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Peter Berggren, Björn J.E. Johansson, Nicoletta Baroutsi, Isabelle Turcotte, & Sébastien Tremblay. (2014). Assessing team focused behaviors in emergency response teams using the shared priorities measure. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 130–134). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: The purpose of this work in progress paper is to report on the method development of the Shared Priorities measure to include content analysis, as a way of gaining a deeper understanding of team work in crisis/emergency response. An experiment is reported where the performance of six trained teams is compared with the performance of six non-trained teams. The experiment was performed using an emergency response microworld simulation with a forest fire scenario. Dependent measures were simulation performance, the Crew Awareness Rating Scale (CARS), and content analysis. Trained teams performed better and scored higher on measures of team behaviors.
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Peter Berggren, Björn JE Johansson, & Ellen Ekström. (2016). Resilience through training – assessing cognition in teams. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Breakdowns in team cognition are accepted as an explanation for system collapses, especially in complex environments. In the nuclear industry, training for system collapses is a part of the job for control room teams. Such training focus both on improving skills required for recognising and solving disturbances and on improving team processes. This paper presents an approach to team training for nuclear power plant control room teams with the purpose of making the system more resilient by improving debriefing sessions through feedback on shared strategic understanding among team members.
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Peter Berggren, Mateo Herrera Velasquez, Jenny Pettersson, Oscar Henning, Henrik Lidberg, & Björn J E Johansson. (2018). Reflection in Teams for Training of Prehospital Command and Control Teams. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 203–211). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Prehospital command and control (PS) is a structure for handling medical accidents in Sweden. It includes terminology, command structure, roles, and performance indicators. The concept is taught and trained at the Centre for Teaching and Research in Disaster Medicine and Traumatology (KMC). The concept is trained using a mixture of lectures, simulation based exercises, and scenario designed by the participants. The scenarios are ran in Emergo Train System (ETS), a versatile and flexible table-top simulation platform, where medical command and control can be trained and evaluated. The purpose of this study was to develop structure for feedback and reflection by using a measure of shared understanding. The empirical study presents how the Shared Priorities instrument can be used to provide structured feedback for training. The paper is concluded with a discussion on how the empirical findings can be integrated in training prehospital medical command and control.
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Pär Hans Tuve Eriksson, & Niklas Hallberg. (2019). Design to Fit – Morphological Analysis as a Tool for Exercise Design. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: Exercises are considered as vital to develop and sustain crisis management capabilities. An exercise may have a role both as a provider of knowledge about the crisis management system, and its performance, and as a driver of change through training of individuals, groups and organizations. However, the relationship between the design and characteristics of a specific exercise, and the usability of its results in the development of the crisis management system is not well-understood. The objective of this paper is to explore if a morphological field can be used to investigate this relationship. Such a field was designed and evaluated. Even though this field was relatively simple, it was concluded that it provides results that deepen the understanding of how different types of exercises can contribute to the development of the crisis management system.
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Radianti, J., Pilemalm, S., Steen-Tveit, K., & Rustenberg, K. (2023). Enhancing Learning from Incidents by Reconstruction of Events: Using the SQUARE Tool for Evaluation. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 663–675). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Evaluation after exercise and incidents—often called After Action Review or AAR—are important to enhance the emergency management (EM) response capability. However, evaluation supporttools for event reconstruction after incidents and exercises are not yet fully available. We engaged EM stakeholders in a tabletop exercise based on snow chaos and car accidents scenarios to evaluate a fully functional prototype. The tool assists information sharing in real-time and enhances debriefing process of any EM response and exercise. Analysis of reflective discussions and an open question survey shows that the EM participants consider the features of the prototype to facilitate better learning from incidents. However, they have different attitudes concerning the adoption, management, and application of the tool in organizations. For instance, more security features are required to comply with regulations. We argue that the tool is an important first step to fill the gap on the need for “event reconstruction-based evaluation.”
