Organizational Networks Research Articles

Informing strategic climate action: the Climate Social Science Network

ABSTRACT Thirty years of well-meaning efforts by environmental scientists, NGOs and foundations have failed to result in effective policy and nongovernmental action; we believe this is because the extent and nature of obstruction efforts are barely understood, and therefore not effectively countered. We built the Climate Social Science Network (CSSN) to address this damaging lack of understanding of climate obstruction. In the few years since our launch in September 2020, CSSN has grown rapidly to nearly 500 scholars in 35 countries, and shown that this research agenda is of wide interest and use for some of the world’s most promising campaigns to address climate change. We wish CSSN to provide detailed, systematic and reliable information about the organizations obstructing climate action to civil society organizations, investigators, litigators, and policy-makers. However, we have learned that doing so only through scholarly outputs is not sufficient, and even with a focused effort on outreach and translation, that academic institutions are not by themselves adequate to match the complex organizational network assembled by conservative actors seeking to avoid regulation and roll back climate action.

Network Analysis and Control System in Mega Projects: The Case of PICASP Erasmus Project

Network Analysis achieved some significant results in recent years thanks to advances in technology and in the approach to organisational networks. Less exciting were the results obtained with Mega Projects. These projects show high risk with regards to results, to the compliance of the budget and to the realization of the entire project. So far, the response of Mega Projects contracting authorities is to ask those presenting the project proposals to increase the number of controls and connected indexes without obtaining, almost until now, an increase in project performance. This paper examines the proposal to transfer some results of network analysis to the performance monitoring of Mega Projects. Starting from the case of Erasmus PICASP Project for the creation of Pilot courses and new didactics for teachers training in cultural tourism for the development of Caspian Area, the paper proposes an evolutionary model of cycles of simplification and complexification of the networks control systems. The approach of Practice Enterprise which allows the members of the project networks to acquire the practice of teamwork right from the early stages of planning, and, once the project starts case risks or emergencies arise, will be applied within his model. Keywords: Network Analysis, Practice Enterprise, MOOCs, Mega Projects, Erasmus Projects

FORMATION OF STRATEGIC-ORIENTED MANAGEMENT OF LOGISTICS ACTIVITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORKS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC SCHOOLS OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

Summary. The article is devoted to the formation of strategic management of logistics activities of organizations and organizational networks at the current stage in the context of scientific schools of strategic management. In the article, a study of foreign and domestic authors was carried out, which made it possible to generalize and systematize approaches to strategic management of logistics activities of organizations and organizational networks. The modern operating conditions of logistics enterprises were analyzed, which contributed to the change and development of conceptual provisions in the field of long-term management, which began to have a target character. That is, resources began to be positioned as a means to achieve goals, and the strategy consisted of several alternative options for changing the external environment. That is, a set of management procedures aimed at forming a logistics activity management strategy was considered. The article proposes a systematization of the periods of development of strategic management. The classification of scientific schools and directions of formation and development of strategic management is considered. The main characteristics of scientific schools of strategic management have been adapted. The contribution of leading scientists to the definition of the essence of strategic management is analyzed. This is a description of the theories and directions of development of strategic management. Ways of further use of approaches of strategic-oriented management of logistics activities of organizations and organizational networks are identified. Key words: logistics activity, organizations, organizational networks, enterprises, strategic management, schools of strategic management.

МЕДИЦИНСКИЕ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ И ИХ СТРУКТУРНЫЕ ПОДРАЗДЕЛЕНИЯ, РАСПОЛОЖЕННЫЕ В СЕЛЬСКОЙ МЕСТНОСТИ

