See the Economist 2020 forecast attached, sponsored by Cisco Systems, that dramatically underscores the value networks theme -- http://www.kmcluster.com/Cisco_2020.pdf. Cisco is among the rapidly expanding constellation of value networks sponsors. See/join: Enterprise Value Networks :: http://www.vnclusters.com/SFO.htm Known generally as value networks and value network analysis, they effectively address the following:- Relationship management: Relationship management typically just focuses on managing information about customers, suppliers, and business partners. A value network approach considers relationships as two-way value-creating interactions, which focus on realizing value as well as providing value. Market space strategies and investments: Identifying lucrative and powerful investment opportunities requires the ability to quickly assess a complex environment and accurately map the current and emerging market space. A value network analysis helps identify, analyze, evaluate, prioritize, and manage investments in market spaces - ranging from providing seed capital through joint venture financing and support of management buy-ins or buy-outs. Business web development: Resource deployment, delivery, market innovation, knowledge sharing, and time-to-market advantage are dependent on the quality, coherence, and vitality of the relevant value networks and business webs. Fast-track complex process redesign: Product and service offerings are constantly changing - and so are the processes to innovate, design, manufacture, and deliver them. Multiple, inter-dependent, and concurrent processes are too complex for traditional process mapping, but can be analyzed very quickly with the value network method. Reconfiguring the organization: Change is all there is. Mergers, acquisitions, downsizing, expansion to new markets, new product groups, new partners, new roles and functions - anytime relationships change, value interactions and flows change too. Supporting knowledge networks and communities of practice: Understanding the transactional dynamics is vital for purposeful networks of all kinds, including networks and communities focused on creating knowledge value. A value network analysis helps communities of practice negotiate for resources and demonstrate their value to different groups within the organization. Use at every level to develop scorecards, conduct ROI and cost/benefit analyses, and drive decision making: Because the value network approach addresses both financial and non-financial assets and exchanges, it expands metrics and indexes beyond the lagging indicators of financial return and operational performance - to also include leading indicators for strategic capability and system optimization. [Source: http://energy4living.tripod.com/holistic-creations/id19.html] | 
