GPM513 Illicit Network Analysis (8)

The twenty-first century has been characterised by networks. The physical, information, and communication networks which have shaped contemporary society have been adopted and adapted by subnational actors, including terrorists and criminals, to serve their own ends. In this subject, you will explore the illicit networks of terrorists and criminals to comprehend the scale and complexity of the modern threat. You will explore conceptual frameworks and operational terminology, models and influences, and organisational and operational principles. You will be exposed to the real world strengths and weaknesses of illicit networks, and the various tools used to counter illicit networks. Finally, you will assess the strategic logic underlying diverse contemporary counter approaches.

Availability

Session 3 (90)
Online
Canberra Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: GPM513. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of illicit networks, with reference to organisations, principles, and emerging networks in order to make threat assessments;
  • be able to critically analyse the strategic logic of past illicit network counteractions to provide insight and inform contemporary counter approaches;
  • be able to select and apply appropriate research methods and tools to investigate illicit networks in diverse terrorism and security contexts;
  • be able to objectively evaluate existing approaches to illicit networks to inform professional practice and empirically-driven decision-making; and,
  • be able to communicate a complex understanding of illicit networks clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Frameworks, definitions, and concepts for illicit networks.
  • Models, influences, and organising principles in illicit networks.
  • Illicit network structures, actors and evolution.
  • Strategic communication in illicit networks.
  • Approaches to countering illicit networks.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of GPM513 in Session 3 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Organisational structure profiling
30
2
Organisational (social network) analysis
60
3
Key insights and takeaways
10

Special Resources

NIL.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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