Paper info

Learning and Teaching about Networks - in a Network Context

Jens Geersbro and Laurids Hedaa

The paper was published at the 17th IMP-conference in Oslo, Norway in 2001.

This paper describes the experiences of the authors when teaching a master level course inBusiness Market Management using and teaching a Network perspective based on Anderson andNarus's textbook; Business Market Management. The way the course was set-up allowed thestudents to learn about networks, drawing on external company representatives to provide anetwork context for learning. While many courses on networks employ more traditionalpedagogical methods, this module was designed to use insights from Network Theories as anintegral educational vehicle. Hence the course involved lecturers from both academia and practiceas well as field studies in collaborative arrangements with selected organisations.The approach was very well received by the students and practitioners. Many explicitly referred tothe advantages of combining theory integrating Network Concepts and Business MarketManagement.