Network Improvement Initiatives: How to Deploy a Network Strategy

This paper explores how manufacturing firms deploy network strategy by developing network capabilities in international manufacturing networks (IMNs). Drawing from the resource-based view (RBV), network capabilities, and strategic initiatives literature, we analyze 109 strategic iniativies from 11 IMNs, classifiy them into 20 initiatve types, and assess the effort required for implementation. The types range from building new sites to establishing knowledge exchange networks. We identify patterns between capability type, capability gap size, and implementation time. In doing so, this study contributes to the theory of network strategy deployment and generates insights for operations managers to select initiatives effectively.