Stonehouse et al. (2004)

Management > Global Strategic Management > Lectures > Independent Research > Stonehouse et al. > Alliances/Integration > Transnational M&A > Problems with integration > Success factors > Collaborative ventures/strategic alliances > Types > Successful alliances > Strategic management

Strategic management of networks and alliances

Focal business - there are three elements to the strategy of a focal business alliance: strategic core, strategic alliances and assets of low specificity obtained through appropriate markets.

Strategic management within a network or alliance is concerned with:

• Determining which activities are of medium specificity and should be obtained via alliances and outsourcing
• Determining which activities are of low specificity and should be obtained through the market
• Co-ordination and integration of core and alliance activities
• Management and operation of the alliances

Information and communications technology is important in the improvement of management of collaborative networks by improving co-ordination and responsiveness and by facilitating learning across organisational boundaries.