In reviewing the four companies, a theme that permeates each of them is the network. This network adapts to the environment of each company and acquires different perspectives. In this scenario, the network, used to the advantage of each company, includes the knowledge network, information, manufacturing and supply networks. In each case, the company has created some form of network which enables them to create a new value proposition for their business.

Booz-Allen and Hamilton. Booz collects knowledge from prior client engagements and employees’ individual expertise into one common database and thereby creates a competitive advantage. This information, readily available worldwide, is a collection of industry expertise which can be leveraged at other client engagements. Through this knowledge network, Booz has essentially developed a dynamic supply of solutions to problems that clients will pay money to solve.

Dealer Net. Dealer Net has created an information network by acting as the intermediary between its user base, which contains valuable demographic information, and the customers, or car dealers and manufacturers, who value that information. The uniqueness of this information network is that it is created by the end-user base, and maintained and ultimately packaged for sale by Dealer Net. They have changed the traditional collection process for demographic data through the use of Internet and database technologies, reducing the collection time and costs while increasing the breadth and depth of salable, information, due to the global accessibility of DealerNet’s information network.

Boston Beer Company. BBC has taken an established industry and reduced the high cost barriers to entry by rewriting the business model. BBC has established a manufacturing network which enables it to produce beer in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Sweden, Germany, and Hong Kong. This network expanded the reach of the company and enabled them to compete directly with established brand names in beer. In addition, this manufacturing network is adaptable to BBC’s requirements because it can be expanded and modified as the demand dictates.

Spartan Stores Inc.. Spartan has optimized its supply chain and taken advantage of economies of scale and scope with its network of wholesalers. Spartan has created a supply network, which connects the individual retailers to the wholesalers then directly to the suppliers. This supply network can expand as required to service additional retailers and suppliers. The way Spartan manages its supply network is an example of strategic use of IT, as Spartan effectively balances empowerment of system-wide users with control to achieve Spartan’s business goals.

In summary, these organizations created novel ways to approach existing businesses and leveraged a combination of information technology and operational expertise where necessary. In each case, the company has developed a network which is quickly adaptable to the changing business environment and through this network has created new value