Global Networks

This fascinating book provides a unique experiential view into the hidden globalization of Vodafone, in which was created a social network that was engaged in the acquisition and deployment of a global network of mobile technology that now serves a proportionate mobile customer base of more than 190 million.

'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

CHRISTOPHER J IBBOTT is Director of Ibbott & Associates Limited and a visiting professor in the School of Management at the University of Surrey, both in the UK. Ibbott is an internationally experienced Senior Executive with significant business accomplishments in the Information Technology and the Telecommunication sectors. At Vodafone Group Plc, UK he was most recently Director of Network Supply Chain Management in Group Technology and his prior positions included Director, Global Supply Chain Management; Director, IT and Project Management; and.Consultant Director, Terminals at Orbitel Mobile Communications Ltd, a Vodafone-Ericsson joint venture. Previously, in the IT industry, he was Managing Director & Regional VP at Memorex Telex (UK) Ltd; Senior VP & GM European Operations, Senior VP Manufacturing & Strategic Planning and was a co-founder of the European start-up, all for System Industries, Inc of California, USA.