Global Networks: The Vodafone-Ericsson Journey to Globalization and the Inception of a Requisite Organization [Hardcover]

Christopher J. Ibbott (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0230551173 | ISBN-13: 978-0230551176 | Publication Date: November 27, 2007 | Edition: First Edition

Vodafone is one of the most successful global companies of the last 20 years, growing from a holder of one of the first two mobile communications licences in the UK to be a global brand. Whilst its leadership, mergers and acquisitions and marketing all are well documented, much less is known about how it really benefited from its mergers, and how it managed the transformational organizational journey from national to global. The author provides a unique longitudinal insight into the hidden globalization of Vodafone; with its mobile network infrastructure suppliers it created a social network of people that contributed to the deployment of a global network of technology that now serves over 170 million customers. Originally with Ericsson, and then with Nokia, Siemens and Nortel, Vodafone moved the industry to a global stage, sharing data and knowledge, but also negotiating commercial terms and operational excellence, for global advantage. This included an industry leading move to reverse electronic auctions. Managers within Vodafone and its suppliers cooperated as a virtual global network organization; an invisible structure that gave Vodafone a unique advantage. It is shown that this is a new requisite organizational type that has application to other global or multi-location companies undertaking similar transitions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'In Global Systems, Dr. Ibbott offers a theoretically insightful and empirically rich first-hand view of two major corporations' efforts to co-create an innovative, global, virtual organization. The book provides intellectually stimulating and practically compelling advice for scholars and practitioners who are trying to navigate the challenges and opportunities we encounter during the transformational journey of 'globalization." Noshir Contractor Jane S. & William J. White Professor of Industrial Engineering & Management Science, Communication, and Management & Organizations Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA. "The internet has provided global companies with new opportunities to organise, structure, manage and expand their businesses. Dr. Ibbott does a superb job explaining the tectonic changes that are reshaping today's global business landscape." Ali Farhoomand Professor of Information Systems & Director, Asia Case Research Centre The University of Hong Kong "In his analysis of Vodafone's global strategy and transformation process, Dr. Ibbott combines the knowledge and insights of a business leader with the rigour of an academic researcher. The book will be of interest to practising managers who wish to gain insights into global strategy, transformation and leadership in a real-life organisational setting, as well as to academics and advanced management students." Professor Christopher P. Holland Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, UK 'Converting an excellent doctorate thesis to a practical oriented book is not easy but Dr. Ibbott has succeeded in this task. To also include some of the major concepts and processes of today is also no easy task. Globalization, Transformation, Leadership, Organizational Relationships and the Virtual Organization are some of the key insights presented in the book which is case oriented. I enjoyed the journey of reading a great book,and when I finished felt the best messages were on leading change, leadership and global competition. The book has my highest of recommendations!' Pat Joynt Professor in Leadership, Henley Management College, UK and Consultant, HR Group Management Data AS, Norway 'This book is an important contribution to both practice and theory. Dr. Ibbott captures the full challenge of 'going virtual and global' by exploring the experience of Vodafone. This book represents an important step forward in our understanding of the meaning of globalization and the transformational steps that are required to get there.' Anne P. Massey Dean's Research Professor & Professor of Information Systems Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, USA

About the Author

CHRISTOPHER J IBBOTT is Director of Ibbott & Associates Limited, UK, and visiting professor at the University of Surrey, School of Management. Ibbott is an internationally experienced Senior Executive with significant accomplishments in the Information Technology and the Telecommunication sectors. He was previously Director of Network Supply Chain Management, Vodafone Group Services Ltd, Group Technology, UK, Director, Global Supply Chain Management, Vodafone AirTouch International Limited, UK and Director, IT and Project Management, Vodafone Limited, UK.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; First Edition edition (November 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0230551173
• ISBN-13: 978-0230551176
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,777,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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