Knowledge transmission model in the multiplex networks with consideration of online and offline channels

Abstract

Knowledge transmission research based on complex networks mainly focuses on the pattern of transmission with consideration of a single channel. However, both online and offline channels have been adopted for transmitting knowledge in reality, and two channels have some interactions. In this paper, we explore the spread mechanism of a kind of knowledge in the multiplex networks with consideration of online and offline channels. First, a knowledge transmission model in the multiplex networks is established and the mean-field equations are derived. Specifically, the transmission rate parameters are tuned to characterize the interaction of knowledge transmission between two channels and the relevance of networks structure is considered in the model. Then, we obtain the threshold conditions to distinguish whether a kind of knowledge spreads or not among employees by using two channels. Finally, simulation experiments are carried out. The results show that if individuals spread a kind of knowledge too many times by using two channels in a period of time, or they spread a kind of knowledge too many times only by using one of the two channels in a period of time, it is likely to have the negative impact on the spread of the kind of knowledge in the two cases. In addition, the simulation results indicate that it can promote the spread of knowledge among employees to review what they have learned in time. Compared with the multiplex networks with two homogeneous subnetworks, the speed of spread is faster and the range of spread is wider in the multiplex networks with scale-free and homogeneous subnetworks.