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In the context of a retailer with an international supply network, this paper develops theories of (a) how both stability and strong ties in an international supply network combine to yield a resource base that enables the development of flexible relationships with suppliers, (b) how stability and relationship flexibility in the international supply network of a retail reseller may in turn be driven both by the international diversity and by the density of the retailer’s supply network in a product category, and (c) how both the international diversity and the density of a retailer’s supply network may directly affect the likelihood of a retailer developing flexible relationships with its supplier. In doing so, this paper develops and presents six hypotheses and discusses some approaches to measurement of the underlying constructs and testing the hypothesized effects.

In this reply, we respond to a series of substantive comments on our work by both Madhavan and Walker. In our response to Madhavan’s comments, we consider three accounts – “weak,” “semi-strong” and “strong” – that clarify how our model “explains” and offers insights that can emerge from our modeling strategy. We also explore ways in which our explanatory strategy might be extended in light of his critique. In our response to Walker’s comments, we adopt the “semi-strong” thesis, which admits variation in network-generating mechanisms, while also recognizing that information needs to be distributed and shared in order for many types of networks to function.

This chapter explains how to design and operationalize a knowledge network analysis. The authors walk through a nine-step methodology that addresses each stage of the process. The nine-step process is the result of an in-depth review of the theoretical and applied literature. The authors explain how and why each step contributes to the quality and goodness of the analysis. The risks of skipping or sub-optimizing steps are explained. The step-by-step process highlights the dependence of a knowledge network analysis on data sources. The authors explain the importance of identifying, collecting, and curating sources.

The Moldoveanu, Baum & Rowley approach highlights the importance of developing a multi-level theory of network evolution that explicitly accounts for strategic agency and (bounded) rationality. I discuss intriguing questions raised by their model about structure vs. topology, feedback loops in evolution, and network resources other than information.

This chapter describes capacity building as a general concept and as a networking capability specifically. There are two essential components to building capacity. The first is building the network capacity, building relational capital, and sharing knowledge. The second is building the capacity to support knowledge network analyses. The authors offer a set of key questions for determining the health of networking capacity at the strategic, operational, and individual levels. The chapter also describes the roles and competencies required for network analysts, managers, and general employees.

In this paper, a model to estimate travel time reliability is proposed assuming a stochastic user equilibrium. Travel time reliability is defined as the probability that travel time between the origin and destination does not exceed a standard travel time corresponding to each service level. Also it is shown how to calculate travel time reliability in a large-scale network. This model is applied to the road network in the Hanshin area to evaluate new lines in the national road plan from the viewpoint of travel time reliability. Some important links and lines in the future road network are evaluated from the viewpoint of travel time reliability.