Standards play a prominent role in systems characterized by interaction. In information systems, standards provide for compatibility and are a prerequisite for collaboration benefits. More generally speaking, standards constitute networks. In this work, a standardization framework based on an analysis of deficiencies of network effect theory and a game theoretic network equilibrium analysis is developed. Fundamental determinants of diffusion processes in networks (e.g. network topology, agent size, installed base) are identified and incorporated into a computer-based simulation model. As a result, typical network behaviour (specific diffusion patterns) can be explained and many findings from traditional network effect theory can be described as special cases of the model at particular parameter constellations (e.g. low price, high density). On this basis, solution strategies for standardization problems are developed, and a methodological path towards a unified theory of networks is proposed.

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Autorentext
Prof. Dr. Tim Weitzel ist Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für Wirtschaftsinformatik, insbesondere Informationssysteme in Dienstleistungsbereichen, an der Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg. Seine wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten zu IT-Geschäftswertbeitrag, Business-IT-Alignment, Outsourcing, Standards, E-Finance und E-Recruiting sind in 12 Fachbüchern und über 100 nationalen und internationalen Artikeln z.B. in MIS Quarterly, MIS Quarterly Executive, Journal of IT, Decision Support Systems, Wirtschaftsinformatik oder ZfB veröffentlicht.

Inhalt
1 Introduction.- 1.1 Standards in Information Systems.- 1.2 Motivation and research questions.- 1.3 Structure of the thesis.- 1.4 Methodology and definitions.- 2 Standardization problems.- 2.1 A brief history of standardization.- 2.2 Network effect theory as theoretical foundation.- 2.3 Reconsidering network effect theory.- 3 A standardization framework.- 3.1 Modeling the standardization problem: A basic model.- 3.2 Equilibria in standardization problems.- 3.3 Standardization games.- 4 A simulation model for the standardization problem.- 4.1 Simulation design.- 4.2 The basic standardization problem.- 4.3 The extended standardization model.- 4.4 A different decentralized anticipation calculus.- 4.5 Adapting the diffusion model.- 5 Solution mechanisms and empirical data.- 5.1 Empirical data for the standardization problem.- 5.2 Closing the standardization gap.- 5.3 The implementation problem.- 5.4 The data problem.- 5.5 A bidding mechanism.- 5.6 Managerial and policy implications.- 6 Theoretical implications: towards an interdisciplinary network theory.- 6.1 General drawbacks of the neo-classical paradigm.- 6.2 Towards an interdisciplinary theory of network effects.- 6.3 Required modeling power of an interdisciplinary theory of network effects.- 7 Conclusions and further research.- 7.1 Summary of the findings.- 7.2 Further research.- Variables and symbols.- List of equations.- List of figures.- List of tables.- References.