Significance. Provision of equal access to health care regardless of the patient's place of residence is a priority direction of the healthcare development. Identification of problems and development of organizational activities to develop medical infrastructure in rural areas are being currently prioritized. As many researchers note, the recent transformations of the healthcare system failed to yield the expected results in rural areas, including to attract and retain health workers. It should be pointed out that issues related to care access in rural areas are also associated with factors that are less dependable upon the healthcare system, namely, ensuring transport accessibility and increasing the socio-economic level of rural life. The presence of these factors requires a special approach to solving problems characteristic of rural areas. In this regard, it is highly relevant to study the provision of rural areas with a network of medical organizations, units, as well as basic resources. The purpose of the study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of medical infrastructure (medical organizations and their structural units) and available basic resources in rural areas in 2016 - 2022. Material and methods. The study used statistical materials “Rural Health Care in Russia” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in 2016–2022, prepared using the Medstat program and data extraction from federal statistical observation form No. 30 “Information about a medical organization” on doctor staffing level of medical organizations in the Russian Federation, federal districts and constituent entities of the Russian Federation in 2016-2022. Four constituent entities of the Russian Federation (Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions) were not included in the analysis. The study used analytical and statistical methods. Descriptive statistics was conducted using the software package Statistica version 13.3. Results. Organization and development of the network of medical organizations in rural areas is carried out with due regard to regional peculiarities. The analysis shows that the infrastructure of medical organizations and their structural subdivisions located in rural areas is being developed due to mobile forms of work, set up of a network of rural outpatient clinics and increasing capacity of polyclinics. Conclusion. The study shows that organization of a network of medical organizations in rural areas has its own peculiarities: specific subdivisions and forms of work of medical specialists are being developed. In Russia, over the last seven years, due to reorganization (consolidation) of the network, the number of independent medical organizations has decreased by 16.2% with an active introduction of mobile forms of work. During the period under study, the number of medical outpatient clinics increased by 10.7%, mobile paramedical and midwifery station and health posts - almost 10-fold and mobile medical teams - by 15.5%. Another important positive aspect is the increase in the planned capacity of outpatient and polyclinic units in rural areas. The established trends suggest a higher access to medical care for rural dwellers. Negative trends have been identified as well: from 2016 to 2022, bed capacity decreased by 9.7%, and the share of buildings in emergency condition and subject to demolition increased from 1.28 to 3.88% or by 2.6 p.p. Scope of application. The study results may be of interest to health administrators, practicing physicians, residents and graduate students of medical universities.

The Effects of Piqued Curiosity on Boundary-Spanning Networking in Organizations

The Effects of Piqued Curiosity on Boundary-Spanning Networking in Organizations

Serial Mediation Analysis of the Integrative Model of Managerial Ties and Functional Skills, Organisational Network, Innovation, and Financial Performance

Serial Mediation Analysis of the Integrative Model of Managerial Ties and Functional Skills, Organisational Network, Innovation, and Financial Performance

К ВОПРОСУ ОБ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИИ ИСКУССТВЕННОГО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТА В ОБРАЗОВАНИИ

The purpose of the article is to analyze the practice of using artificial intelligence (AI) in education in Russia in the context of the digital economy. In the process of writing the article, methods were used: description, synthesis, analysis. The possible positive and negative consequences of the use of AI in the educational process, the forecast directions of training IT specialists and specialists who will have to work with AI in the process of their professional activities are analyzed. The novelty of the article is the proposal of a network or ecosystem type of training organization based on artificial intelligence. Recommendations on the practice of using artificial intelligence in education in Russia in the digital economy have been proposed.

