Managing in the Modular Age: Architectures, Networks, and Organizations

by Editor: Raghu Garud (Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University); Editor: Arun Kumaraswamy (Rutgers University); Editor: Richard Langlois (University of Connecticut)

• ISBN13: 9781405141949
• ISBN10: 1405141948
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-02-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

This book brings together seminal articles by leading scholars of technological and organizational systems, exploring the impact of 'modularity'. Modularity refers to an ability to take apart and put together differenct products and networks, or to 'mix and match' components in order to meet different user specifications. This is of key importance today where new systems such as the World Wide Web and many areas of the computer industry depend on it. The volume pulls together and defines an exciting new area of inquiry: into how our 'modular age' is reshaping the business eco-system. Includes contributions from leading scholars of technology and organization Modularity refers to an ability to take apart and put together different products and systems, or to 'mix and match' components in order to meet different user specifications. Consolidates and defines an area of inquiry that is becoming increasingly important with the development of web-based and 'network' industries. Sensitizes readers to the complexity of issues surrounding new modular products and systems created by e-business Encourages readers to make connections among different levels and disciplines. Initiates a debate around issues of modularity. Includes a commentary co-authored by the late Nobel Laureate Herbert A. Simon to whom the book is dedicated.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Managing in The Modular Age: Architectures, Networks and Organizations

Overview

The Architecture of Complexity

Commentary

Technological and Organizational Designs to Achieve Economies of Substitution

Commentary

Networks And Innovation In A Modular System: Lessons From The Microcomputer And Stereo Component Industries

Commentary

Modularity And Architectures

The Role of Product Architecture in the Manufacturing Firm

Commentary

Managing in an Age of Modularity

Commentary

Towards a General Modular Systems Theory and Its Application to Interfirm Product Modularity

Commentary

Networks And Standards

The Economics of Networks

Commentary

The Art of Standards Wars

Commentary

Field-Level And Organizational Dynamics

Dynamics of Organizational Communities and Technological Bandwagons: An Empirical Investigation of Community Evolution in the Microprocessor Market

Commentary

Dominant Designs, Technological Cycles and Organizational Outcomes

Commentary

Modularity, Flexibility and Knowledge Management in Product and Organizational Design

Commentary

Index

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