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The purpose of this paper is to focus on the interaction process between organizations of a knowledge network as a means to promote learning. In particular, the authors aim to answer the following research questions: how do dyadic and network relationships contribute to inter-organizational creation and transfer of knowledge? More specifically, which joint activities between organizations facilitate inter-organizational learning within a knowledge network? That is, the authors are interested in the relationship processes for inter-organisational learning, aiming to identify and understand the joint activities through which organizations within an institutional network generate and transfer knowledge.

Aiming at studying how six institutional actors generate and transfer knowledge, the existing dyadic relationships between a focal actor (a technological center of the textile and clothing industry – CITEVE) and each one of the other five institutional actors were studied. In the study of this knowledge network the authors analyzed several documental sources and carried out 19 interviews.

This study shows how dyadic and network relationships contribute to inter-organisational creation and transfer of knowledge. It assesses several joint activities through which organizations in the studied network learn with each other and compares the five dyadic relationships in terms of their distinctive features. Through the cooperative effort based on joint activities between actors, the studied network generates complementary and multidisciplinary knowledge aiming to promote network learning of the studied organizations. Management implications and suggestions for further research on network learning are discussed.

This paper adds to the literature on network learning and management by empirically illustrating how a network of organizations in a given industry contributes to knowledge generation. It is an original contribution because, first, it allows a better understanding of how organizations of a knowledge network interact and contribute for network learning. In particular, the paper identifies a large number of joint activities for inter-organizational learning in the context of a traditional industry. Second, the research shows empirically how such interaction and learning occur in practice within a network context that comprises only institutional actors.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of a supply network and the causes of network change and stability. It presents the study of a supply network of Delphi Braga (Portugal), one of the largest European plants producing car-radios, navigation system and other related products, in order to understand how it changed over time. The paper contributes to the understanding of network management.

The case study was carried out on a network of five suppliers of Delphi Braga adopting a relational view of networks meaning that both parties of the relationships were studied. Data and results are based on document sources and interviews with managers both from Delphi and the studied suppliers.

The causes of network change and stability are both exogenous and endogenous. They are multiple and have different impacts on network structures and processes. The paper analyses several causes of network change and their impact on the studied supplier network.

The research is based on a single case study. Although the studied supplier network comprises several firms, it should be pointed out that each network has its own dynamics and structures. Therefore, though the paper makes a relevant contribution for network management, the results cannot be generalized for other networks and firms.

Managers should be aware of the dynamics of their supplier networks and understand the different impacts of both their firm’s decisions as well as the environment changes. By doing this, managers can anticipate changes in the structure and dynamics of their supplier networks.

This case study contributes to our current understanding of relationship development both at the dyadic and network level by analyzing the case of a supply network in a major European plant of car-radios and navigation systems. It discusses implications and proposes further research to advance knowledge on the topic of network change.

Local networks of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are founded both on collaborative and competitive inter-organizational relationships within the same network characterised by spatial proximity between firms. This paper aims to propose an original analytical framework to understand how spatial proximity between firms within local networks influences strategy of SMEs.

Theories and the existing knowledge were used to develop a preliminary conceptual framework. This preliminary framework was then developed as data collection and analysis were carried out. That is, in the more advanced stages of the research, both the literature and data allowed the design of a more specific analytical framework with the development of theoretical propositions. The data supporting the findings was derived from extensive content analysis of secondary documents from manufacturers, channel agents, industry organisations, public agencies and statistical sources. These data were also used as background briefing for 52 in-depth interviews with 36 senior managers within the sector.

An extensive qualitative research carried out in two major local networks of footwear production in Portugal shows that spatial proximity influences the following major variables of SME strategy: offer specialization, market specialization, competitive behaviour and collaborative behaviour. This paper examines the strong subcontracting relationships among manufacturers within each local network, discusses the competitive and collaborative behaviour of firms within their local networks of subcontracting and explains the nature of interaction between them contributing for a better understanding on the impact of spatial proximity on strategy.

Some management implications can be drawn from this research at the level of the network and of the firm, although both levels are profoundly intertwined. The paper discusses both these implications.

This research clarifies the relationship between spatial proximity and strategy of SMEs immersed in local networks. In particular, the findings show that, in the context of local networks of footwear production, SME strategy is influenced by spatial proximity between firms in the following characteristics of strategy: offer specialization, market specialization, competitive behaviour and collaborative behaviour. As it was discussed and empirically supported, spatial proximity between firms favour resource mobility, firms' interaction and reduction of transaction costs, which, in turn, impact strategy.

This study aims to determine how to influence the customer journey of mobile food ordering applications (MFOAs) users. It researches how available information could influence customers’ intention to use MFOAs platforms in the prepurchase stage and explores the potential of personalized information to improve customer satisfaction with these services in the postpurchase stage.