МЕТОДИКА ОЦЕНКИ И УПРАВЛЕНИЕ РАЗВИТИЕМ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ МЕЗОСИСТЕМ

The article is focused on the consideration of the concept of mesosism in the context of management by socio-economic development. It also provides a methodology for assessing and managing the development of socioeconomic mesosystems. The article proposes a number of methods that will allow assessing the level of development of socio-economic systems for further development of measures to improve their management efficiency. Systemic economics considers the concept of “mesoeconomics” mainly in the context of the economic sphere, focusing on the regional dimension [Kleiner 2006]. At the same time, it is advisable to expand the conceptual framework to include the following aspects in the field of mesoeconomics research: – Industry clusters and ecosystems – groups of interconnected enterprises and organizations united by a single industry specialization, common technologies and markets; – Local economic systems – autonomous territorial entities with their own resources, production base and infrastructure, but interacting with the external environment; – Global value chains – networks of interconnected enterprises and organizations engaged in joint activities for the production and distribution of goods and services on a global scale. The development of the theoretical foundations of mesoeconomics will allow not only to study, but also to manage those objects, contributing to an increase in the efficiency of the economic system as a whole. It will require the involvement of an interdisciplinary approach combining methods of systems analysis, economics, sociology and other sciences. Thus, mesoobjects take the modern economy beyond the neoclassical paradigm, opening up new horizons for research and practical application. The system economy, expanded on the basis of the proposed concepts, serves as a promising theoretical basis for building mesoeconomical models and developing effective management mechanisms.

Facilitators and barriers to community-led monitoring of health programs: Qualitative evidence from the global implementation landscape.

Achieving the global HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria targets will require innovative strategies to deliver high quality and person-centered health services. Community-led monitoring (CLM) is a rapidly proliferating health systems strengthening intervention for improving healthcare services and documenting human rights violations, through social empowerment and political accountability. Driven in part by increasing financial support from donors, a growing number of countries are implementing CLM programs. This study aimed to identify early challenges and lessons learned from CLM implementation, with the aim of informing and improving the implementation of CLM programs and ultimately achieving greater impact on the delivery of services. Twenty-five CLM implementors representing 21 countries participated in an interview. Early generation of buy-in from diverse stakeholders was noted as critical for CLM success. Leveraging existing networks of service users and community organizations to implement CLM also helped to maximize program reach and resources. Uncertainty around CLM's purpose and roles among CLM stakeholders resulted in challenges to community leadership and ownership of programs. Respondents also described challenges with underfunded programs, especially advocacy components, and inflexible donor funding mechanisms. Critical capacity gaps remain around advocacy and electronic data collection and use. With the rapid expansion of CLM, this study serves as an important first step in characterizing challenges and successes in the CLM landscape. Successful implementation of CLM requires prioritizing community ownership and leadership, donor commitment to sustainable and reliable funding, and strengthened support of programs across the data collection and advocacy lifecycle.

ГРАНТИ ПРОГРАМИ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОЇ КОМІСІЇ «ЕРАЗМУС ДЛЯ МОЛОДИХ ПІДПРИЄМЦІВ»

The article discusses the main grant opportunities of the European Commission’s Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Program. It has been demonstrated that its support tools are unique for young entrepreneurs who have a desire to develop their own business. Emphasized: as of April 2024, entrepreneurs from 39 countries, including Ukraine, can participate in the program. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the Program helps budding entrepreneurs acquire the necessary skills to launch and successfully develop their business: representatives of SMEs exchange experience and business ideas with experienced entrepreneurs for 1-6 months, for which the Program allocates funding. It is noted that the European Commission partially finances the stay of entrepreneurs in another country. A distinctive feature of the Program has been demonstrated, namely that it is implemented through a network of intermediary organizations in each country, whose task is to implement the Program at the local level, attracting entrepreneurs and helping them to benefit from international exchanges. The advantage of the Program is outlined: a new entrepreneur gets the opportunity to study without breaking away from work in small or medium-sized enterprises of other countries, which will contribute to the effective start of a business or strengthen an existing business; the entrepreneur can also enter new markets, expand international cooperation and find potential partners abroad; the host entrepreneur has the opportunity to get fresh ideas from a motivated newcomer, which can be a beneficial addition to his own competencies. The article states that despite significant prospects for learning from the experience of fellow entrepreneurs, representatives of Ukrainian SMEs do not actively use the opportunities of the Exchange Program. The study demonstrates the performance indicators of Ukrainian entrepreneurs in the Exchange Program since 2020, and demonstrates the main reason why domestic business does not actively use the opportunities of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Program. Summarized: provided Ukrainian entrepreneurs are more aware of the benefits of the Program, Ukrainian business can feel its significant impact.

