An Introduction to Network Analysis as a Research Technique - 2012 Version . From time to time I run a half-day seminar called “Introducing Network Analysis as a Research Technique”. The next seminar will occur on the afternoon of Tuesday the 31st of January at the University of Canberra.

The seminar is aimed at new researchers. It has been substantially upgraded and revised, and includes an example that illustrates pitfalls for researchers and analysts. It is organised into four sessions as follows:

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On Valentine's Day my company HyperEdge will be running a one-day seminar/workshop titled - "Effective Stakeholder Engagement and Evaluation Using Social Network Analysis and Narrative Techniques". Further details are below, or you can read the detail and register here .

Stakeholder Engagement Context

Research by Patterson et al. (2006) found that 80% of all large organisations fail to meet their planned business objectives. The same research suggests human practices and behaviours are at the root of the problems. More than a decade of research by the Standish Group suggests business success is contingent on many factors, including clear objectives and management buy-in. However, effective stakeholder engagement is the foremost success factor, and accounts for up to 60% of all other factors.

People work in a network of relationships. Research at the of University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce suggests effective stakeholder engagement is contingent on positive relationships. In turn relationships are contingent on a conversation that results in shared understanding, which may be different to agreement. If shared understanding is absent the results can be disastrous, and the business network compromised. On the other hand if you get it right the business outcomes can be spectacular.

Therefore it follows, that effective stakeholder management must address people dynamics, individual understanding, and expand existing business networks.

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My company HyperEdge is proud to co-sponsor a screening of the film Connected . The other sponsors are actKM, KMRt, and the Special Libraries Association (Australia New Zealand Branch). This film was recently shown at the State Library of Victoria and is being provided by Michelle Lambert of the KM Roundtable. The screening will occur in the National Library of Australia Theatrette on the 9th of February from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Entry has previously been advertised as a gold coin donation; however HyperEdge will cover the door costs. Please arrive no later than 12:45 pm, and ensure you register beforehand .

I predict 2012 will be the Year of the Network (I will blog on this topic in the next few days), so it is appropriate to begin the year with a film dealing with our social network connections. The film is a must see. In this funny, eye-opening, and inspiring film, director Tiffany Shlain takes audiences on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride to discover what it means to be connected in the 21st century. From founding The Webby Awards to being a passionate advocate for The National Day of Unplugging, Shlain’s love/hate relationship with technology serves as the springboard for a thrilling exploration of modern life and our interconnected future. Equal parts documentary and memoir, the film unfolds during a year in which technology and science literally become a matter of life and death for the director. As Shlain’s father battles brain cancer and she confronts a high-risk pregnancy, her very understanding of connection is challenged.

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