Social Network Analysis (SNA) Applications in Evaluating MPA Classes

Abstract

This paper examines how social network analysis (SNA) methods and tools can be used to evaluate instruction and teaching methods in an MPA program. With a unique way of collecting and analyzing data—both statistically and visually— SNA tools enable public affairs educators to (a) identify patterns of interaction among students, (b) identify characteristics of student friendships and advice networks, (c) design teaching methods and interventions to facilitate student interaction, and (d) develop students’ interpersonal skills so they can learn in collaborative environments. The case study in this paper provides an example of how SNA was used to evaluate changes in student interactions and collaborative learning during an MPA class at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kapucu Naim

Naim Kapucu is an associate professor and director of the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida. His research interests are emergency and crisis management, decision making in a complex environment, and organizational learning and design. His work has been published in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Public Administration Review, Administration & Society, the American Review of Public Administration, Public Administration, International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters, Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Disasters: The Journal of Disaster Studies, Policy, and Management. He teaches analytic techniques for public administration, crisis management, and homeland security courses. He can be reached at [email protected].

Farhod Yuldashev

Farhod Yuldashev is an MPA student and research analyst at the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida (UCF). He also is a graduate teaching assistant at UCF. His research interests include collaborative public management, network governance, and international organizations. He can be reached at [email protected].

Fatih Demiroz

Fatih Demiroz is a PhD student and research analyst at the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida. His research interests include collaborative emergency and crisis management, and social network analysis. He can be reached at [email protected].

Tolga Arslan

Tolga Arslan is a PhD student in the Public Administration and Policy program at the University of Georgia, Athens. He recently received his MPA degree at the University of Central Florida. His research interests include comparative public administration, policy analysis, and public-private partnerships. He can be reached at [email protected].