PURPOSE: The analysis of the literature shows that the attempts to conceptualize the strategic aspects of the network bring a significant impact on the development of research on organizational networks. This article aims to analyze the new trends in strategic management, and in particular on the possibility of exploring the network approach in strategic management, through the existing literature and the presentation of the new contributions of the following articles published in the current issue. METHODOLOGY: The article is descriptive in character; thus it is based on a literature review and its constructive critics. A narrative literature review was used to present the main assumptions and features of the network approach in strategic management, along with an indication of emerging trends and new directions. Also the identification of theoretical foundations for understanding the processes of strategic change in inter-organizational networks and the proposition of the way to understand network strategy were presented. FINDINGS: The research included in this issue shows that from a network perspective, business strategy plays an important role in guiding the development of individual relationships and networks. Exploring the network approach in strategic management allows one to adopt the category of network strategy, which can be described through the coexistence of cooperation and competition. IMPLICATIONS FOR THEORY AND PRACTICE: Considerations lead to the conclusion that the business strategy must be expressed in terms of potential changes in the network in which the company operates, taking into account its current and selected position in the network. Despite the fact that the current state of research on organizational networks in the theory of strategic management shows that this approach is already quite well established, on the basis of the analysis of research results concerning the conceptualization of strategic aspects of the network, the existing problems and limitations were identified. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: The main problems related to the exploration of the network approach and the resulting consequences for the definition of the network strategy were indicated. Also, the combination of an organizational and economic approach with the logic of competitive advantage and relational annuity. The demonstration that the network perspective in strategic management allows for a more complete understanding of the strategic behavior of modern enterprises. Keywords: network, network strategy, network approach, strategic management Table of Contents Network approaches and strategic management: Exploration opportunities and new trends 7 Beata Barczak, Tomasz Kafel, Pierpaolo Magliocca Networks and network strategies: New theorization based upon a systematic literature review 37 Rossella Canestrino, Amir Forouharfar Direct and moderation effects on U.S. apparel manufacturers’ engagement in network ties 67 Nancy J. Miller, Carol Engel-Enright, David A. Brown Mapping of a science and technology policy network based on social network analysis 115 Esmaeel Kalantari, Gholamali Montazer, Sepehr Ghazinoory Synergetic effects of network interconnections in the conditions of virtual reality 149 Kateryna Kraus, Nataliia Kraus, Olena Shtepa Complexity, continuity, and strategic management of buyer–supplier relationships from a network perspective 189 Martin Pech, Drahoš Vaněček, Jaroslava Pražáková Interfirm network structure and firm resources: Towards a unifying concept 227 Jesse Karjalainen, Aku Valtakoski, Ilkka Kauranen

The management of modern companies requires full focus on planning activities and reaching expected goals, and in particular on monitoring achievements at the levels of strategy, the business model and management style. Company efficiency and effectiveness, as the key determinants of success, need systemic solutions that will help the company succeed and survive in a specific timeframe. Strategic Performance Management is becoming increasingly popular as a result. It not only monitors specific groups of indicators which is important, but also details a strategic approach to performance evaluation, which forces managers to consider all actions from the point of view of strategy implementation. Company strategy supported by business model attributes should be conducive to the growth of company value, not only in the context of the expectations of shareholders, but also other stakeholder groups. A strategic approach to the management of company high performance integrates company strategy, the business model and management style into a coherent system that is monitored in the context of the impact of this approach on the success of companies in challenging and uncertain business conditions. Taking the above conditions into account, a scientific monograph has been prepared, combining the experience of many scientific centers from many countries in the world, dealing with the subject of Strategic Performance Management: New Concepts and Contemporary Trends. The selection of this subject is no coincidence, as nowadays both management theoreticians and practitioners are looking for such systemic solutions in the area of company performance which ensure its survival and expected growth and development in particular. The monograph contains the following chapters, which aim to show the interdisciplinary character and importance of the issue of strategic performance management, compared to new management concepts and many individual approaches to this management problem. The monograph contains 27 chapters which deal with the issue of strategic performance management in various aspects, which proves the interdisciplinary nature of this management concept. The achievement of this monograph is that it shows how widely the issue of strategic performance management can be examined and in what areas it may be relevant. The editor and authors hope that the theoretical and practical aspects presented will be of interest to the readers and will be an inspiration for the development of this subject not only at the scientific level, but also for practical implementation at the company level. The book should help academics develop the issue of strategic performance management; in regards to business consultants, it can be used as a source of inspiration for practical implementations and it shows managers good practices in this area.

Cultivate your entrepreneurial spirit with insights from startup to success. This book offers practical advice and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, covering the journey from initial idea to thriving business.

This remarkable volume highlights the importance of Production and Operations Management (POM) as a field of study and research contributing to substantial business and social growth. The editors emphasize how POM works with a range of systems—agriculture, disaster management, e-commerce, healthcare, hospitality, military systems, not-for-profit, retail, sports, sustainability, telecommunications, and transport—and how it contributes to the growth of each. Martin K. Starr and Sushil K. Gupta gather an international team of experts to provide researchers and students with a panoramic vision of the field. Divided into eight parts, the book presents the history of POM, and establishes the foundation upon which POM has been built while also revisiting and revitalizing topics that have long been essential. It examines the significance of processes and projects to the fundamental growth of the POM field. Critical emerging themes and new research are examined with open minds and this is followed by opportunities to interface with other business functions. Finally, the next era is discussed in ways that combine practical skill with philosophy in its analysis of POM, including traditional and nontraditional applications, before concluding with the editors’ thoughts on the future of the discipline. Students of POM will find this a comprehensive, definitive resource on the state of the discipline and its future directions.

When people or computers need to make a decision, typically multiple conflicting criteria need to be evaluated; for example, when we buy a car, we need to consider safety, cost and comfort. Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) has been researched for decades. Now as the rising trend of big-data analytics in supporting decision making, MCDM can be more powerful when combined with state-of-the-art analytics and machine learning. In this book, the authors introduce a new framework of MCDM, which can lead to more accurate decision making. Several real-world cases will be included to illustrate the new hybrid approaches.

The growth of new technologies, internet, virtualization, and the globalization of production and consumption has given focus on new marketing strategies in the cyber era. This has shaped a demand for an innovative conceptual framework for the marketing industry. Marketing in the Cyber Era: Strategies and Emerging Trends brings together best practices and innovative approaches for effective marketing in today’s economy. Stressing the importance of structure, strategy, leadership, and marketing in the Cyber Era; this book is a useful tool for upper-level students, researchers, academicians, professionals and practitioners, scientists, and executive managers of marketing in profit and non-profit organizations.

As the global economy continues to develop and new entrepreneurs take advantage of emerging markets, the small business sector plays a greater role of economic development in the international arena. The Handbook of Research on Strategic Management in Small and Medium Enterprises contributes new research to the current array of literature on small business management under diverse geographic, economic, and socio-cultural conditions. By exploring existing theories in tandem with fresh viewpoints, this book will serve as a valuable reference to students, lecturers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers investigating the use of strategic management in various scenarios and situations.