Business Networks Research Articles

Perancangan Jaringan Rantai Pasok Dan Sistem Informasi Pemasaran Pada Program Sistem Ekonomi Jaringan Usaha Koperasi Untuk Kerjasama Usaha Koperasi

Cooperatives are an opportunity for economic actors to continue to develop with business activities carried out in groups to achieve common goals among fellow cooperative members, so strategic planning in the form of a design for a Government Program, especially in the Cooperative Sector, is a form of consideration and input for developing a resource. The resources owned by cooperatives in Bandung City by providing digital trade, from the Cooperative Business Network Economic System Program, abbreviated as SEJUK, with the aim of creating business cooperation between cooperatives in Bandung City. Information collection and management carried out in the form of interviews, literature studies, design carried out using quantitative research methods, marketing information system design based on Unified Modeling Leangues (UML) and supply chain planning based on Value Stream Mapping (VSM). From the design results, it is clear that supply chain network design and marketing information systems are connected in managing cooperatives to carry out goods procurement and business promotion activities by utilizing marketing information systems to provide digital trade channels for cooperatives participating in the SEJUK Program. so that the impact given by participating in the SEJUK Program needs to be improved and enhanced in the future in providing a forum for cooperatives to carry out business collaboration through the SEJUK Program

Business expansion strategy of two-sided platform considering technology R & D effect and congestion effect

PurposeA new model for two-sided platforms is presented, incorporating both the original business and an expanded (new) business. Previous studies have neglected the impact of technology R & D on the new business aspect of two-sided platforms. This study addresses this gap by examining the technology R & D effect on the new business while also considering the congestion effect on the original business. It investigates the optimal pricing and user scales for both the original and new businesses. Additionally, the profits of the original business, the new business, and the overall two-sided platform are analyzed.Design/methodology/approachPrevious studies have overlooked the technology R & D effect on the new business aspect of two-sided platforms. Therefore, this study focuses on examining the technology R & D effect on the new business. Additionally, the congestion effect on the original business is considered. To determine the optimal prices for both sides of the original and new businesses, a game sequence model is introduced.FindingsThe optimal price on the service buyers (defined b side) of new business increases only with regard to technology R & D effect on b side of new business increasing. The optimal price on b side of new business is equal to half of the b-side R & D effect. The optimal profit of original business decreases with regard to the technology R & D effect of new business and cross-market network effect on the services provider (defined s side) between original business and new business increasing, respectively. To gain optimal profit of two-sided platform, the two-sided platform adopts some strategies to improve the congestion.Originality/valueA new two-sided platform model is stated, in which the technology R & D effect is embraced. The expanded business scenario of two-sided platform is considered, that is, the two-sided platform has one business firstly and a new business is developed or improved of two-sided platform. To solve the prices strategy of original business and new business, a game sequence of the original business and new business is presented.

Writing of Business Ethnography: Reflections on Fieldwork and Theory

The writing of business ethnography has expanded from the study of small social units such as factories to the discussion of transnational markets, transnational business networks and global finance in under the context of globalization. A holistic anthropological perspective and use of ethnography research have played important roles in the development of business anthropology. The research tradition and orientation of anthropology not only determine research perspectives and approaches in business ethnography, they also influence the theoretical construction of business anthropology. The study of business ethnography in China provides not only local interpretations of the theory and practice of business anthropology, but also opportunities to reflect on the use of ethnography for such studies.

Public Libraries as Incubators for Social Inclusion and Entrepreneurship for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : A Progressive Transformation

This research aims to explore the role of public libraries as incubators of social inclusion and entrepreneurship in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study method, focusing on public libraries in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, that have implemented social inclusion and entrepreneurship programs. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with librarians, program participants, and relevant stakeholders, as well as direct observation and program document analysis. The data analysis followed the framework proposed by Miles and Huberman, which involves a systematic approach to qualitative data analysis, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results showed that libraries functioning as entrepreneurship incubators can effectively provide platforms for business training, technology access, and network development. These programs enhanced individual's skills and knowledge and drived local economic growth by creating new businesses and increasing employment opportunities. Additionally, library social inclusion initiatives boost community participation and engagement, strengthen social cohesion, and reduce inequality. The research concludes that public libraries in Karanganyar Regency have significant potential as agents of social change by integrating social inclusion and entrepreneurship programs. To optimize this role, adequate policy support, enhanced librarian competencies, and collaboration with various stakeholders are necessary. Thus, libraries can significantly contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly in quality education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.

