Introducing the Email Knowledge Extraction with Social Network Analysis (EKESNA) tool for discovering an organisation’s expertise network

Manually collating social network analysis (SNA) data can be a tedious and time consuming process, but if automated could save time and aid efficiency utilising the organisations knowledge network. In this paper the authors propose Email Knowledge Extraction with Social Network Analysis (EKESNA); a system for automating the continuous discovery and collation of organisation’s social network, as well as expertise network. The research adopted a systems development methodology, which comprised four stages. The first reviewed the approaches for collecting SNA data. The second involved carrying out SNA using traditional techniques. In the third stage, the EKESNA tool was developed, piloted in-house, and a trial was run at the same organisation used in stage two. The final stage evaluated the SNA data collected using both approach. The knowledge network obtained from the traditional social network gathering method, and from EKESNA, revealed similarities during the analysis of members of the organisation that were central to the flow of Information and Knowledge. When compared with the traditional method of conducting knowledge network analysis, the EKESNA tool allows for continuous collection as new topics are discussed, and new members are introduced into the organisation. The nature of the tools continuous discovery of the organisation’s knowledge network affords members up-to-date data to inform business process reengineering. The data collected is continuously evolving meaning organisations can integrate networks around core processes, ensure integration (post-merger or reorganisation), improve the strategic decision making in top leadership networks (recruiting the right people for a particular project based on expertise and connectivity), or even identify/facilitate potential communities of practice. Analysis was limited by the sample size of both collection methods, emphasis was therefore made using centrality measures. Email knowledge extraction, and email social network systems are not new concepts, however this paper presents EKESNA which is a novel system as it combines both concepts in a way that also allows for the continuous discovery, visualisation, and analysis of networks around specified topics of interest within an organisation; linking conversations to specific expert knowledge.