Modelling information for collaborative networks

Abstract

In this article, an approach for modelling snapshots of information is proposed for a form of complex networks known as a ‘collaborative network’. The approach consists of an information structure for collaborative-networked organisations modelled using complex network theory and information behaviour for collaborators in terms of a ‘decision-making factor’ and an information generation engine that evaluates the generation of information. Case scenarios within a multinational corporation are presented and analysed to demonstrate the use of the proposed approach and to discuss some uses of the approach for improving the management of collaborative networked organisations.

Keywords:

• collaborative-networked organisation
• information analysis
• social network analysis
• complex networks
• conceptual modelling
• graph theory

Acknowledgement

The author would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the case study participants as well as the comments and encouragements of Dr. James Pascoe, Ray Mogford, Dr Jeffery Alcock and Prof. Ashutosh Tiwari during the preparation of this article. The useful feedbacks provided by the anonymous reviewers are also acknowledged and appreciated.