Social network analysis: a diagnostic tool for information flow in the AEC industry

Abstract

In the Arquitecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, the ability tointegrate and manage information is critical for organizational performance.Information networks are key for value generation, collaboration and continuousimprovement, thus the great interest that they present for companies with a leanthinking approach.It is essential for companies to recognize and understand these relationships inorder to exploit them and be able to manage them as any other process in order toimprove transparency, flow and seek perfection. Unfortunately, they often remaininvisible, unidentified.The hypothesis of this study is that a Social Network Analysis can be utilized asan effective diagnosis tool in order to make explicit an otherwise hidden flow ofvaluable information. The study begins with a literature review to support the analysisand understand the metrics, and the creation of a methodology for its use andapplication. It continues with a pilot implementation program in a mining company,enabling to test the methodology and to conclude with recommendations andpossibilities of use of this tool.Future studies should continue to develop this tool in order to providerecommendations, detect possible behavioural patterns and explore other applicationsin the project network.