Simulating Email Flow within Knowledge Networks

This study describes a model that simulates the flow of email within a network of knowledge workers. Such a model could be utilized to understand several aspects of information exchange at the network or individual level such as communication effectiveness, task completion time, email response time, etc. and help identify time based email processing strategies that can foster productive utilization of time at work, which is a constrained resource. The simulation model can help devise coping mechanisms to mitigate two important managerial problems, information overload and interruptions associated with emails. These issues are easier to explore through simulation rather than by using alternate approaches such as field study, lab experiments, etc. We discuss the need for developing such a model and describe various analytical and logical components of the model. Finally, important implementation aspects of this model are explained.