Sunbelt XXXI International Network for Social Network ... - INSNA

Network Centralization And The Dissemination Of Evidence‐based Guidelines In Eight State Tobacco Control NetworksWald, Lana M.; Harris, Jenine K.; Luke, Douglas A.Poster SessionSocial Network Analysis, TobaccoSAT.PM3Due to limited resources, public health organizations often partner to effectively address complex problems. Since little is known about the structuralproperties of public health partnerships, it is important to understand how, with scarce resources, these organizations work together to be efficient andeffective. The use of evidence‐based guidelines is one way to ensure effective strategies are being used to address a given public health problem. Evidencebasedguidelines summarize interventions that have undergone rigorous testing and have been successful in addressing a particular problem. In our study, weevaluated the networks of organizations comprising eight state tobacco control programs. We measured contact and collaboration among partners, as well asthe use and dissemination of particular evidence‐based guidelines. Because this is one of the first studies to examine the dissemination of evidence‐basedguidelines, little is known about the differences in network structure that result from these three types of relationships: contact, collaboration, andinformation diffusion. We hypothesized that centralization of the state networks would increase from the least formal interaction among partners (contact) tothe most formal (dissemination of guidelines). We found that as interaction between agencies within a state becomes more formal, the network becomesmore centralized around the lead agency. This information can aid in developing effective dissemination processes around evidence‐based guidelines andother informational resources.Network Effect And Mobile Operator Choice: An Empirical AnalysisGonzalez, Nancy P.Innovation, Diffusion, and the Adoption of TechnologySocial Network, Mexico, Adaption And Networks, IC Industry, Local Networks, Cell‐phone NetworkTHURS.PM1This paper investigates the impact of social networks in the choice of a mobile operator; besides, the effect of network externalities in the use of mobilecommunications is empirically tested. The study relies on a survey of 56 members of a university sports team. Social network analysis is used to test therelation between the social structure and the choice of a mobile operator. The results of this study shed light about the effectiveness of price discriminationstrategies that induce ‘artificial’ network effects and number portability policies that seek to enhance competition.