Modelling collaboration using complex networks

A mathematical model of information flow for analysing collaboration in organisations is proposed, which defines concepts for characterising organisational structures for collaboration and proposes indicators for assessing organisational behaviour in terms of collaboration within organisations.

Abstract

Collaboration means working together to achieve a common goal or to solve a
\nproblem, and in modern businesses, it is an important factor for information
\nsharing and quality. This is due to the ability of collaborations to shape the
\nstructure and behaviour of organisations through the pooling of expertise and
\nstandardising of work patterns. Grounded on complex network theory and
\ncollaborative design research, a mathematical model of information flow for
\nanalysing collaboration in organisations is proposed in this article. The model
\ndefines concepts for characterising organisational structures for collaboration
\nand proposes indicators for assessing organisational behaviour in terms of
\ncollaboration within organisations. The article concludes by discussing the
\napplications and limitations of the proposed model.