АЛГОРИТМ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ДВУХ ТРАНСФОРМАТОРОВ ВЗАМЕН ОДНОГО НА ТРАНСФОРМАТОРНЫХ ПОДСТАНЦИЯХ 10/0,4 КВ

According to statistics, losses in electrical networks of power supply organizations in the Russian Federation amount to 10 percent, while the world average is 8 percent. The Energy Strategy for the period until 2035, approved by the Government of the Russian Federation in 2020, sets the goal of achieving a reduction in electrical energy losses to 7.3 percent by 2035. One of the effective ways to reduce electricity losses is to replace underloaded transformers at substations in order to increase the transformer load factor. For this purpose, a method was developed for using two transformers instead of one at 10/0.4 kilovolt transformer substations. (Research purpose) is to develop an algorithm for implementing a method of using two transformers instead of one at 10/0.4 kilovolt transformer substations in order to reduce electricity losses. (Materials and methods) General scientific research methods, methods for constructing algorithms, control and data transmission systems, and analysis of scientific and technical information were used as the methodological basis for the research. (Results and discussion) This paper presents an algorithm for implementing the method of using two transformers instead of one at 10/0.4 kilovolt transformer substations. The algorithm allows automatically controlling the connection and disconnection of power transformers at a transformer substation depending on their load and season, while recording these actions and sending the corresponding signals to the dispatcher of the power supply organization. (Conclusions) Based on the results of the study, it was found that the developed algorithm for implementing the method of using two transformers instead of one at 10/0.4 kilovolt transformer substations makes it possible to achieve a reduction in electricity losses by increasing the load factor of transformers.

Impact of Healthcare Location Concordance on Receipt of Preventive Care Among Children Whose Parents have a Substance Use and/or Mental Health Diagnosis.

Children of parents with substance use and/or other mental health (SU/MH) diagnoses are at increased risk for health problems. It is unknown whether these children benefit from receiving primary care at the same clinic as their parents. Thus, among children of parents with >1 SU/MH diagnosis, we examined the association of parent-child clinic concordance with rates of well-child checks (WCCs) and childhood vaccinations. Retrospective cohort study using electronic health record (EHR) data from the OCHIN network of community health organizations (CHOs), 2010-2018. Setting: 280 CHOs across 17 states. 41,413 parents with >1 SU/MH diagnosis, linked to 65,417 children aged 0 to 17 years, each with >1 visit to an OCHIN clinic during the study period. Dependent variables: rates of WCCs during (1) the first 15 months of life, and (2) ages 3 to 17 years; vaccine completeness (3) by the age of 2, and (4) before the age of 18. Estimates were attained using generalized estimating equations Poisson or logistic regression. Among children utilizing the same clinic as their parent versus children using a different clinic (reference group), we observed greater WCC rates in the first 15 months of life [adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.10]; no difference in WCC rates in ages 3 to 17; higher odds for vaccine completion before age 2 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.03-1.21]; and lower odds for vaccine completion before age 18 (aOR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.81-0.95). Among children whose parents have at least one SU/MH diagnosis, parent-child clinic concordance was associated with greater rates of WCCs and higher odds of completed vaccinations for children in the youngest age groups, but not the older children. This suggests the need for greater emphasis on family-oriented healthcare for young children of parents with SU/MH diagnoses; this may be less important for older children.

The Principles of Classical Education

The contemporary classical education movement has grown rapidly and is comprised of a wide variety of private schools, homeschoolers, public charter schools, policy makers, higher education programs, professional associations, journals, trade publications, and think tanks. What is it that unites this thick network of disparate individuals and organizations into a cohesive movement? This article attempts to answer that question by explaining ten principles that have characterized the tradition of classical education throughout history across millennia, continents, languages, and cultures. While not exhaustive, these ten principles represent central tenants of the long tradition of classical education and the contemporary classical education movement. The principles are thus a philosophically and historically grounded means by which to differentiate classical education from other educational paradigms and also provide a common understanding of classical education around which various constituencies within the contemporary movement can coalesce.

One response: Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network supporting the COVID-19 response, Kiribati.