Business Networking, Innovation, and Firm Competitiveness: The Case of Handicraft Industry in Indonesia

Business Networking, Innovation, and Firm Competitiveness: The Case of Handicraft Industry in Indonesia

Global solar photovoltaic industry network dynamics 2007–2023. Inter-organizational relationships as a source of competitive advantage?

Aiming a cleaner production in course of fighting the ongoing global warming, solar photovoltaic (PV) together with wind and hydro energy, indicate the most important industry segments in the transformation from fossils to renewable energy sources. During the last two decades, the solar PV industry experienced decisive changes of its global business network configurations where Chinese firms comparatively have gained competitive advantages. According to the business network theory, inter-organizational relationships indicate important vehicles for exchanging valuable resources such as advanced technology and privileged market knowledge aiming to gain leading industry positions.Based on a sample of globally leading solar PV manufacturers originated in Canada, China, Germany, South Korea, and the United States of America we conduct a detailed analysis and provide insights into solar PV industry upstream and downstream network dynamics examined for the period 2007–2023. We found that Chinese firms have focused more on upstream industry network relationships compared to their Western counterparts.Thus, we emphasize on the importance of building competitive regional solar PV industry networks instead of relying only on government subsidies which often come along with rather short-term effects.

Opportunity for informal business networking to reshape the institutional capacity of community in housing revitalization projects: learning from Bandung and Surakarta, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Growing enthusiasm for collaborative planning and housing revitalization projects has instigated change in the institutional arena from government to multi-stakeholder domains for more democratic and sustainable outcomes. However, several projects, especially at the community level, failed to strengthen community power and voice, resulting in short-term community-driven activities. Amidst growing academic concerns over the efficacy of collaborative planning in housing revitalization projects and community empowerment, this paper presents two case studies from Indonesia – Laweyan (Surakarta) and Cibangkong (Bandung) – as counter-examples. The discussion is centred on the institutional capacity of urban poor communities, which has been historically perceived as weak and passive, to contribute ideas and initiatives in sustaining collaborative planning practices despite decreasing support from the government. The findings suggest that the relational resources, maintained through informal business networking within the poor community led by community leaders, are critical in reshaping their institutional capacity.

Technological co-development competence: A longitudinal case of a software development spinout

Through a single longitudinal case study of an Italian spinout, this paper develops the concept and processes of technology co-development competence (TCDC). The study adopts the market-as-network perspective for its theoretical framing. TCDC is developed in interaction with customers in a spinout’s network. This competency is possessed by the firm and enacted for the development of its technology within its business network over time - from establishment to embeddedness. The TCDC concept is developed from the literature and case data and is made up of three elements – information and knowledge integration, multi-actor coordination, and interface management. The data collected comprises twenty eight interviews with twelve informants. The study also examines how TCDC evolves in interaction between the focal firm and its business network. It is found to evolve through four processes – technological frictions and tensions management, network-level relationship processes, product features development, and technological co-development enablement. The study outlines a model that presents how TCDC evolves over time in the spinout’s network as it engages with an increasing number of different actors. The model highlights how the elements and processes of TCDC unfold.

Pendampingan Pengelolaan UMKM Bakpia Tunas Ngrombo Berbasis Mentoring Kelompok

The management assistance Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) based on group mentoring has proven effective in enhancing the performance and sustainability of MSMEs. This study aims to analyze the impact of the group mentoring program on Bakpia Tunas Ngrombo MSMEs. The method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. The results show that group mentoring can improve managerial capacity, market access, and digital literacy of MSME actors. Additionally, this mentoring program can also enhance product competitiveness and expand the business network of Bakpia Tunas Ngrombo MSMEs.

