A simulated annealing heuristic for maximum correlation core/periphery partitioning of binary networks.

A popular objective criterion for partitioning a set of actors into core and periphery subsets is the maximization of the correlation between an ideal and observed structure associated with intra-core and intra-periphery ties. The resulting optimization problem has commonly been tackled using heuristic procedures such as relocation algorithms, genetic algorithms, and simulated annealing. In this paper, we present a computationally efficient simulated annealing algorithm for maximum correlation core/periphery partitioning of binary networks. The algorithm is evaluated using simulated networks consisting of up to 2000 actors and spanning a variety of densities for the intra-core, intra-periphery, and inter-core-periphery components of the network. Core/periphery analyses of problem solving, trust, and information sharing networks for the frontline employees and managers of a consumer packaged goods manufacturer are provided to illustrate the use of the model

The core/periphery partition for the trust network.

<p>The two boxes contain the intra-core and intra-periphery elements.</p

The core/periphery partition for the Kansas SAR network obtained using the simulated annealing algorithm.

<p>The naming system for the agencies is from [11, p. 54), and the rows are the ‘sending’ agencies, whereas the columns are the ‘receiving’ agencies. The two boxes contain the intra-core and intra-periphery elements.</p

The core/periphery partition for the problem solving network.

<p>The two boxes contain the intra-core and intra-periphery elements.</p

Simulated annealing (reciprocal cooling) pseudo code.

<p>Simulated annealing (reciprocal cooling) pseudo code.</p

Summary of simulation results.

<p>Summary of simulation results.</p

Attraction rates and computation times for empirical network matrices.

<p>Attraction rates and computation times for empirical network matrices.</p

The core/periphery partition for the information sharing network.

<p>The two boxes contain the intra-core and intra-periphery elements.</p