Technical Policy Briefing Notes - 8
Social Network Analysis
Introduction
Policy Briefs
Social Network Analysis
Introduction
There is increasing policy interest in the
appraisal of options, as adaptation moves from theory to practice. At
the same time, it is recognised that the appraisal of climate change
adaptation involves a number of major challenges, particularly the
consideration of uncertainty. In response, a number of existing and new
decision support tools are being considered for adaptation.
The European Commission FP7 funded MEDIATION project (Methodology for Effective Decision-making on Impacts and AdaptaTION) is looking at adaptation decision support tools, in line with its objectives to advance the analysis of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, and to promote knowledge sharing through a Adaptation Platform. To complement the information on the Platform, a series of Policy Briefing Notes have been produced on Decision Support Methods for Climate Change Adaptation.
An overview of all the decision support tools reviewed is provided in Policy Briefing Note 1: Method Overview, which summarises each method, discusses the potential relevance for adaptation and provides guidance on their potential applicability. The methods considered include existing appraisal tools (cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis and multicriteria analysis), as well as techniques that begin to address aspects of uncertainty (real options analysis, robust decision making, portfolio analysis and iterative risk (adaptive) management). It also includes complementary tools that can assist in adaptation assessment, including analytic hierarchy process, social network analysis and adaptation turning points. Additional information on each method is presented in a series of separate Policy Briefing Notes.
This Policy Briefing Note (Note 8) provides a description of Social Network Analysis. It then places SNA in the context of adaptation and identifies strengths and weaknesses. Two case studies from MEDIATION highlight issues in applying the tool to real decision processes. More detailed information is available in MEDIATION deliverables, and sources and links on the MEDIATION Adaptation Platform.
The European Commission FP7 funded MEDIATION project (Methodology for Effective Decision-making on Impacts and AdaptaTION) is looking at adaptation decision support tools, in line with its objectives to advance the analysis of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, and to promote knowledge sharing through a Adaptation Platform. To complement the information on the Platform, a series of Policy Briefing Notes have been produced on Decision Support Methods for Climate Change Adaptation.
An overview of all the decision support tools reviewed is provided in Policy Briefing Note 1: Method Overview, which summarises each method, discusses the potential relevance for adaptation and provides guidance on their potential applicability. The methods considered include existing appraisal tools (cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis and multicriteria analysis), as well as techniques that begin to address aspects of uncertainty (real options analysis, robust decision making, portfolio analysis and iterative risk (adaptive) management). It also includes complementary tools that can assist in adaptation assessment, including analytic hierarchy process, social network analysis and adaptation turning points. Additional information on each method is presented in a series of separate Policy Briefing Notes.
This Policy Briefing Note (Note 8) provides a description of Social Network Analysis. It then places SNA in the context of adaptation and identifies strengths and weaknesses. Two case studies from MEDIATION highlight issues in applying the tool to real decision processes. More detailed information is available in MEDIATION deliverables, and sources and links on the MEDIATION Adaptation Platform.
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