(1978). On Facilitating Networks for Social Change ... - INSNA

-27-. . . Computer Programs, cont'd .11 . NETPLOT : ALGORITHMS AND TECHNICAL REPORTThis section is intended to provide an overview of the algorithms, data structures and controlsequences of NETPLOT .A .IntroductionUnlike so called "canned" programs written in higher level languages intended for distribution tomany computer sites, NETPLOT was developed with a particular subset of vendors in mind . Since NEGOPY,William Richards' Network Analysis Program, takes advantage of the Control Data Corporation's 60 bitcentral memory word for simulation of record types including pointer fields for linked lists . NETPLOTwas designed for the same hardware . NETPLOT utilities the linked list data structures created inNEGOPY . The list structures are written to the punched output file and are directly input into NETPLOTfor further analysis .B .NEGOPY OutputThe list structures produced by NEGOPY contain almost all of the calculated information used in thenetwork analysis program . They represent, in extremely compact form, all information concerning eachnode in the organization, each link for each node, and how nodes cluster into communication groups alongwith their assigned communication roles in the organization . The reader is referred to the NetworkAnalysis Manual for descriptions of these roles . (See Richards, 1975) . What is important here is anunderstanding of the list output of NEGOPY .Four arrays named INDEX, GRID MEAN and LISTA contain the simulated linked lists of record types .INDEX is a general index to any information for any given node . It contains a pointer to the node'slink structure (stored in LISTA), which communication group the node is assigned (if any), and fieldscontaining his assigned network role . GRID is an index to each communication network grouping . Eachcommunication network grouping is assigned an ordinal . One word in the GRID array is assigned to eachgrouping . GRID points to the first and last member of the group and contains the total number of nodesin the Group . LISTA contains one word assigned to each link for each node in the network . Each linkpoints to the contactee, his group, the type of link and its strength . MEAN is not utilized in NETPLOT .The linked list structures of NEGOPY provide : 1) extremely compact storage of large quantities ofinformation ; 2) extremely swift traversal of each interlocking list using CDC FTN supported statementfunctions which allow the shifting and masking out of any field in any word ; and 3) compact interprograminterface with a minimum of "card images" being transferred .CNETCHART InputThe first of the network plotter programs superimposes a formal organization structure diagram withthe role and group assignments of NEGOPY . This process is accomplished by inputting of NEGOPY's INDEXand GRID arrays and a numerical description of the organization (LISTA is not needed in NETCHART) .Scalar-FunctionCodesIn order to nodes to be described in their formal organizational role, some form of code needs to begiven to each node . The solution to this problem was not easily determined since no universal classificationscheme is used to describe positions in an organization . Also adding to the problem are the manytypes of managerial structure which can be implemented in most organizations . The solution to thisproblem used in NETCHART is the Scalar-Function code . Each managerial and unit level in the organizationis assigned a level ordinal called a scalar code . The code "1" is given to the highest level of management(President, Board of Directors, Chief Executive) . Each subsequent lower level is assigned aninteger ordinal which increases by one until the lowest level is assigned some code N . In addition, eachfunctional unit is given a "function" code increasing from left to right which describes its placement onthe formal organization chart . Every person in the organization is therefore assigned two numbers whichwill place him on the formal organization chart . A supervisor of one or more units is assigned the highestfunction code of the units for which he is responsible . These scalar-function codes provide a flexiblemeans to describe organizations of any number of scalar levels and functional units . The scalarfunctioncodes are stored in INDEX for us in identifying the node in the organization . The codes areinput along with a name list for each and every node .