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Richard McMaster, Chris Baber, & Tom Duffy. (2012). The role of artefacts in Police emergency response sensemaking. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: This paper presents a study of the role of artefacts in sensemaking during emergency response. A qualitative study was conducted with two UK Police Forces, with a particular focus on the role of artefacts in the creation and modification of sensemaking frames. This research demonstrates that sensemaking is a key component of emergency response Command and Control and that this activity is distributed across the individuals within the system. Collaborative sensemaking is coordinated via social and organisational means, supported by a range of private (informal) and shared (formal) artefacts, which function as resources for action – cueing frame seeking and frame-defined data collection. The study also reveals the role of narrative in bridging the gap between these two parallel sensemaking processes and raises implications for the further digitisation of the emergency response environment, demonstrating the importance of balancing social and technical factors in the design of ICT for emergency response. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Robin E. Mays, Mark Zachry, Murat, A., & Mark P. Haselkorn. (2011). Aligning border security workflow and decision making with supporting information and communication systems. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: As part of the National Center for Border Security and Immigration (NCBSI) led by the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), researchers from the University of Washington, Wayne State University, and UTEP conducted a three-site study of border security operations and the role of command, control and communication (C3) systems in support of those operations. While inevitably bringing some positive capability to the environment, if C3 systems are not consciously aligned with desired practices and decision-making, the implications will not always be for the better. This is especially true of C3 systems in the border security environment because these systems are intimately intertwined with complex and critical workflow and decision-making processes, often in the context of complex and, at times, competing missions.
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Rustenberg, K., Radianti, J., & Gjøsæter, T. (2023). Exploring Demons for the Establishment of Team Situational Awareness. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 636–648). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Individual situational awareness (SA) is crucial for building team SA, which is necessary for achieving a shared understanding of a situation, making informed decisions, and taking appropriate actions. This article examines the communication barriers that emerge when transitioning from individual to team SA in emergency management scenarios. We observed two emergency exercises on “ongoing life-threatening violence” and dam failure causing hospital congestion. The study was complemented with interviews with participants of these exercises, aiming at identifying barriers called SA-demons in the team setting. We discovered barriers that hinder the establishment of team SA, including a vicious cycle of mistrust, a fragmented information trap, a false feeling of mastery trap, and a decaying memory trap. These barriers can stem from individual, organizational, or technological factors. To complement existing SA theories, we applied the Cynefin framework and found that standard operating procedures can be potential barriers when transitioning into chaotic or complex domains.
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Sebastian Lindner, Stephan Kühnel, Hans Betke, & Stefan Sackmann. (2018). Simulating Spontaneous Volunteers – A Conceptual Model. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 159–169). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Recent disasters have revealed growing numbers of citizens who participate in responses to disasters. These so-called spontaneous unaffiliated on-site volunteers (SUVs) have become valuable resources for mitigating disaster scales. However, their self-coordination has also led to harm or putting themselves in danger. The necessity to coordinate SUVs has encouraged researchers to develop coordination approaches, yet testing, evaluating, and validating these approaches has been challenging, as doing so requires either real disasters or field tests. In practice, this is usually expensive, elaborate, and/or impossible, in part, to conduct. Simulating SUVs' behaviors using agent-based simulations seems promising to address this challenge. Therefore, this contribution presents a conceptual model that provides the basis for implementing SUV agents in simulation software to perform suitable simulations and to forecast citizens' behaviors under a given set of circumstances. To achieve adequate simulations, the conceptual model is based on the identification of 25 behavior-affecting attributes.
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Sebastian Schmitz, Konrad Barth, Tim Brüstle, Tobias Gleibs, & Ompe Aimé Mudimu. (2019). Testing the implementation of a flying localization system into emergency response using a tabletop exercise. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: To optimize the search for trapped victims after building collapses, the authors participated in the development ofI a localization system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle. The objective of this study is to evaluate an approach to implement this system into the command and control structures during the emergency response after a building collapse. For this purpose, a tabletop exercise, based on a gas explosion scenario in an apartment building, was carried out with emergency response managers of the fire department and the German federal agency of technical relief. Observers have documented the exercise. Additionally, audio and video recordings were used. Thus, statements could be made about the implementation approach and the tabletop exercise method. Based on the results, the implementation approach can be considered appropriate. In addition, knowledge was gained about the appropriateness of tabletop exercises for the purpose of scientific evaluation.
