Analysis of virtual communities supporting OSS projects using social network analysis

TitleAnalysis of virtual communities supporting OSS projects using social network analysis
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsToral, SL, Martínez-Torres, MR, Barrero, F
Secondary TitleInformation and Software Technology
Volume52
Issue3
Pagination296 - 303
Date Published3/2010
ISSN Number09505849
Keywordsarm, email, Knowledge brokers, linux, mailing list, open source software, social network analysis, virtual communities
Abstract

This paper analyses the behaviour of virtual communities for Open Source Software (OSS) projects. The development of OSS projects relies on virtual communities, which are built on relationships among members, being their final objective sharing knowledge and improving the underlying project. This study addresses the interactive collaboration in these kinds of communities applying social network analysis (SNA). In particular, SNA techniques will be used to identify those members playing a middle-man role among other community members. Results will illustrate the importance of this role to achieve successful virtual communities.

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950584909001888
DOI10.1016/j.infsof.2009.10.007
Short TitleInformation and Software Technology
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