Knowledge and Network Management (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

Objectives
Students will get practical knowledge about network-based economy and the management of strategic networks, network based business models and the exploitation of network effects.
The student will understand the key issues of the subject and concepts of knowledge management in a network context.
The student will be able to analyze strategic network and apply network-based business strategies. S/he will be able to apply the strategic actions of developing, mobilizing and exploiting knowledge resources at a network level.
The students will develop the understanding and practical application of Knowledge leadership perspectives as key to developing, sourcing, mobilizing and exploiting knowledge resources in a network context.

Execution methods

Online lectures, online presentations and discussions, virtual teamwork, self-managed performance. Use of problem-based learning principles.

Accomplishment methods

3 Course Assignments (in Moodle), 80% In-Classroom Nintendo Case ,10% Pre-Readings, discussion & Overall Active Participation 10%

Content

The learning process will be student driven. The problem solving and innovation skills would be encouraged and nurtured as a core part of the learning process and outcome. The course is designed to be very participative and students would be able to develop theoretical and practical insights on knowledge management in a network context and network-based business strategies. The practical orientation is accomplished through development work in the student’s company and will support the student’s thesis process.

• Strategic networks • Network-based business • RBV of resources • Firm’s knowledge resource as part of the strategic management of the firm • Firm’s knowledge and strategic competence • The performance of firm's knowledge capital • Innovation as knowledge translation tuu

Materials

Oppimateriaalit:
Pre-assignment:
Antoldi F., Cerrato D., Depperu D. (2011) Strategic Networks, Trust and the Competitive Advantage of SMEs. In: Export Consortia in Developing Countries. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Grudinschi, D. et al. (2015). Creating value in networks: A value network mapping method for assessing the current and potential value networks in cross-sector collaboration. The Innovation Journal: The Public Sector Innovation Journal.

Pre-readings:
Allee, V. (2000). Reconfiguring the value network. Journal of Business Strategy, 21(4), 36-39.
Allee, V. (2008). Value network analysis and value conversion of tangible and intangible assets. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 9(1), 5-24.
Aminoff, A., Valkokari, K. & Kettunen, O (2016). Mapping Multidimensional Value(s) for Co-creation Networks in a Circular Economy. 17th Working Conference on Virtual Enterprises, Porto, Portugal. pp.629-638.
Bocken, N., Rana, P., & Short, S. (2015). Value mapping for sustainable business thinking. Journal Of Industrial And Production Engineering, 32(1), 67-81.
Lindgren, P., Taran, Y., & Boer, H. (2010). From single firm to network-based business model innovation. International Journal Of Entrepreneurship And Innovation Management, 12(2), 122.
Möller, K., Rajala, A., & Svahn, S. (2005). Strategic business nets—their type and management. Journal Of Business Research, 58(9), 1274-1284.
Partanen, J., & Möller, K. (2012). How to build a strategic network: A practitioner-oriented process model for the ICT sector. Industrial Marketing Management, 41(3), 481-494.
Phelps, C., Heidl, R., & Wadhwa, A. (2012). Knowledge, Networks, and Knowledge Networks. Journal Of Management, 38(4), 1115-1166.
Ritter, T., Wilkinson, I., & Johnston, W. (2004). Managing in complex business networks. Industrial Marketing Management, 33(3), 175-183.
Valkokari, K., & Helander, N. (2007). Knowledge management in different types of strategic SME networks. Management Research News, 30(8), 597-608.

Teaching methods

Problem-based learning.
Individual coaching.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Assessment criteria:
In this course, students develop their competences in knowledge leadership and network management . The evaluation in this module consists of assessing knowledge and skills required for that activity.
The student has delivered the assignments, which are prepared generally according to the defined requirements.
The student understands mostly correctly the subject matter concepts and can apply them.
However, the strategic network and knowledge management challenges and recommendations provided are rather general and not elaborated in detail.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has delivered the assignments, which are prepared according to the requirements presented in the class. The student understands very well the subject matter concepts and can apply them correctly.
The student also understands well strategic networks, network-based business models and the exploitation of network effects and the key issues of knowledge management in a network context and their impacts on the sustainability and profitability of a company.
Additionally, the student can give useful development recommendations utilizing his/her knowledge and skills on the subject.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has delivered the course assignments, and these are prepared according to the requirements presented in the class.
The student understands deeply the subject matter concepts and can apply them correctly.
The student also understands well and can analyze critically different factors in the design and implementation of network-based business strategies and models, understands the practical application of Knowledge leadership perspectives as key element in developing, sourcing, mobilizing and exploiting knowledge resources in a network context.
In addition, the student can propose ideas for the utilization of the above in any network business context.

Qualifications

NULL

Further information

There is going to be a pre-assignment. See instructions from Moodle.