Please join us for our next IM Public Lecture. No RSVP required. Please share!

Bridging the Gap: The Communication of Information in Complex, Multi-sectoral Networks


Lee Wilson

Dalhousie University



Lecture Details
Monday, January 25th, 2016 from 1:00-2:00pm
Room 3001, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, 6100 University Avenue

*embedded in the class INFO 6100: Information in Public Policy and Decision Making



Abstract: Research has shown that the development of strong communication and information-sharing networks is essential to the success of natural resource developments, particularly those taking place in highly active, and often hotly contested, coastal areas. In the Bay of Fundy region, tidal power offers a source of clean, renewable energy, as well as a means to strengthen local economies. The implementation of tidal power affects many stakeholders, e.g., municipal, provincial, and federal government agencies; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); environmental groups; industry both domestic and foreign; universities; and community groups, including First Nations communities. This lecture will present the results of a mixed-methods case study that used Social Network Analysis (SNA) and semi-structured interviews to examine tidal power stakeholder communication networks operating in the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia. Understanding how, and indeed if, stakeholder organizations are communicating yields insights into how communication channels may be improved, which can also be applied to similar contexts, e.g., the offshore wind and wave energy industries. Among the many findings emerging from this research, the importance of "bridger" organizations, particularly from the NGO sector, in facilitating the flow and use of information among diverse organizations is highlighted.



Biography: Lee Wilson recently defended his Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) thesis which investigated tidal power communication networks operating in the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia. He has been employed as a research assistant with the Environmental Information: Use and Influence (EIUI) research program (www.eiui.ca<http://www.eiui.ca/>) since 2014. His work with EIUI focused on understanding the information pathways in complex networks, particularly in the context of natural resource management occurring in coastal and ocean regions. In addition to being an active member of the EIUI team, Lee has begun work on a new research initiative with Dr. Mike Smit (School of Information Management) and the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR - www.meopar.ca/<http://www.meopar.ca/>) about the state of ocean data management in Canada.

Thank you.

The Information Management Public Lectures give attention to exciting advances in research and professional practice. The topics are diverse reflecting the importance and global extent of Information Management in today's society. The lectures are open to all members of the Dalhousie campus and surrounding community. When feasible, recordings of the lectures are posted here for wider circulation. For the full schedule, visit the Public Lecture page of our website: http://www.dal.ca/faculty/management/school-of-information-management/news-events/information-managementpubliclectureseries.html


Kim Humes, BPR
Administrative Assistant
School of Information Management
Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building
6100 University Avenue, Suite 4010
PO BOX 15000
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2

Tel: 902.494.3656
Fax: 902.494.2451
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