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Alvaro Pemartin De La Calle, & Murray Turoff. (2011). Three hundred decisions a day: A case study of local crisis management. 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: This paper is a case study of an emergency medical dispatch system that describes its operations and difficulties Emergency Management in Andalusia is the responsibility of the Internal Affairs Authority that operates in each province a Coordination Center that receives Emergency Calls and in cases where there is a medical emergency, passes the information to the Emergency Coordination Centers. The 112 Centers gather all the information generated in emergency situations and supposedly coordinate the response of the several emergency services (Police, and Fire Departments) that operate their own coordination centers. If necessary they send a medical request to the 112 Center that, acting as a hub, sends to EPES the information about the medical incident.
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Arthur H. Hendela, Murray Turoff, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2010). Cross impact security analysis using the HACKING Game. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Security of network assets is a high priority with little traditional return on investment. Increasingly, cyber attacks are being used by both terrorist and unfriendly government organizations. The HACKING Game, a Cross Impact Analysis planning tool, can be used to plan security resource allocation in computer networks. Cross Impact Analysis provides a mathematical basis to determine the interrelationships of one event with a set of other events. Output from the HACKING Game's Cross Impact Analysis model can be used to help justify security expenditures, with an added benefit of being a training tool for employees learning to protect networks. This paper presents details of the Hacking Game's design and its capabilities. Cross impact modeling can be used to develop games for any situation characterized by a set of offense and defense events to produce an individual or collaborative model for such things as natural and man-made disasters.
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Arthur H. Hendela, Xiang Yao, Murray Turoff, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Michael J. Chumer. (2006). Virtual emergency preparedness gaming: A follow-up study. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 450–459). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Planning processes, including simulations and games, can help emergency workers to prepare for the unexpected. Rehearsal using software based gaming techniques not only helps planning, but is also cost effective. Computer-based groupware systems can make experts available regardless of location. A new approach, Virtual Simulation (VS), uses networking to create a flexible learning and planning environment. To date two prototype trials of this approach have been implemented at NJIT with major revamps between each one. This paper gives the results of the latest prototype trial, a simulation of attacks on university computer centers. The insights from this second prototype trial of virtual simulation will help us to improve the design and approach for future offerings.
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Catherine Lowry Campbell, Fadi Deek, Murray Turoff, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2004). Measuring consensus and conflict among stakeholders in emergency response information system requirements negotiations. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 121–126). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper introduces the experimental design we developed for the analysis of asynchronous negotiations among five different stakeholders as they work towards consensus on the functional system requirements that are needed for a common emergency response information system. We present three analytical preference models to measure the evolving consensus and conflict among the stakeholders as they modify their preferences during the negotiation. We illustrate the use of these techniques for obtaining a detailed understanding of the negotiation dynamics among the stakeholders. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Connie White, Linda Plotnick, Jane Kushma, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Murray Turoff. (2009). An online social network for emergency management. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Online Social Networking Sites (SNS) are becoming extremely popular and can be employed in a variety of contexts. They permit the establishment of global relationships that are domain related or can be based on some general need shared by the participants. Emergency domain related websites, each with their own stated mission, are becoming widespread. Can a social network offer a solution to bringing emergency domain-related entities together as a 'one stop shop?' We propose to investigate whether the social network paradigm can be used to enable individuals and organizations to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways, in all stages of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Emergency management students were surveyed to examine the concept of social networks and their acceptance as a potential tool. The results of this exploratory research show overwhelming agreement that SNS should be considered a viable solution to the problems plaguing information dissemination and communications in the emergency domain.
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Connie White, Murray Turoff, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2007). A dynamic delphi process utilizing a modified thurstone scaling method: Collaborative judgement in emergency response. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 7–15). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In an extreme event or major disaster, very often there are both alternative actions that might be considered and far more requests for actions than can be executed immediately. The relative desirability of each option for action could be a collaborative expression of a significant number of emergency managers and experts trying to manage the most desirable alternatives at any given time, in real time. Delphi characteristics can satisfy these needs given that anyone can vote or change their vote on any two options, and voting and scaling are used to promote a group understanding. Further utilized with Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment, a group decision or the range of acceptability a group is willing to consent to, can be calculated and utilized as a means of producing the best decision. A ubiquitous system for expeditious real-time decision making by large virtual teams in emergency response environments is described.
