for exploring the impacts of reciprocal trust on knowledge transfer within an organization

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Li ◽  
Changhong Li ◽  
Zhan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Transfer Behavior ◽  
Motivation To Transfer ◽  
Effective Transfer ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The effective transfer of knowledge within an organization is critical for its sustainable competitive advantage. Based on the norm of reciprocity, it can be concluded that individuals’ primary motivation to transfer their treasured knowledge can be summarized as “trust,” that is, the individuals trust their selfless transfer behavior can be reciprocated by the recipients in the future. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a simulation model based on knowledge transfer behavior and reciprocal trust between individuals is built through agent-based modeling and simulation to investigate the factors that influence the efficiency of knowledge transfer within an organization. Findings Experiments are performed to test the impact of reciprocal trust and organizational structure on the efficiency of knowledge transfer. Originality/value The results indicate a significant role of key elements of reciprocal trust and organizational structure, which provides relevant practical guidance for both individuals and organization managers in the context of knowledge transfer.

scholarly journals An adaptive media strategy for influencing crowd behaviour

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasha Hassan ◽  
Yasser Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategy ◽  
Media Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Crowd Dynamics ◽  
Political Beliefs ◽  
The Media ◽  
Smart Media ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Crowd Formation

Purpose Media has always been used as a key manipulator of public agendas, political beliefs and individuals’ attitudes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of three adaptive media strategies on the pattern and dynamics of potential crowds. Design/methodology/approach An agent-based approach is used to simulate the three adaptive media strategies on the pattern and dynamics of potential crowds. During the experiments, the media broadcast is intensified to gather momentum for crowd movements or is lessened to maintain the budget. Findings The results show that a slight change in the media management strategy could lead to a radical different impact on the crowd dynamics. The results also show that a quite smart media strategy could outperform a strategy with an unlimited budget. Finally, the structure of the society shows a significant influence on the crowd dynamics than it could be inferred. Originality/value The model presents an explanatory toolkit for the crowd complexity. The results provide deep insights into the crowd formation and a basis for understanding the influence of media and the impact of its strategies on the crowd dynamics.

Adopting a digital transformation strategy to enhance business network commons regeneration: an explorative case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-585
Author(s):  
Alessia Zoppelletto ◽  
Ludovico Bullini Orlandi ◽  
Cecilia Rossignoli
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Italian Case ◽  
Transformation Strategy

PurposeThis article aims to understand whether and how a digital transformation strategy (DTS) can strengthen the relationship between network organizations and the generation/regeneration of their business network commons (BNC). Further, it investigates the role of the DTS in managing the BNC, a critical source of business network success.Design/methodology/approachA two-year longitudinal case study of an Italian business network operating in the wine sector was conducted.FindingsThis study provides theoretical insights into the digital, sustainable shift of a business network. On combining a network's business strategy and its DTS, digital resources are a key driver to promote BNC regeneration. A DTS undertaken to manage, regenerate and preserve the BNC can positively affect organizational variables, such as participatory architecture, and the network-level organizational integration and can help in preventing opportunistic behaviors affecting the BNC. Moreover, the DTS supports quality and social responsibility.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on an Italian case and its findings are hence not generalizable. It would be interesting to study sustainable business networks' digital shift in different socioeconomic contexts as well as in different industry settings.Practical implicationsNetwork SMEs and other stakeholders (institutions, competitors and consumers) can foster the transition from a “business-as-usual” strategy to a long-term strategy for digitalized management of common resources.Originality/valueThe study is at the intersection of, and contributes to, several research streams. It contributes to the digital transformation literature by adding information on the positive externalities of digitalization in the social and economic environment. It also contributes to the early streams of organizational and managerial literature on the BNC.

SME network relationships and competitive strategies in the agri-food sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Camanzi ◽  
Carlo Giua
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Study Results

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the main factors influencing agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participation in business networks and to evaluate the impacts of these factors on network structure and the ensuing competitive strategy. Design/methodology/approach The study is articulated in four main steps. First, a critical literature review is conducted concerning the main approaches to firm competitive advantage and the role of stakeholder relationships. Then, three research questions are formulated and discussed in the light of two case studies describing the implementation of an innovative contractual solution in Italy (i.e. business network contracts). Finally, based on these findings, a set of more general “propositions” are stated and included in a provisional conceptual model that schematically depicts an integrated vision of the antecedents and mechanisms influencing SMEs business network structure and competitive strategy. Findings The study results pointed out the opportunity to adopt an integrated approach, combining resource-based view and stakeholder causal scope approaches. The provisional conceptual model proposed illustrates the role of both external and internal resources and relational constructs to shaping network structure and competitive strategy. Originality/value The study’s contribution is twofold. First, the empirical study shed light on opportunities and limits of two business networks with different backgrounds, approaches and outcomes towards value creation. Second, the conceptual framework proposed advances our understanding and knowledge of the factors and mechanisms influencing SMEs business network structure and competitive strategy.

scholarly journals The Impact of Entrepreneurial Business Networks on Firms’ Performance Through a Mediating Role of Dynamic Capabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaffar Abbas ◽  
Saqlain Raza ◽  
Mohammad Nurunnabi ◽  
Mohd Sobri Minai ◽  
Shaher Bano
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Surgical Instruments ◽  
Entrepreneurial Firms ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Sustainable Performance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

This precise study is the first to perform a focalized investigation on the relationship between entrepreneurial business networks and sustainable performance of small firms. The entrepreneurial business network is a multifaceted business network of business firms, working together to achieve business objectives. Business relationships and firm aggregations are the main categories of entrepreneurial business networks, which help small and medium-sized enterprises to become more dynamic, innovative and competitive. The entrepreneurial business network is a networking, which provides a platform to build business relationships, identify, develop or act upon economic opportunities, share information and seek potential business partners for ventures. However, few studies have sought to understand the association of entrepreneurial business network (EBN) and firms’ sustainable performance in the context of Pakistan. This investigation aims to examine the relationship between EBN and small firms’ sustainable performance by applying the Smart PLS-SEM software V-3.2.8. This study explores how dynamic capabilities mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial business network and sustainable performance of small firms. The data received reports on small firms, manufacturing surgical instruments. The findings indicated that the entrepreneurial business network had a significant positive relationship with dynamic capabilities, which in turn presented a positive relation to a sustainable performance of small firms. By developing sustainable EBN, small firms can achieve sustainable performance by implementing dynamic capabilities in a competitive environment. The results affirmed that highly entrepreneurial firms showed a tendency to create a business network for achieving sustainable performance. The results also revealed that firms using business networks and dynamic capabilities efficiently; achieved their sustainable performance. The findings indicated that the study proposed a holistic and systematic model to achieve sustainable performance through firms’ dynamic capabilities. The generalizability of these findings provides useful insight and direction for future studies in Pakistan.

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