University of Twente Student Theses

Login

Using Social Media for Network Cooperation: The Europol Platform for Experts

Busetto, Loraine (2012) Using Social Media for Network Cooperation: The Europol Platform for Experts.

[img] PDF
1MB
Abstract:One of the major developments brought along by the internet during the past years is the advent of social media. And by extension, this has also entailed the development of network cooperation via social media. The following study is concerned with one specific application of network cooperation via social media, namely the Europol Platform for Experts, which is a social media tool for law enforcement experts. The aim of this paper fourfold: Firstly, to find out to what extent the EPE is being used by registered users. Secondly, it will be found out for which purpose(s) the EPE is currently being used. Thirdly, the aim is to find out which factors influence whether the EPE is or is not being used by the registered users. The fourth aim of the research is to find out how the registered users evaluate the EPE. The data for the research was collected through a questionnaire and several interviews among the registered users and analysed through statistical analysis. The results of the study lead to the conclusion that the EPE is used only to a very limited extent. When it is used it is mainly for information seeking purposes, followed by communication and participation purposes. The analyses show that the factors performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions are all positively and significantly related to overall EPE use. The evaluation of the EPE by the registered users is very mixed and at times even highly contradictory and revolves around the topics information, community of experts, security, nonuse, website functionality, accessibility, user-friendliness, and the absence of benefits or disadvantages. Based on these findings, it appears that Europol has several ways to bring about an increased use of system and make the system more successful. Therefore, it is recommended that Europol focuses on three activities, namely changing performance indicators, and improving the system and raising awareness.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:88 social and public administration
Programme:Public Administration MSc (60020)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/62825
Export this item as:BibTeX
EndNote
HTML Citation
Reference Manager

 

Repository Staff Only: item control page