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Connie White, Murray Turoff, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2010). A real time online Delphi Decision System, V 2.0: Crisis management support during extreme events. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The Delphi Decision Maker system has been designed to support the decision making needs of crisis managers, considering factors such as stress, time pressure, information overload, and uncertainty. It has been built as a module for the Sahana Disaster Management system, a free and open source system. The Design Science research paradigm was used in an iterative development process. Triangulation was employed in the evaluation, analyzing the system against the research questions using both qualitative and quantitative statistics as well as proof of concept. Modifications need to be made for real world use. A second version of the system is under development. Research findings and future research are outlined in this work in progress.
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Connie White, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Murray Turoff. (2008). United we respond: One community, one voice. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 25–33). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: When emergency situations cross borders, or when newly formed groups need to work together, decision making can suffer from threat rigidity and pertinent information can be bypassed. We describe a Dynamic Delphi system under development that can create and sustain a group “voice” for an emergency response Community of Practice (CoP). We further describe its intended use for a CoP consisting of local, state and federal government responders, civilian emergency response teams (CERT), and volunteers. Community members can brainstorm, explore ideas, debate and vote iteratively to best reflect the group's opinion at any moment in time. Ongoing studies demonstrate that an online system implementing Dynamic Delphi characteristics along with Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment will prove conducive for building a repertoire of ideas, rules, policies or any other aspect of the community's 'voice', in such a way that the individual voices are juxtaposed in harmony to create a single song.
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Elizabeth Avery Gomez, & Murray Turoff. (2007). Interoperable communication: An analysis of SMS text-message exchange. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 45–50). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Achieving interoperable communication across governmental agencies and jurisdictions remains a challenge and is simply taking time to implement. Initiatives to support agency interoperability continue. However, community responders remain in need of two-way device quick response tactics. SMS text-messaging is one viable interoperable communication technology that provides a bottom-up approach while offering benefits for everyday use. This research in progress studies the use of a web-based SMS text-message training application, designed to simulate two-way SMS text-message exchange. Speech Act Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior are leveraged to carefully measure SMS text-message exchange. The overarching crisis scenario takes the role of the local community responder. Initial qualitative pilot results are presented and discussed, including next steps for this ongoing research.
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Joaquín López-Silva, Victor A. Bañuls, & Murray Turoff. (2015). Scenario Based Approach for Risks Analysis in Critical Infrastructures. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: This paper proposes a Cross Impact Analysis for supporting critical infrastructures risk analysis. This methodology contributes to decision-makers and planners with analytical tools for modeling complex situations. These features are generally useful in emergency management and particularly within the critical infrastructures scope, where complex scenarios for risk analysis and emergency plans design have to be analyzed. This paper will show by an example how CIA methodology can be applied for risks and identification analysis with an application to a Data Centre of a Critical Infrastructure.
