The internet as a technology-based ecosystem : a new approach to the analysis of business, markets and industries

This book examines and critiques classical approaches to strategic analysis, whilst exploring alternative methods which utilise ecosystem and platform concepts, as well as chaos and complexity theories. The innovative study provides a critique of the neoclassical Newtonian school of strategy, and proves it to be largely inappropriate as a decision-making methodology in today's internet-based market. By developing a new biological hydrothermal vent model in which analogical comparisons are made with the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, the chapters challenge existing paradigms of competitive advantage and analyse the extent to which the Internet can be considered to be an ecosystem in its own right. The Internet as a Technology-Based Eco-System offers a range of alternative models and analytical frameworks for the analysis of internet-based technology companies in the twenty-first century, creating a valuable tool for students and academics undertaking research in strategy, technology and electronic engineering. "The Internet as a Technology-Based Ecosystem"--"Preface"--"Contents"--"List of Figures" -- "List of Tables" -- "Introduction" -- "1 The Relevance of the Rational, Classical Approach to Strategy in the ICT Sector â#x80;#x93; The Strategy Process" -- "1.1 Introduction" -- "1.2 The Historical Context" -- "1.3 The Relevance of the Rational, Classical Approach to the ICT Sector" -- "1.4 The Rational Process Approach" -- "1.5 Conclusion" -- "References" -- "2 The Relevance of the Rational, Classical Approach to Strategy in the ICT Sector â#x80;#x93; The Strategy Content Approach" -- "2.1 Introduction" -- "2.2 Porterâ#x80;#x99;s Five Forces Framework (1980)" -- "2.3 Porterâ#x80;#x99;s Generic Strategy Model (1985)" -- "2.4 Comparative Advantage & Porterâ#x80;#x99;s Diamond of National Advantage (1990)" -- "2.5 Portfolio Models: The Ansoff Matrix & Boston Consulting Group Matrix" -- "2.6 The Value Chain Model (1985)" -- "2.7 Conclusion" -- "References" -- "3 A Systems View of Strategy â#x80;#x93; Complexity, Chaos Theory and Poised Strategy" -- "3.1 Introduction" -- "3.2 The Role of Complexity Theory as an Approach to Strategy" -- "3.3 A Definition of Complexity Theory" -- "3.4 The Bedrock Principles of Complexity" -- "3.5 Strategy and Complexity Theory" -- "3.6 The Complexity Perspective and Strategic Capabilities" -- "3.7 The Complexity Perspective and Innovation" -- "3.8 Strategy as Structured Chaos: Competing on the Edge" -- "3.9 A New Strategic Approach for the Innovation Economy â#x80;#x93; Poised Strategy" -- "3.10 The Relationship between Business Model and Strategy" -- "3.11 Poised Strategy and Organisational Energy" -- "3.12 Conclusion" -- "References" -- "4 Ecosystems Thinking and Modern Platform-Based Ecosystem Theory" -- "4.1 Introduction" -- "4.2 Ecosystem Theory" -- "4.3 Platform Theory" -- "4.4 ICT Platform-Based Ecosystem Diffusion and the Need for a New Architectural Perspective." This book examines and critiques classical approaches to strategic analysis, whilst exploring alternative methods which utilise ecosystem and platform concepts, as well as chaos and complexity theories. The innovative study provides a critique of the neoclassical Newtonian school of strategy, and proves it to be largely inappropriate as a decision-making methodology in today’s internet-based market. By developing a new biological hydrothermal vent model in which analogical comparisons are made with the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, the chapterschallenge existing paradigms of competitive advantage and analyse the extent to which the Internet can be considered to be an ecosystem in its own right. __The Internet as a Technology-Based Eco-System__ offers a range of alternative models and analytical frameworks for the analysis of internet-based technology companies in the twenty-first century, creating a valuable tool for students and academics undertaking research in strategy, technology and electronic engineering. Front Matter....Pages i-xiv The Relevance of the Rational, Classical Approach to Strategy in the ICT Sector – The Strategy Process....Pages 1-22 The Relevance of the Rational, Classical Approach to Strategy in the ICT Sector – The Strategy Content Approach....Pages 23-53 A Systems View of Strategy – Complexity, Chaos Theory and Poised Strategy....Pages 55-83 Ecosystems Thinking and Modern Platform-Based Ecosystem Theory....Pages 85-117 The Development of the Hydrothermal Vent (HTV) Ecosystem Model....Pages 119-148 Summary & Conclusion....Pages 149-158 Back Matter....Pages 159-168