DEMOGRAPHIC AND PSYCHOGRAPHIC STUDY AND DEMAND ANALYSIS OF RURAL CONSUMERS IN POST LIBERALISATION ERA

The economic situation of rural residents has changed since economic liberalization, and they are no longer considered impoverished individuals. Rural residents income has increased significantly during the past few years. The information revolution and rural residents rising educational levels have made them aware of many of the newest product offerings. Cultural disparities with their urban counterparts began to fade in a market that was semi-homogeneous for many durable and non-durable businesses. Reduce and attitude had significantly shifted. Teenagers from rural areas try to act like their metropolitan counterparts. A significant shift in lifestyle has occurred, with a growing number of people becoming self-conscious. Social class lines become less distinct. Rural consumers could now easily get commodities thanks to the extensive distribution network of various businesses, which contributed to the rise of rural consumerism. In summary, the paper covers various psychographic and demographic studies as well as an analysis of rural customers demand throughout the post-liberalization era. KEY WORDS: Demand Analysis, Economic Liberalization, psychographic and demographic studies, Rural Consumer

Business network paradoxes: A literature review and co-evolutionary perspective

How can studying paradoxes in business networks help understand the networks' adaptation and survival? IMP identifies three central paradoxes influencing business networks: i) Development of Relationships vs. Inability to Change, ii) Controlling vs. Effectiveness, and iii) Stability vs. Change. Studying them seems critical to knowing how interdependent participants in business networks adapt to one another. To do that, we use a co-evolutionary lens to review 41 articles dealing with business network paradoxes from an IMP perspective. Results of the Reflexive Thematic Analysis underline that salient tensions mainly originate from weak coordinating norms, resource misallocation, the relationship of newness and aging, and Machiavellian behaviour. As the main value of our work, we then advance that embracing a co-evolutionary perspective can help shed novel light on these paradoxes by contrasting the factors that make the tensions salient with those able to overcome them. Specifically, we identify moral behaviour, structuration of the network, network capability development, and co-adaptation as four main factors that mitigate the paradoxes and help networks' adaptation and survival. Accordingly, we advocate a co-evolutionary conceptual framework regarding paradoxes and outline five co-evolutionary claims as implications for research and practice.

CTO Network Centrality and Corporate Innovation

Social network centrality of chief technology officers (CTOs) affects corporate innovation. Firms with CTOs who are well-connected within the network of all business professionals invest more in research and development (R&D), receive more patents, attract more patent citations, and create more patent value. Besides the effect of the general business network centrality, higher professional network centrality of CTOs (within the network of all other CTOs) also fosters corporate innovation. In addition, firms innovate more and better if CTOs are hired by the incumbent CEOs. Ultimately, R&D investment of companies with high-centrality CTOs enhances firm value.

Agency in business networks: combining IMP research with a relational sociological perspective to challenge views on sustainability and ethics