This research followed a mixed design, combining qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (online survey) research and using both content analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Two types of available information (firm-generated information and online customer reviews) had a positive influence on the behavioral intention to use MFOAs. Additionally, findings showed that different web personalization strategies, namely, content personalization, functional personalization and system-driven personalization, were useful tools to create customer satisfaction with this type of platform.

The study discusses limitations regarding the sample and sampling process, indicator variables and measures.

The present research provides actionable insights for online food delivery providers.

This study addresses a research gap in the literature and provides a novel and richer understanding of customer behavior toward mobile food delivery platforms. Also, it adds to the personalization research by identifying and testing a range of web personalization strategies.

This article aims to understand the influences surrounding the consumption of fragrances, especially if these products fit as a brand extension of luxury brands. More specifically, it aims at identifying the main reasons behind the process of buying fragrances and the main features associated with the consumption of fragrances.

This research adopts a qualitative approach in the form of 15 in-depth interviews with consumers of fragrances, seeking to assess attitudes and influences in the consumption of fragrances as a brand extension of luxury brands.

This research shows that the emotional use of fragrances as a luxury product is much more important than their functionality, the relationship between the studied consumers and fragrances depends on the occasion of consumption (season of the year; day or night) and the aroma and the durability of the aroma is the main decision criterion for the purchase of fragrances. Respondents have also mentioned comfort, elegance and sophistication as attributes to choose a fragrance as a luxury product.

This article adds to the current knowledge on the topics of luxury brand management and buying behaviour by providing a better understanding of attitudes and influences towards the use of fragrances. This research recognizes the importance of a brand extension strategy for luxury brands, especially in the case of fragrances.

Projects are a part of everyday life in industrial firms, playing a relevant role in terms of accomplishing strategic objectives, implementing strategy, and developing competitive advantage. Projects are developed within industrial networks and have a momentum of their own. This paper aims to describe the role of inter‐organizational project networks that are embedded within the firm's network of relationships in the development of competitive advantage.

The role of inter‐organizational projects in developing competitive advantage was analysed in four inter‐organizational projects involving firms from the Portuguese textile and clothing industry.

Based on the industrial network approach, projects are framed within the conceptual model of activities, actors and resources. Considering the four studied cases, the analysis is focused on the impact of project networks on activities, resources and actors involved, as well as on the competitiveness of the firms involved in the studied networks.

This paper contributes to management practice by focusing on the contribution of inter‐organizational projects in the development of competitive advantage. Based on the analysis of four different cases, this paper highlights the potential role of project networks in the relationship network of the firm.

To develop a framework for evaluating the quality of Portuguese health care organisations based on the relationship between customers and providers, to define key variables related to the quality of health care services based on a review of the available literature, and to establish a conceptual framework in order to test the framework and variables empirically.

Systematic review of the literature.

Health care services quality should not be evaluated exclusively by customers. Given the complexity, ambiguity and heterogeneity of health care services, the authors develop a framework for health care evaluation based on the relationship between customers (patients, their relatives and citizens) and providers (managers, doctors, other technical staff and non‐technical staff), and considering four quality items (customer service orientation, financial performance, logistical functionality and level of staff competence).

This article identifies important changes in the Portuguese health care industry, such as the ownership of health care providers. At the same time, customers are changing their attitudes towards health care, becoming much more concerned and demanding of health services. These changes are forcing Portuguese private and public health care organisations to develop more marketing‐oriented services. This article recognises the importance of quality evaluation of health care services as a means of increasing customer satisfaction and organisational efficiency, and develops a framework for health care evaluation based on the relationship between customers and providers.

This paper aims to explore the theoretical foundations of relationship marketing from the perspective of several management‐related disciplines, and to attempt a fresh perspective that seeks to integrate these contributions.

Despite the recent popularity of research into relationship marketing, there is still some confusion surrounding the concept of and how it differs both from “non” relationship marketing and from other ways of managing marketing relationships. This confusion reflects, to some extent, the diverse origins of the concept and the scarcity of research into such fundamental questions as what is a relationship, and what forms of relationship are more or less suited under different circumstances to management through relationship marketing. Taking a broad approach to the subject, the paper explores and integrates these theoretical foundations.

This article finds that an integrated account can be offered for the emergence of relationship marketing as a coherent area for research. Areas of marketing research with particular relevance to the development of research into relationship issues are: supply chain management, interaction theory, database marketing, and services marketing. Future research into relationship marketing should focus on: the rationale, processes and structures involved in relationship marketing.

The paper encompasses and integrates the diverse theoretical origins of relationship marketing and integrates the research traditions emerging from these origins as they relate to relationship marketing. The paper then considers the implications and priorities for the future development of research and theory in relationship marketing.

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Spatial proximity is a key facet of the success of local networks of SMEs. If done correctly, these networks of SMEs are able to boost profitability, cut costs, and challenge established players successfully.

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.