Topic C.6: Efficient structural patterns of inter-organizational corporate networks for renewable resource use

When assessing corporate networks’ efficiency, a relevant question concerns the structural model that best leads to the network’s objectives, such as increasing resource efficiency. The conceptual and analytical study of networks and their substructures have in recent years received increasing scientific attention. Considerable research is required regarding the question when, and with regard to which aspects, network structures actually show a measurable success, such as smaller inventories and fewer shortages, thereby reducing the total manufacturing costs. Using these research results, this topic investigates which structural patterns optimize the resource consumption in the observed networks, thus improving goal achievement, and which network configurations have the opposite effect. Special consideration is given to sequential aspects within the manufacturing process, which result in individual network relations occurring in a predetermined chronological order.

Preparatory studies for this topic can be found in a multi-theoretical multi-level approach (Contractor et al., 2006) and, based on this, a differentiation should follow between networks’ performance-enhancing and performance-inhibiting structural patterns. From a methodological perspective, the class of multivariate Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGM), which has in recent years developed into a state-of-the-art method within network analysis procedures, is very important. A special requirement in this field is the further development of these models with regard to the described progression of sequential network relationships. In view of the results, it is expected that efficiency-improving structural patterns will be distinguishable from the efficiency-reducing ones, and that design recommendations can be derived in respect of the governance of network.

Owing to efficient structural patterns’ importance in relationship management, reference is made to the content of topic C.5. Furthermore, a content exchange with topic C.3 is also important regarding efficient structural patterns in the B2B market. There are also points in common with B.3, as the topic of efficient structural patterns is about multi-criteria assessment. Input in this regard is also expected from C.2 (information management and IT governance), as well as from A.7 (generation of energy) due to efficient structural patterns’ importance for the cascade-like generation of energy.