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the ontological assumptions regarding the concept of agency and sociality within business networks in the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing Group (IMP) research by refining these assumptions with a relational sociological (RS) perspective. This paper reinforces the robustness of the actors-resources-activities (ARA) model with an in-depth investigation of the actor dimension, where local interactions between interdependent individuals play a central role in building common futures within business networks through organisational reflexivity.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper investigates the social ontology of research. It challenges the implicit assumptions of IMP research regarding agency and sociality within business networks with a problematisation strategy (Sandberg and Alvesson, 2011). Combining IMP views on agency with the RS perspective, it sets this combined framework as an alternative for the analysis of sustainability and ethics within business networks.FindingsCombining IMP research and an RS perspective allows us to extend the knowledge of sociality within business networks, highlighting the centrality of meaning sharing in the process of network change. By focusing on symbolic interaction processes, an RS perspective contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding of the relationship between local communication and business network patterns. Combined with an IMP perspective on agency, it provides researchers with an alternative conceptual framework for examining sustainability by considering ethics and leadership dialectically.Research limitations/implicationsRS is still an emerging stream within sociology, characterised by diverse views. Not all relational sociologists, as scientists, feel obliged to engage with sustainability research. Thus, the paper is a two-sided invitation to IMP researchers and relational sociologists to delve into the adaptation processes in business networks in highly uncertain environments.Practical implicationsRS focusing on the centrality of communication in local interactions, business network researchers can show that organisational leaders are not the ones with a charismatic vision isolated from any natural and social environment; rather, they are the people with “the capacity to assist the group to continue acting ethically, creatively and courageously in the unknown” (Stacey,2013).Social implicationsAdopting an RS perspective on agency in business networks can help managers and researchers determine how business networks can be managed in a more sustainable way. Combined with a dialectical and processual understanding of ethics, the IMP-RS perspective emphasises day-to-day local communication practices within and between organisations that challenges microeconomic views on nature, strategy, ethics and leadership. This paper thus places the social at the centre of sustainability approaches.Originality/valueFrom an RS perspective, business networks are analysed as patterns of interactions between many organisations and individuals. The value of this conceptual paper is in showing that change within business networks is negotiated through local interactions and symbolic communication between individuals. Thus, it suggests the need to combine the individual and the organisational levels to analyse agency within business networks and to examine the adaptation of business networks to sustainability.

Business Network Analysis of Gurilem Crackers MSMEs In Cililin Sub-District, West Bandung Regency

In order to mitigate the elevated unemployment rate in Indonesia, the community must investigate other business prospects, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), exemplified by Gurilem Crackers. Gurilem Crackers, a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), possesses a robust and established infrastructure encompassing business networks, production methods, marketing strategies, and financial resources. These elements contribute to the improvement of firm productivity and market competitiveness. The data gathering method employed is descriptive qualitative, including interviews and observations. This study examines the business network, production processes, marketing tactics, and finances of Gurilem Crackers SME, which Mang Teten owns in the Bongas hamlet. The research findings suggest that Mang Teten's company utilizes business networking by collaborating with Gurilem cracker suppliers, employs essential production tools, relies exclusively on word of mouth for Gurilem Cracker marketing, and achieves a monthly profit of Rp—1,236,000.00 with a profit margin of 8.9%.

Thrift Business Network Analysis at Happy Thrift Stuf

This study aims to comprehend and examine the functioning of the thrift business network at Happythrifstuff. The data collection methods utilized in this study encompass interviews and documentation. The research methodology is a descriptive qualitative approach, which entails collecting, organizing, and presenting data obtained during the study to achieve precise and thorough information. The data suggest that the thrift business network at Happythrifstuff acquires items from Bandung (Gede Bage), which are obtained from distributors in Batam (Sumatra), with the leading suppliers in Korea and Japan. The analysis indicates that the thrift company is well-suited for students or individuals who want to establish an enterprise with relatively small cash and the potential for profitable earnings. This is apparent from the original capital expenditure of 40 goods amounting to Rp. 5,740,000, resulting in Rp profit revenue. 1,148,000 from the sale of 40 products. This essay aims to inspire individuals to engage in the second-hand goods industry, to create cash, and to assist in fulfilling everyday necessities.

Effects of social distancing during COVID-19 on informal learning behaviours and work performance: the role of organisational remote working cultures

ABSTRACT We explored the impact of social distancing and the subsequent shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic on informal learning behaviours and work performance. To accomplish this, we conducted a large-scale international study at the peak of the pandemic in 2021, utilising self-report questionnaires distributed via online social business networks, with a total of N = 1,236 participants. In our study, we developed a research model wherein social distancing served as the independent variable and remote working cultures as the moderating variable. This model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis techniques. Our investigation affirms that social distancing had adverse effects on informal learning within organisations. Additionally, it suggests that social distancing alone does not necessarily cultivate a remote working culture. However, our study reveals that a remote working culture can mitigate the repercussions of social distancing. Consequently, we observed positive effects on work performance through informal learning, even amidst the pandemic. A key outcome is that business leaders should promote a remote work culture and, based on this framework, establish hybrid work arrangements that effectively combine in-person and remote work.

