In virtual communities, individuals communicate and collaborate with each other over the Internet, with collaboration typically occurring voluntarily and without financial incentives. Companies utilize virtual communities for purposes such as customer relationship management and knowledge management. In universities, virtual learning networks aim to enhance interaction among students and improve learning outcomes. However, the potential of virtual communities is often not fully realized, as complex motivational structures make systematic member management challenging. Stefan Stieglitz develops a framework that enables a systematic establishment, operation, and particularly management of virtual communities. To this end, he analyzes structures and functions in open-source projects and identifies management tools that he applies to other types.