Presenting 17 tools developed through rigorous design science research, this book bridges the relevance gap within network management. In so doing, it proposes a novel system-framework and establishes a path towards a networks-as-practice view on inter-organizational relationships. The systems-framework builds on three institutionalized business practices: Networks-as-coordinated social systems, Networks-as-knowledge-creating platforms, and Networks-as-value-generating entities. Through these tools, Towards Relational Business Practices intends to propose a new managerial praxis and provoke new and improved frameworks and models for network management.

Introduction.- Part 1: Introduction to Part 1- Viewing Networks as Social Systems.- Chapter 2: Stakeholder Identification, Salience, and Strategic Mindset Analysis.- Chapter 3: Leading Human Values in Complex Environments.- Chapter 4: Making Sense of Network Dynamics through Network Picturing.- Chapter 5: Functional Contracting for Network Creation and Governance.- Chapter 6: Boundary Spanning and the Art of Persuasion.- Part 2: Introduction to Part 2: Knowledge Integration in Networks.- Chapter 7: Expert Knowledge Integration - A Systematic Approach for Multi-stakeholder Innovation.- Chapter 8: Third Party Supported Benchmarking for Reciprocal Learning.- Chapter 9: Value Proposition Co-development.- Chapter 10: Relational Factors as Part of Network Relationship Evaluation.- Chapter 11: Increasing Supplier-buyer Fit in Global Project Business - A Cognitive Ergonomics-based Approach.- Part 3: An Introduction to Part 3 - Moving Toward Mutual Benefits and Increased Total Value.- Chapter 12.- Life Cycle Cost Calculations as the Means for Value Communication in Networks.- Chapter 13: The Service Configurator - How to Optimally Split Project Scopes.- Chapter 14: The Value-based Sales Approach - Design Process, Tools and Needed Capabilities to Create A Solution.- Chapter 15: Value Co-creation Analysis in Customer-Supplier Network Relationships.- Chapter 16: Value Curve as a Multipurpose Tool - From Self-assessment to Forming Collaborative Networks.- Chapter 17: A Framework for Ecosystemic Strategizing and Change.- Chapter 18: Network Performance Management: Measurement, Scorecard, and Boundary Processes.- Chapter 19: Concluding Remarks- Managerial Tools in Networks-as-Practice Perspective.