Actor and Strategy Models Practical Applications and Step-wise Approaches

A practical how-to guide for more effective planningthrough multi-actor modelling

Careful planning is the cornerstone of a successful initiative, and any plan, policy, or business strategy can only be successful if it has the support of different actors. These actors may beactively pursuing their own agendas, so the plan must not only offer an optimal solution to theproblem, but must also fit the needs and abilities of the actors involved. Actor and Strategy Models: Practical Applications and Step-wise Approaches provides a primer on multi-actormodelling, based on the fundamental premise that actor strategies are explained by investigatingwhat actors can do, think, and want to achieve.

Covering a variety of models with detailed background and case examples, this book focuses on practical application. Step-by-step instructions for each approach provide immediately actionable insight, while a general framework for actor and strategy modelling allows the reader to tailor any approach as needed to optimize results in terms of situation-specific planning. Oriented toward real-world strategy, this helpful resource:

• Provides models that shed light on the multi-actor dimensions of planning, using a variety of analytical approaches
• Includes literature, theoretical underpinnings, and applications for each method covered
• Clarifies the similarities, differences, and suitable applications between various actor modelling approaches
• Provides a step-wise framework for actor and strategy modelling
• Offers guidance for the identification, structuring, and measuring of values and perceptions
• Examines the challenges involved in analyzing actors and strategies

Even before planning begins, an endeavor's success depends upon a clear understanding of the various actors involved in the planning and implementation stages. From game theory and argumentative analysis, through social network analysis, cognitive mapping, and beyond,Actor and Strategy Models provides valuable insight for more effective planning.

Leon M. Hermans is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management at Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on the use of actor analysis methods to support public policy analysis and evaluation.

Scott W. Cunningham is an associate professor at the Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management at Delft University of Technology. He combines work in actor modelling and game theory with research in data mining, technology forecasting, and innovation.

Preface ix

Acknowledgements xi

Part I Introduction 1

1 The Need for Actor and Strategy Models 3

1.1 Actors and Decision-Making 3

1.2 Applications of Actor and Strategy Models 4

1.3 Scope and Structure of This Book 6

References 10

2 A Framework for Actor and Strategy Modeling 13

2.1 What are Strategic Actors? 13

2.2 Conceptual Framework for Strategic Actor Interactions 17

2.3 Overview of Actor and Strategy Models 23

2.4 Step-Wise Approach for Actor and Strategy Modeling 27

2.5 Challenges in Modeling Strategic Actor Interactions 32

References 36

Part II Models and Applications 39

3 Scanning Your Actor Network as Part of Problem Diagnosis 41

3.1 Diagnosis for Strategic Interaction Problems 41

3.2 Stakeholder Analysis and Actor Network Scanning 42

3.3 Step-Wise Approach for Actor Network Scanning 43

3.4 Case Application: Offshore Wind Energy 58

3.5 Summary and Further Reading 68

References 69

Part II-A Values 71

4 Identifying, Structuring, and Measuring Values: Value-Focused Thinking 73

4.1 Values as Fundamental Drivers of Actor Processes 74

4.2 Value-Focused Thinking for Multi-actor Issues 75

4.3 Step-Wise Approach for Value-Focused Thinking for Multiple Actors 77

4.4 Case Application: Rural Livelihoods in Tanzania 88

4.5 Summary and Further Reading 99

References 100

Part II-B Resource Dependencies 103

5 Making a Move: Analysis of Options and Conflict Graphs 105

5.1 Strategic Use of Resources to Shape Environments 105

5.2 Analysis of Options 106

5.3 Step-Wise Approach for Analysis of Options 113

5.4 Case Application: Volunteered Geographical Information 121

5.5 Case Application: Solar Power 135

5.6 Summary and Further Reading 142

References 144

6 Appraising the Strategic Value of Information: Extensive Games 149

6.1 The Role of Resources and Information in Strategic Games 150

6.2 Game Theory and Social Dilemmas 150

6.3 Step-Wise Approach for Extensive Games 158

6.4 Case Application: Supply Chain Management 166

6.5 Summary and Further Reading 179

References 180

7 Looking for Coalitions: Cooperative Game Theory 183

7.1 Group Capability and Cooperation 183

7.2 Cooperative Game Theory 184

7.3 Step-Wise Approach for Analyzing Cooperative Potential 190

7.4 Case Application: Renewable Energy 202

7.5 Summary and Further Reading 209

Appendix 7.A: R Code to Support Cooperative Analyses 210

References 214

8 Identifying Opportunities for Exchange: Transactional Analysis 217

Jos S. Timmermans

8.1 Multi-actor Decision-Making as an Exchange of Control over Resources 218

8.2 Transactional Analysis 218

8.3 Step-Wise Approach for Transactional Analysis 221

8.4 Case Application: Rural Water Management in the Netherlands 229

8.5 Summary and Further Reading 238

Appendix 8.A: Calculation of Dependencies 239

Appendix 8.B: Calculation of Equilibrium Control 240

References 243

Part II-C Perceptions 245

9 Capturing Problem Perceptions: Comparative Cognitive Mapping 247

9.1 How Perceptions Can Help Explain (In)Activity in Multi-actor Settings 247

9.2 Comparative Cognitive Mapping 249

9.3 Step-Wise Approach for Comparative Cognitive Mapping 253

9.4 Case Application: Pollution Control for Urban Public Spaces 263

9.5 Summary and Further Reading 273

References 274

10 Reconstructing Debate: Argumentative Analysis 277

10.1 Debates Fuelled by Competing Claims 277

10.2 Argumentative Analysis 278

10.3 Step-Wise Approach for Argumentative Analysis 281

10.4 Case Application: Watershed Protection in the Philippines 286

10.5 Summary and Further Reading 302

References 303

Part II-D Networks 305

11 Scrutinizing Relations that Shape Actions: Social Network Analysis 307

Mark de Reuver

11.1 The Importance of Relations Between Actors 308

11.2 Social Network Analysis 308

11.3 Step-Wise Approach for Social Network Analysis 312

11.4 Case Application: Innovation Network for Internet Video Services 318

11.5 Summary and Further Reading 327

References 328

Part III Comparison and Reflection 331

12 Actor Models: Comparison and Reflection 333

12.1 When to Use What Model? 333

12.2 Illustrative Comparison of the Use of Models for a Single Case 339

12.3 Revisiting the Challenges Involved in Analyzing Actors and Strategies 353

12.4 Next Steps in the Future of Actor and Strategy Models 358

References 360

Index 363

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