Promoting Information Transfer in Collaborative Projects through Network Structure Adjustment

The information transfer process in collaborative projects is dynamic and nonlinear, and the structure of network influences the efficiency and effectiveness of information transfer in a collaborative project network (CPN). The purpose of this study was to explore the dynamic information transfer mechanism in CPNs by simulation method and promote the efficiency and effectiveness of information transfer through network structure adjustment. The collaborative project network information transfer (CPNIT) model was established based on the theories of information theory, agent-based modeling, and social network analysis. The key part of the model is the rules system, which includes four sets: the rules of information dissemination, information absorption, efficiency and effectiveness evaluation, and network structure adjustment strategies. A case study was conducted, including parallel simulation experiments with three scenarios of adjustment strategies. The results showed that the model can accurately present the dynamic processes of information transfer in CPNs, and the structure adjustments were demonstrated to have great effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of information transfer. This study developed the theory of information transfer in collaborative projects from the network perspective and determined the dynamic mechanism of information transfer. The findings also provide decision-making strategies for project managers to improve organizational communication performance that is beneficial to project success. (C) 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.