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Stas Simon Krupenia, Cécilia Aguero, & Kees C.H.M. Nieuwenhuis. (2012). The value of different media types to support command and control situation awareness. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: We investigated the value of different media types (Photo, Video, Audio) to support the situational awareness of a Command and Control (C2) officer monitoring three simultaneous military operations. Twenty-one Polish soldiers individually monitored the real-time battlefield information collected by three (virtual, scripted) platoons. Twice during the monitoring task a series of Situation Awareness (SA) probes were presented (Endsley, 1995). At the end of the task, participants were also given a series of meta-SA probes and preference questions. We found that Video supported Level 2 SA (comprehension) better than the other two media types. We also found that participants preferred to receive information in the Photos and Audio clips than in Video. We conclude that if the goal of the C2 team is to better understand the global situation, then providing the persons-in-the-field with video cameras is a valid solution. However, we obtained no evidence to suggest that such an approach supports the ability to predict what may occur in the future (Level 3 SA). © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Stella Polikarpus, Tobias Ley, Hans Hazebroek, Graham Edgar, Geoffrey Sallis, Steven Baker, et al. (2022). Authoring Virtual Simulations to Measure Situation Awareness and Understanding. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 428–433). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Measuring situation awareness (SA) and situation understanding (SU) is an important topic for Command & Control research. Virtual simulations (VS) have been proposed as a suitable method for measuring SA/U, but, there is little research into how to build scenarios for VS so that SA/U can be measured reliably. In this study, we used two different VS scenarios and the Quantitative Analysis of Situation Awareness (QASA) method to measure, and provide feedback on, actual and perceived SA/U. Two VS scenarios were tested in Estonia with 36 trainees. The results of the different scenarios were compared to establish whether the scenario storylines and authoring process resulted in differences in SA or SU. We conclude that reliable assessment results were produced with both authoring processes, and further suggest that the Collaborative Authoring Process Model for Virtual Simulations (CAPM) be used for VS creation.
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Stensrud, R., & Valaker, S. (2023). Methods to meet changes in the security environment a proposal of qualitative and quantitative assessment attributes for coordination performance. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 676–691). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: The use of methods to inform changes of command and control has long been important, in particular through empirical surveys and computational simulation. In this article, we focus on a particular type of control: “bump less” time-shift of authority during emergency response where it is not desirable to interrupt task resolution (Dess et al.,1984). As an example we address a particular type of control in a sociotechnical use case, i.e. ensuring coordinated action among human and non-human entities, and specifically use as a case shift of who ensures coordinated action when what entities are participating fluctuate over time, yet there is a need to sustain coordination (e.g. due to criticality of sustained performance). We do some work to detail a sociotechnical control mechanism and we present methods for examining the influence such control may have on performing both planned, prescribed, organizational task work as well as dynamic, non-prescribed tasks (Stanton et al., 2018). We argue that measures of high fidelity, with high specificity, defined before task resolution (feedforward) may be particularly important in prescribed change due to the possibility to define clear goals for coordinating and detailing who holds coordination authority. For dynamic change, on the other hand supporting technology that enable a sensing and processing of feedback the number of agents/entities undergoing change is not predetermined and the change of who is best suited to coordinate authority is less clear. Our theorizing is illustrated by using traditional linear control theory emulating shift of control nuanced by an emergency use case. In conclusion, we suggest future directions for research as well as practical implications.
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Tim Grant. (2017). A Meta-theory of Command & Control in Emergency Management. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 234–245). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: This paper presents work in progress on developing a meta-theory of C2 in emergency management. Most research in C2 focuses just on one or two scientific disciplines. Just one paper has been found that gives a systematic overview of the science of C2. The approach taken employs entity-relationship modelling, yielding a set of scientific disciplines. These disciplines are compared with five military C2 doctrine publications. Doctrine found in at least four publications corresponded to the disciplines of decision theory, leadership theory, organizational theory, psychology, and the degree of delegation. Some topics not covered by the disciplines were found, indicating that analysis should be extended to C2 processes, resilience, and agility, permitting the development of guidance for practitioners. Further work is needed to compare the disciplines with civilian doctrine. Moreover, the disciplines could be compared to ICCRTS and ISCRAM conference proceedings, yielding an assessment of the maturity of C2 research.
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Tim J. Grant. (2011). Combining information sharing and seeking in networked coalitions. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Coalitions are the rule in crisis management and military operations. Although the partners do not form part of an organizational hierarchy, they need to share information to find their place in the coalition, to prepare plans collaboratively, to synchronize their actions, to evaluate their achievements, and to negotiate changes in their relationships. Interviews of experienced military officers have shown that information sharing in coalitions is more complex than one-way information transmission. It has the characteristics of an information market in which security regulations give information a scarcity value, with both sources and recipients initiating action. The emerging literature on information markets includes few process models. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical, four-stage process model for information sharing between coalition partners in the context of Network Enabled Capabilities. The model combines information sharing and seeking, integrates intelligence collection, and supports a range of market mechanisms.