In January 2022, Kiribati experienced widespread community transmission of COVID-19, leading to high rates of infection among health-care workers (HCWs), which reduced essential HCWs during a period of increased hospital admissions. Kiribati, a Pacific island country made up of a remote group of 33 low-lying atolls in the Pacific Ocean, experienced its first surge of COVID-19 cases beginning on 24 January 2022. Reports of increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in South Tarawa prompted the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services to request assistance from the international community, including the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), to support national COVID-19 response operations. Specialists in infection prevention and control (IPC) were deployed to Kiribati in February 2022 to assist the Ministry's National COVID-19 Taskforce in collaboration with national partners. These specialists helped review and strengthen IPC capacities to accommodate a potential patient surge and consequent demands for medical consumables in health-care facilities in South Tarawa. Strengthened knowledge about and processes for IPC among HCWs prevented health care-associated infections and reduced community disease transmission during the first surge of COVID-19 cases in Kiribati. GOARN has the capacity and ability to rapidly deploy experts to support requests for assistance. Outbreak response activities can be enhanced and sustained by using GOARN's resources and collaborating with all partners, as necessary.

Focusing on experts: Expectations of healthcare professionals regarding the use of telemedicine in intensive care units.

Telemedical applications are solutions to challenges in the healthcare system. However, it is unclear what intensive care unit healthcare professionals expect from such solutions. This study investigated the expectations and concerns of nurses and physicians when implementing telemedicine tools in intensive care units (tele-ICU). The study was conducted in intensive care units in 2020 during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It used a mixed-methods approach targeted at physicians and nurses and involved 14 qualitative interviews and 63 quantitative questionnaires. The qualitative and quantitative data showed that both nurses and physicians were willing to use tele-ICU. Nurses recognised the advantages of real-time access to expertise offered by tele-ICU, but feared this would reduce physicians' on-site patient time. Physicians, in turn, were concerned that they would be expected to be continuously on call. The majority in both groups agreed that any tele-ICU solution must be simple to use and integrate easily into existing organisational structures, networks, and work routines. Additionally, COVID-19 significantly influenced expectations: those who reported having more personal health concerns during the pandemic were more predisposed to favour the use of tele-ICU. Overall, tele-ICU supports better care, but a successful implementation depends on its ease of use and context-sensitive approaches. Effectively integrating tele-ICU solutions into daily clinical routines requires input from nurses and physicians and their involvement in the implementation process from the outset, as well as consideration of existing organisational structures. Such measures will vastly increase the chance of acceptance and successful adoption of telemedical solutions in clinical practice.

The Role of Justice Collaborators in Narcotics Crime Prosecution

This article examines the significance of Justice Collaborators in the legal process, particularly in narcotics cases. With the evolution of crime, especially organized narcotics crime, the introduction of Justice Collaborators has become a pivotal component in the criminal justice system. This study explores the concept of Justice Collaborators, their roles, legal protections, and the impact of their participation in legal proceedings. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research analyzes various legal documents, court decisions, and statutory provisions related to Justice Collaborators in Indonesia. The findings indicate that Justice Collaborators play a crucial role in unveiling complex criminal activities and assisting law enforcement in investigation and prosecution. The study also highlights the legal and physical protections offered to these individuals, emphasizing their importance in dismantling organized crime networks. The implications of these findings suggest a need for further refinement in legal provisions concerning the selection and protection of Justice Collaborators, ensuring their effective utilization in the judicial process.Highlights: Justice Collaborators are instrumental in uncovering complex criminal activities, particularly in organized narcotics crime. The legal system provides both physical and legal protections to Justice Collaborators, ensuring their safety and cooperation. The involvement of Justice Collaborators necessitates ongoing refinement in legal provisions for their selection, protection, and use in legal processes. Keywords: Justice Collaborators, Narcotics Crimes, Legal System, Organized Crime, Law Enforcement

A social network analysis of cross-organizational engagement for urban heat resilience in Los Angeles County, California

