This paper introduces the concept of netchain analysis. A netchain is a set of networks comprised of horizontal ties between firms within a particular industry or group, which are sequentially arranged based on vertical ties between firms in different layers. Netchain analysis interprets supply chain and network perspectives on inter-organizational collaboration with particular emphasis on the value creating and coordination mechanism sources. We posit that sources of value and coordination mechanisms correspond to particular and distinct types of interdependencies: pooled, sequential, and reciprocal. It is further argued that the recognition and accounting of these simultaneous interdependencies is crucial for a more advanced understanding of complex inter-organizational relations. The paper concludes with an analysis of a set of netchain configuration examples, including buyer-supplier relationships, information technology induced inter-organization collaborations, and the introduction of the “macrohierarchy” organization structure. Key words Network, supply chain, value chain, interdependence, cooperative strategy. 1 We thank the h elpful comments by two anonymous referees. All remaining errors and omissions are our own. 1.

This paper tests empirically the hypothesis that the greater the intangibility of a firm’s resources, the greater the sustainability of its competitive advantage. Resource intangibility is measured by: (1) Tobin’s q and (2) the predicted value from a hedonic regression of q on several accounting measures of intangibles. Sustainability is measured by the persistence of firm-specific profits. Using a dynamic panel data regression model, I find that intangibles play an effective role in sustaining a firm’s competitive advantage, as predicted by the resource-based view of the firm. However, the results suggest that intangibles can also lock firms into persistent disadvantages.

This paper presents a model that complements the research stream of transaction cost economics with the dynamic capabilities approach. The paper shows that, even though technological alliances involving specific assets deployed in emerging industries are exposed to high transaction costs, they possess attributes that make them attractive. First, they facilitate the creation of tacit competencies, and second, they reduce the uncertainty arising from technological innovation and regulatory changes. The model is empirically tested in the hazardous waste management industry by using primary data collected through the use of questionnaires. The method links governance structure choices to managers' perceptions of the uncertainty surrounding the acquisition of technology

The basic economic resource in the post-industrial information economy is knowledge, but there is a lack in our knowledge on how to manage knowledge and knowledge processes for competitive advantage. We present a new conceptualization of knowledge management: knowledge management in network contexts. We also present a strategic knowledge management (SKM) framework. SKM is a process involving: 1) strategic vision, 2) knowledge vision and key knowledge identification, 3) design, 4) knowledge protection, 5) implementation, and 6) usage. The conceptualization and the framework are based on extensions of the resource- and knowledge-based view of the firm. The framework can support organizations in strategically managing knowledge and knowledge processes to gain and sustain competitive advantage. The conceptualization and the framework open up new knowledge management research areas and issues. 1.

The purpose of this paper is to explore how information technology (IT) is adopted in less-developed countries (LDCs). In particular, we explore the

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This research seeks to explore value creation through e-business by emphasizing the impacts of Internet-enabled business conduct. We assume that firms may reap the benefits of engaging in e-business only if they are able to develop, adopt and use Internet-enabled business models (e-business models). Moreover, e-business value is created only if firms adopt e-business models that respond to relevant value drivers. Value drivers are certain key aspects of the business model that play a key role and possess the power of directly influencing e-business value creation. In this study, several economic and financial performance measures were used as value indicators. A survey was conducted in Norwegian enterprises. This research confirms that e-business is in its infancy. Moreover, in addition to a fairly limited e-business experience, the participating enterprises seem to have put all their efforts into relatively simple and primitive ebusiness solutions. Hence, the power of the Internet is wasted on solutions that basically support the automation of existing and traditional business processes. For a vast majority of the enterprises participating in this study, there have been no significant changes in key economic and financial indicators since they took up e-business. However, our research demonstrates that there is an association between value creation and e-business conduct. E-business value creation is associated with relevant e-business value drivers, namely efficiency, complementarities, customer retention, and innovation. 1.

The decline of regional Australia in terms of wealth and population during the two decades since 1980 has compelled the Federal Government to intervene. In 1997 the Australian Federal Government devoted in excess of $A460 million to a grant award scheme called the Regional Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) in which regional communities identified local telecommunication problems and applied for funds to correct them. Our project is to examine the theoretical underpinnings of a conceptual framework designed to assess the effectiveness of the mechanism of this and similar schemes. The primary purpose of this paper is to develop and justify a conceptual framework, informed by Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP), to underpin an investigation of this grant scheme and, in particular, to gauge the benefit of apparent convergence between the operationalisation, on the one hand, of Federal Government policy and, on the other, of community objectives 1.

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Dynamics in the global food system along with a cascade of technologies drive demands for capturing information and sharing information vertically within the supply chain. Food safety, genetic engineering, and animal welfare all have contributed to the need for enhanced information flow within the supply chain. Identity preservation in grains and oilseeds is an emerging issue that may influence the structure of agriculture longer-term. Firms within the food supply chain must decide what information to provide and how to provide it. This applies to collecting information from upstream suppliers as well as to supplying information for downstream customers. Components of this vertical information situation include farmer-supplier identity preservation to capture value and the buyer information needs concerning geographic location of production or seller identity in order to manage risk. The conceptual model provided in this analysis indicates that demand is weak for identity preservation (IP) in the United States grains and oilseeds sector because vertical information is an expensive product attribute that seller and buyer value differently. A second implication is that vertical information plays a significant role in influencing industry structure and market governance in the grains and oilseeds sector. Given these market characteristics for vertical information, the