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Paper info: TRANSVECTION PROCESSES AND RESOURCES IN BUSINESS NETWORKS: CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPIRICAL ILLUSTRATION

Title


TRANSVECTION PROCESSES AND RESOURCES IN BUSINESS NETWORKS: CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPIRICAL ILLUSTRATION

Authors


Frans Prenkert
Orebro University
Sweden
Frans Prenkert and
Lars Hallén
Mälardalen University
Sweden
Lars Hallén

Place of Publication


The paper was published at the 20th IMP-conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2004.

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Abstract


This paper outlines a potential development of the network approach to business-to-businessmarketing based on Alderson's theoretical works. The purpose is to assess the possiblecontribution to the development of models of markets-as-networks by integrating concepts ofthe Aldersonian framework. The conceptual analysis shows that business networks can beconceptualized as complex exchange systems comprising processes of sorting in terms ofassigning and assorting, processes of transformation in form, time, space, and ownership,along with five principal types of resources: conglomerate resources, composite resources,assorted resources, transformation outputs, and assortments. The Aldersonian concepts oftransformation in form, time and place are supplemented with the notion of transformation inownership. The notion of exchange is incorporated in this transformation of ownership, andthe concept of resources and processes in exchange systems are analyzed and exemplifiedusing a case illustration. In closing the discussion, implications for further research areindicated.