Statistical Network Topology for Crisis Informetrics

Crisis informetrics is considered to be a relatively new and emerging area of research, which deals with the application of analytical approaches of network and information science combined with experimental learning approaches of statistical mechanics to explore communication and information flow, robustness as well as tolerance of complex crisis networks under threats. In this paper, we discuss the scale free network property of an organizational communication network and test both traditional (static) and dynamic topology of social networks during organizational crises Both types of topologies exhibit similar characteristics of prominent actors reinforcing the power law distribution nature of scale free networks. There are no significant fluctuations among the actor prominence in daily and aggregated networks. We found that email communication network display a high degree of scale free behavior described by power law.

Collective Dynamics of Hierarchical Networks

In an increasingly complex, mobile and interconnected world, we face growing threats of disasters, whether by chance or deliberately. Disruption of coordinated response and recovery efforts due to organizational, technical, procedural, random or deliberate attack could result in the risk of massive loss of life. This requires urgent action to explore the development of optimal information-sharing environments for promoting collective disaster response and preparedness using multijurisdictional hierarchical networks. Innovative approaches to information flow modeling and analysis for dealing with challenges of coordinating across multi layered agency structures as well as development of early warnings through social systems using social media analytics may be pivotal to timely responses to dealing with large scale disasters where response strategies need to be viewed as a shared responsibility. How do facilitate the development of collective disaster response in a multijurisdictional setting? How do we develop and test the level and effectiveness of shared multijurisdictional hierarchical networks for improved preparedness and response? What is the role of multi layered training and exercises in building the shared learning space for collective disaster preparedness and response? The aim of this is therefore to determine factors that may be responsible for affecting disaster response.