Database and Tool Development - Management Studies Group

In order to meet the objectives of our program, we build a database of theoretical concepts and tools. Longitudinal databases with network information and core-competences of firms will be developed in order to be able to follow trends. Qualitative case studies and simulation studies will be conducted to get in-depth insight in the consequences of these trends for the individual firms. In order to generalize the findings quantitative survey research is conducted.

It is the ultimate goal of our research program to develop solutions for management problems. These solutions take the form of ‘tools’, generic instruments to tackle specific types of real-life situations. Chain and network design always involves intricate combinations of technological and organizational aspects of co-operation. Chain and network designs ideally provide for sufficient flexibility, such that there is room for adaptation to changing circumstances and for further development. Therefore, tools for chain and network design, construction and governance aim at facilitating the implementation of (inter-organizational) innovations; tools for enabling processes of communication and change aim at social and organizational aspects of innovation e.g. Innovation Management Suite.