Osterle et al 2001

Question 1

What is business networking? (Österle et al, 2001)

Answer 1

The management of IT-enabled relationships between internal and external business partners

Question 2

What are the 5 phases towards business networking? (Österle et al, 2001)

Answer 2

1970s: Computerizing single island functions
1980s: Computerization of functional areas
1990s: Integrated processes (ERP)
1990s: Electronic Data Interchange (with customers or suppliers)
1990-2005: Standardized systems for SCM and Electronic Commerce

Question 3

What is networkability? (Österle et al, 2001)

Answer 3

The ability to cooperate internally as well as externally. The ability to rapidly establish an efficient business relationship. It refers to resources (employees, IS), business processes (sales, production etc.) and business units (enterprise in a supply chain)

Question 4

What are the imperatives of business in the internet age? (Österle et al, 2001)

Answer 4

• Coverage: Networking makes it possible to offer all products/services for a customer process on a coordinated basis and from a single source
• Partnering: Cooperation is not limited to a shopping relationship but becomes true collaboration (processes work together, sharing data with suppliers/customers)
• Critical mass: The costs of individual transactions will be virtually negligibe due to automation
• Position in the network: Each company must try to establish a position of maximum influence
• Focusing: Make or buy decisions
• Process efficiency: Competence, execution and control integrated with application systems
• Networkability: 1:n in online shops, still a long way to arrive at m:n
• Change management: Recognizing developments and mastering change

Question 5

What are the 7 fundamental trends in business transformation? (Österle et al, 2001)

Answer 5

• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Knowledge Management
• Smart Appliances
• Business Networking
• Electronic Services
• Customers Process Support
• Value Management
  See page 12-16 for more detail

Question 6

What 3 models are new innovative strategies based on? (Österle et al, 2001)

Answer 6

• Forms of organization for rapid and permanent orientation to the market
• Forms of personnel leadership for developing and utilizing employee potential
• Forms of networking for creating an internal and external ability to cooperate

Question 7

What is networkability? (Österle et al, 2001)

Answer 7

The internal and external ability to cooperate as well as the ability to rapidly (quickly) and efficiently (inexpensively) establish, conduct and develop IT-supported business relationships

Question 8

What are the 3 basic effects for activities for designing a company’s networkability? (Österle et al, 2001)

Answer 8

• Reduction of time and costs when new business relationships are established or when transactions are conducted
• Reduction of the specificity of investments and increased flexibility of existing investments
• Improved opportunities for detecting and occupying new market segments at an early stage