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José Miguel Castillo, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Murray Turoff. (2012). Monte Carlo and decision making support in crisis management. 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: Simulation is an interdisciplinary science applicable to many branches of knowledge. One field in which simulation is relevant is decision making support (DMS), in which we use computers to run models of real or possible scenarios in order to evaluate alternative actions before carrying them out. We will obtain a useful simulation system only when the model (engine of the simulation process) has been made accurately to represent reality. Thus it is necessary to use a methodology that helps us to construct a simulation system. This paper presents some classifications of simulation systems and an introduction to the Monte Carlo method, with the objective of creating a framework of application of this method for the construction of simulation systems for decision making support in crisis management. One area of applicability is scenario-based simulations for training for cross-national teams to cooperate in large scale disasters. The final aim of this research will be the recommendation of standards and methodologies to build simulation systems in crisis management, specifically in decision making support. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Linda Plotnick, Elizabeth Avery Gomez, Connie White, & Murray Turoff. (2007). Furthering development of a unified emergency scale using Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment: A progress report. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 411–418). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In disasters, local civilians on or near the scene, are often first to respond and give aid. Therefore, the public needs to be well-informed with accurate, time critical information. However, a primary information source is event-specific scales that are inconsistent in their categorization and measurement, adding confusion to public responsiveness. These scales are not extendable to new emergencies in a changing world. We argue for development of a unified emergency scale to facilitate communication and understanding. This scale will inform local communities with regional community-specific information, and will be extendable for further use by professional responders. Research in progress elicited 15 dimensions of an emergency using a Delphi-like process and then ranked the dimensions by importance utilizing Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment. Contributions of this paper are to highlight the need for an unequivocal, unified scale and further its development.
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Linda Plotnick, Murray Turoff, Roxanne S. Hiltz, Lili Yang, & Victor A. Bañuls. (2016). Curriculum Guidelines for Master's Level Programs in Information Systems for Emergency Management. 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: Curriculum guidelines are presented for Master?s level programs that combine core topics from the disciplines of Emergency Management (EM) and Information Systems (IS). Based on responses to an online survey from 111 respondents from 19 countries who were mainly identified through ISCRAM (Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management), all ten courses described for all EM master?s programs are considered important, as are all ten courses for an EM degree program with an IS focus. The two top-rated IS courses for such programs are Social Media for EM and Decision Support Systems for EM. Differences in opinions related to respondent characteristics such as nationality, educational level, and roles (academics vs. practitioners) are described, and suggestions for future expansion of this research suggested.
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Linda Plotnick, Murray Turoff, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Julie Dugdale. (2017). Thumbs up? Attitudes of Emergency Managers to Proposed Masters Programs in EM With an IS Focus. 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. 1030–1042). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Information Systems (IS) increasingly are used in Emergency Management (EM), so it is prudent to include IS study in EM education. This paper presents the results of analyzing the responses to a survey that proposed potential courses for programs at the master's level. The survey was completed by 373 practitioners, academics and/or researchers with EM experience. All proposed courses were rated above 4 on a 7-point scale for how essential they are to the curriculum. However, there were disagreements. Qualitative analysis of volunteered comments indicate that some low ratings were due to disagreement with the content of the course as described, or with the need for an entire course to cover the topic. An unexpected finding was that a substantial number of respondents spontaneously expressed opposition to the use of IS for EM in general. The findings are discussed and a preliminary curriculum is proposed.
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Michael Alles, Alexander Kogan, Miklos Vasarhelyi, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Murray Turoff. (2004). Assuring homeland security: Continuous monitoring, control and assurance of Emergency Preparedness. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1–7). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper examines the potential relationships of Auditing and Emergency Preparedness with respect to the domain of the design of Emergency Response Information Systems. It proposes normative objectives for the integration of all these areas in the design of future organizational systems. It also proposes a series of steps to evolve in this direction and create a new interdisciplinary professional community to guide research and development for this field of endeavor. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Michael J. Chumer, & Murray Turoff. (2006). Command and control (C2): Adapting the distributed military model for emergency response and emergency management. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 465–476). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The military use of Command and Control (C2) has been refined over centuries of use and developed through years of combat situations. This C2 model is framed as process, function, and organization, suggesting that emergency response organizations and emergency management structure their non military C2 and subsequent response scenarios within the C2 framework established in this paper.