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Tim J. Grant, & Ariën J. Van Der Wal. (2012). A taxonomy of market mechanisms for information sharing in crisis response coalitions. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: Information sharing is crucial in responding to and managing crises. A great variety of organizations respond to crises, ranging from international organizations, through non-governmental organizations, commercial suppliers, government ministries, and the media, to individual volunteers. At best, they collaborate to combine their respective strengths in creating synergy. At worst, they deconflict their operations so that the one does not get in the way of the other. In either case, the organizations must communicate with one another. Previous research has shown that this communication takes the form of an information market. This paper considers the possible mechanisms for information markets in humanitarian and military coalitions. While there has been work on market mechanisms in the economics literature, this needs to be adapted for the exchange of information and information services instead of physical goods and services. This paper proposes a taxonomy of market mechanisms that is tailored to information sharing within coalitions. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Valerie November, & Laurence Creton-Cazanave. (2016). Inquiry in control rooms – an analysis through the lenses of space, time and practices. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: In recent risk studies, some researchers have raised concerns regarding the focus on extraordinary events – sometimes called ?extreme paradigm? (Gaillard, 2007). Simultaneously, we are witnessing a growing interest in the more ?ordinary? situations that must be handled on a daily basis in order to avoid crises (Roux-Dufort 2007, Van Laere 2013). In an interdisciplinary perspective of sociology and geography, we have analysed five different control rooms (traffic safety, air traffic control, humanitarian coordination, weather forecasting and electrical supply). This transversal perspective has helped us consider control rooms as specific spatio-temporal devices, where ordinary practices aim as much at crisis avoidance as at crisis management. We conclude that it is important to broaden the analytical perspective of control rooms; to no longer regard them as the source of action but rather as one aspect of larger socio-technical monitoring devices.
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Viktor Sköld Gustafsson, Tobias Andersson Granberg, Sofie Pilemalm, & Martin Waldemarsson. (2022). Managing Natural Hazards in Sweden – Needs for Improved Information and Decision Support Systems. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 376–384). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: This paper explores opportunities for information systems to support emergency response to multiple natural hazards. Interviews were conducted with 12 representatives from actors of the Swedish emergency response system about response to multiple natural hazards. Challenges and needs connected to five themes influencing the response effort were identified: Cooperation, Resource management, Command and control, Common operational picture, and Risk management. The results illuminate a lack of technology to support decisions and analyses during emergency response to both single and multiple natural hazards. Based on this, the paper suggests and discusses information systems and decision support tools to assist in satisfying the identified needs. The findings can inform policy makers in emergency response of where to concentrate the development of collaborative preparedness and response work, and the scientific community of future research directions.
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Willem Treurniet, Kim Van Buul-Besseling, & Jeroen Wolbers. (2012). Collaboration awareness – A necessity in crisis response coordination. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: In crisis management involvement of a large number of organizations is required. Not only the first responders need to take action, but also organizations and entities like civil authorities, public utility and crisis teams are responsible for critical infrastructures as well as the community. A key element for effective collaboration is situation awareness; having a common operational picture. So far research has mainly focused on situation awareness. However, several incidents show that situation awareness alone is not sufficient for reaching effective collaboration among the organizations involved. Collaboration awareness is a second key element. Knowing the needs, goals, expectations, culture, capabilities and procedures of the crisis management partners makes collaboration more effective. In this paper we elaborate our research focusing on what organizations need to know about each other in order to collaborate effectively. Finally, we describe the possible measures for increasing the collaboration awareness. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Willem Treurniet, Rozemarijn Logtenberg, & Peter Groenewegen. (2014). Governance of occasional multi-sector networks. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 120–124). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Large-scale safety and security incidents typically require the coordinated effort of multiple organisations. A networked organisation is generally seen as the most appropriate structure for coordination within safety and security collaborations. Such networks generally are mixed-sector networks in the sense that the strategic orientations of the contributing organisations differ. Our research focuses on how to prevent, overcome and cope with the tensions resulting from this mixed-sector nature. We studied cases of three major Dutch events and our preliminarily findings were that an active network governance approach contributes to a more decisive and more purposive organisation. The flexibility and decisiveness of the networked organisation can be enhanced if in addition informal network governance measures are applied. Moreover, a purposive information infrastructure, directed towards a limited number of clear priority issues, is a key enabler of the functioning of the network.
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