Modular Services in Inter-Organizational Networks: Three Metaphors

Authors: Martin Spring

The use of the principle of modularity in the management of product design and manufacture is briefly outlined, as well as its more general potential as a way to explain the organization of inter-organisational networks. It is noted that modularity in services is relatively neglected. Metaphor and analogy are identified as ways to help break from product-based thinking in analyzing service modularity, and three metaphors are suggested, drawn from the performance of jazz music, turn-taking in conversation, and the computer science concept of ‘statefulness’. Novel aspects of service modularity are therefore identified, and their implications for research in inter-organisational networks discussed.

Journal: n.a. (n.a. – n.a.)

Web Address: n.a.

Publish Year: 2009

Conference: Marseille, France (2009)