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Miguel Ramirez de la Huerga, Victor A. Bañuls, & Murray Turoff. (2015). A Scenario-based approach for analyzing complex cascading effects in Operational Risk Management. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: This is the first paper to apply Cross Impact Analysis (CIA) and Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) methods for analyzing complex cascading effects in Operational Risk Management in an industrial environment. Its main objective is to improve the understanding of the overall picture of an organization?s risks. The paper summarizes the development of a CIA-ISM method of the interaction of 18 critical events of an industrial plant as a first step to improving organizational resilience based on the company?s own estimations as well as the estimates of a panel. The main benefit of using these methods is to know the relationships between different risks and consequences, direct links, indirect and cascading effects. Having the possibility of knowing a full risk map and being able to make a forecast will help to mitigate the unexpected effects and have a better response after an emergency situations is the same as being more resilient.
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Murray Turoff. (2015). The Paradox of Emergency Management. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: The role of Emergency Management is to respond effectively to a major emergency that cannot be handled by the day to day independent services such as fire fighters, police, and medical response facilities. However, normal evolutionary processes typically make the ability to respond to disasters more difficult. This leads to long term decision and policy conflicts and incompatibilities about desirable goals, with implications for practitioners and system designers.
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Murray Turoff. (2014). Emergency management education and ISCRAM. 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. 533–537). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper presents the author's viewpoints and insights into what should be a major activity for ISCRAM to insure a better future for Emergency Management in general. The overall recommendation is that ISCRAM as a professional society should be very actively involved in setting a standard for an Emergency Management degree program that provides a distinctive major in EMIS (Emergency Management Information Systems). The emphasis and conclusions in this paper are based largely upon the situation in the United States.
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Murray Turoff, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2006). Welcome message from the ISCRAM2006 conference and program chairs. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (-). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
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Murray Turoff, Connie White, Linda Plotnick, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2008). Dynamic emergency response management for large scale decision making in extreme events. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 462–470). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Effective management of a large-scale extreme event requires a system that can quickly adapt to changing needs of the users. There is a critical need for fast decision-making within the time constraints of an ongoing emergency. Extreme events are volatile, change rapidly, and can have unpredictable outcomes. Large, not predetermined groups of experts and decision makers need a system to prepare for a response to a situation never experienced before and to collaborate to respond to the actual event. Extreme events easily require a hundred or more independent agencies and organizations to be involved which usually results in two or more times the number of individuals. To accomplish the above objectives we present a philosophical view of decision support for Emergency Preparedness and Management that has not previously been made explicit in this domain and describe a number of the current research efforts at NJIT that fit into this framework.
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Murray Turoff, Michael J. Chumer, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2006). Emergency planning as a continuous game. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 477–486). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Currently there are serious problems with organizational abilities to plan the response to emergencies. This paper presents a fundamental premise that the use of a game employing competing human teams operating on a continuous asynchronous basis over long periods of time is the way to develop high confidence emergency plans within a given organization.
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Murray Turoff, Michael J. Chumer, Xiang Yao, Joseph Konopka, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2005). Crisis planning via scenario development gaming. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 207–212). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper introduces a particular approach to improving the planning process in emergency preparedness. This involves the specification of a competitive game to have opposing defense and offense teams develop and improve their respective plans for defense and offense.
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Murray Turoff, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2008). Information seeking behavior and viewpoints of emergency preparedness and management professionals concerned with health and medicine. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 250–253). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
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Murray Turoff, & Victor A. Bañuls. (2011). Major extensions to Cross-Impact Analysis. 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: In recent years Cross-Impact Analysis (CIA) has resurged as a powerful tool for forecasting the occurrence or not of a set of interrelated events in complex situations, such as emergencies. In this sense, CIA can be used for creating working models out of significant events and crisis scenarios. CIA has been combined with other methodological approaches in order to increase its functionality and improve its final outcome. This is the case of the merger of CIA and the technique called Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The CIA-ISM approach aims at contributing to CIA with tools for detecting critical events and supporting graphical representation of scenarios. In this paper, major extensions to CIA-ISM are presented. These extensions are based on the inclusion of initial condition events and outcome events as two new event types that make CIA-ISM much richer in its potential span of application areas. The practical implications of these major extensions to CIA-ISM are illustrated with an example. The usefulness of this contribution to researchers and practitioners concerned with emergency planning and preparedness is also discussed.
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