Implementing Virtual Organizing in Business Networks: A Method of Inter-Business Networking

Virtual organizations and knowledge management have been discussed on a very broad scale in literature. However, a holistic view and methods that support implementation of these concepts are rare. Based on the understanding derived from literature and the experience of many action research-based projects, a method is described that addresses these issues for business networks. This includes the dimensions of strategy, process and IS required for establishing and managing business networks. By providing a systematic and documented procedure model, techniques and results, this method aims to improve the efficiency of setting up business networks, thus improving a company’s networkability. In order to illustrate why this method is needed and how it can be applied, a project for implementing a business-networking solution for electronic procurement is described. It shows how a structured approach helps to identify the scenarios, aids implementation and applies previously as well as newly created knowledge. The outlook describes areas for future research and new developments.