The IMP research on business networks: a systematic literature review and research agenda

More than 40 years of Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) research have revealed that in b2b markets, business exchange is carried out in continuous buyer–seller relationships. This involves direct and indirect interaction and dynamics resulting in significant related social and material investments and in extensive interdependencies that confer on the business landscape a market-as-network structure. Since the introduction of this ideas, research on business networks has been richly alimented by researchers of the IMP community. Yet, we do not have a clear overview of what this literature has covered in the last twenty years (in the period 2002–2022), in parallel with the many changes that have affected business landscape. With this study, we aim to examine what is the status of the last 20 years of IMP literature specifically dealing with the business networks level of analysis (45 articles) and to offer key directions for imminent research in this domain while analyzing and synthesizing extant literature.

A Pilot Survey Linking Antecedents of LMX Relationships and PWDs Institutions Performance: An Assessment of PWDs Institutions in Kenya

The modern working world has made strides in building a stronger equitable society. There has been great resilience in including policies that ensure persons living with disability play their economic role. The current study was guided by two objectives: effect of transformational leader-characteristics as antecedents of LMX on organization performance in PWDs in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties and moderating effect of organization culture on LMX and organization performance in PWDs institution in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties; Leader-Member exchange theory and social exchange theory formed the theoretical foundation of this study. A conceptual framework showing the correlation of the study’s variables is also given. The study applied descriptive research design and the target population of the study was managers and subordinates at all levels within the organizations. Stratified sampling, convenience sampling and random sampling techniques were used to generate the sample size. A sample size of twenty-five (25) respondents two (2) to three (3) employees from every department. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for the study. The study conducted and applied Cronbach alpha reliability estimate. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze data. The study results provided a good governance framework of engaging their business networks within their localities. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows version 21 was used. One of the significant findings was the realization that there was an increment in leader-characteristics of leaders in organizations. One of the conclusions of the study was that when leaders believe in their own abilities this often-enhanced LMX relationships hence improved organizational performance. A key recommendation of this study was the need for the Government ministries concerned with PWDs mainstreaming in the organizations have specific leadership practices that help build effective LMX relationships in organizations.

Analysis of the Influence of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Internasional Business Networking and Competitive Advantage, and Its Impact on the Marketing Performance of SMEs (A Study on SMEs in Kampung Embong Arab, Malang City)

This study aims to analyze the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on business networking and Competitive Advantage and its impact on the export-import performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Arab Embong Village, Malang City. A survey method was employed to collect data from MSMEs operating in the village. Hypothesis testing was conducted using multiple regression analysis. The results show that entrepreneurial orientation has a significant influence on the formation of business networks. Furthermore, it was found that business networking has a positive and significant impact on the export-import performance of MSMEs. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of developing entrepreneurial orientation and fostering business networking for MSMEs to enhance their export-import performance. Therefore, it is recommended that the government and relevant institutions provide support and guidance to MSMEs in developing entrepreneurial skills and expanding their business networks.

Cross-border cooperation as a method of conflict management: a case study in the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea

ABSTRACT This paper aims to analyse the impacts of cross-border activities and cooperation in the conflict management process in the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method, this research collected longitudinal data from 2016 to 2022 through observation, interviews, and literature reviews. The results indicate that inter-state conflict can be managed through cooperation in political-economy and socio-cultural aspects instead of defence and security concerns. Legal and traditional cross-border cooperation have played important roles in conflict management by reducing violence and the practice of transnational crimes, increasing the welfare of transnational communities, and building good relations among cross-border actors. Several factors have supported these roles, prominently cultural proximity and trade interdependence which encourage diaspora and business networking. However, this research also identifies illegal cross-border activities that have negative impacts on conflict management by increasing tensions and disrupting regional stability.