Extreme heat is a critical global concern impacting human health, environmental sustainability, and equity in cities. Understanding which organizations are working on this issue and how they interact is fundamental to building urban heat resilience. To understand the flow of information among organizations working on extreme heat and the nature and strength of partnerships between organizations, we performed a social network analysis of organizations focused on heat in Los Angeles County. A total of 49 organizations were included in the study, representing non-profit organizations, governmental organizations, and educational institutions. We found that, topically, organizations in the region are involved in outdoor infrastructure through investing in urban greening initiatives, cool streets, and shade interventions. The network of organizations engaged in heat resilience activities is highly centralized – a handful of organizations hold the majority of influence regarding extreme heat. A large number of organizations are only weakly connected to the network. In addition to revealing influential organizations engaged in heat resilience activities in Los Angeles County, our analysis provides insights into how organizations relate to one another. While centralized networks hold some advantages such as quick dissemination of information, these networks can impede collaboration and limit overall progress in urban resilience.

Bounding systems: A qualitative study exploring healthcare coordination between the emergency youth shelter system and health system in Toronto, Canada.

Several youth staying at emergency youth shelters (EYSs) in Toronto experience poorly coordinated care for their health needs, as both the EYS and health systems operate largely in silos when coordinating care for this population. Understanding how each system is structurally and functionally bound in their healthcare coordination roles for youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) is a preliminary step to identify how healthcare coordination can be strengthened using a system thinking lens, particularly through the framework for transformative system change. Forty-six documents, and twenty-four semi-structured interviews were analyzed to explore how the EYS and health systems are bound in their healthcare coordination roles. We continuously compared data collected from documents and interviews using constant comparative analysis to build a comprehensive understanding of each system's layers, and the niches (i.e., programs and activities), organizations and actors within these layers that contribute to the provision and coordination of healthcare for YEH, within and between these two systems. The EYS and health systems are governed by different ministries, have separate mandates, and therefore have distinct layers, niches, and organizations respective to coordinating healthcare for YEH. While neither system takes sole responsibility for this task, several government, research, and community-based efforts exist to strengthen healthcare coordination for this population, with some overlap between systems. Several organizations and actors within each system are collaborating to develop relevant frameworks, policies, and programs to strengthen healthcare coordination for YEH. Findings indicate that EYS staff play a more active role in coordinating care for YEH than health system staff. A vast network of organizations and actors within each system layer, work both in silos and collaboratively to coordinate health services for YEH. Efforts are being made to bridge the gap between systems to improve healthcare coordination, and thereby youths' health outcomes.

"Exploring the Use of Actor-Network-Theory as a Means of Analysing Complex Organisational Networks: An Irish Case Study"

"Exploring the Use of Actor-Network-Theory as a Means of Analysing Complex Organisational Networks: An Irish Case Study"

Policy Networks and Relationship between Multiple Streams Approach and Implementation of Road Safety Policy Measures in Kenyan Counties

Policymakers and policy practitioners have pointed out the use of policy networks in the development and execution of road safety policy measures as a suitable strategy for addressing road safety. Governments at all levels—national, state, and local—have moved from single- to multi-agency approaches to handle the execution of road safety policy measures. Previous research on policy networks in road safety has concentrated on the role that organizational networks play in this policy domain. This study aimed to investigate the moderating influence on the relationship between the multiple streams approach and the implementation of key road safety policy initiatives in Kisii and Kisumu counties. The study adopted descriptive survey and explanatory designs. The study adopted pragmatism and phenomenology research philosophies. The Multiple Streams Framework and Punctuated Equilibrium Model served as the study’s foundation. The sample size of the study was 347 of the target population. Quantitative data was examined using multi-linear regression approaches and Pearson correlation analysis. Stepwise regression was used to analyze the moderating variable. Thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative data. The results of the study demonstrated that policy networks influenced the relationship between the MSF and the enforcement of road safety policy measures, which explains 6.5% of the variances in implementation. The study concludes that the execution of road safety rules is a collaborative effort that ought to include policy networks and other pertinent players in the transport industry.