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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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, & 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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Ignacio Aedo, Paloma Díaz, Victor A. Bañuls, José H. Canós-Cerdá, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2011). Information technologies for emergency planning and training. 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: Crucial to improving the management of emergency situations is the definition of suitable Emergency Plans and training of participants in the application of such plans. In order to design a good Emergency Plan, experts from different areas need to work collaboratively to identify all the events and the relationships among such events. The main purpose of this project is to study different information technology techniques that can be used in the elaboration of and training for Emergency Plans, based on the use of scenarios. The use of such techniques will support collaborative development of Emergency Plans, the use of rich formats that provide different perspectives on a plan, the exportation and sharing of plans in order to increase their evolution and improvement, the instruction of participants, as well as better interaction, participation and exchange of knowledge. Key aspects of the plans for this recently begun project are described in this paper.
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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, 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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Linda Plotnick, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Jane A. Kushma, & Andrea Tapia. (2015). Red Tape: Attitudes and Issues Related to Use of Social Media by U.S. County-Level Emergency Managers. 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: Social media are ubiquitous in modern society. Among their uses are to provide real-time information during crisis. One might expect that emergency management agencies in the U.S. make use of social media extensively to disseminate and collect crisis information as that is where the information flows most freely and quickly; yet, these agencies are not fully exploiting the capabilities of social media. A survey of 241 U.S. emergency managers at the county level shows that only about half of these agencies use social media in any way as of 2014. Most do not have any formal policies to guide their use. Of those that do have formal policies, about one quarter actually forbid the use of social media. This study describes the barriers that impede use of social media by these emergency managers, and the ways in which they are currently used, and recommends steps to improve this use.
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Linda Plotnick, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Matthew Burns. (2012). For whom the siren sounds: Public perceptions of outdoor warning sirens in northeast Alabama. 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 tornado-prone Alabama, outdoor emergency sirens are used as a major component of the Emergency Alert and Notification System. However there have been no studies to date of the effectiveness of these sirens in Calhoun County. In April 2011 a major tornado swept through this area of northeast Alabama, leaving in its wake over 300 fatalities and massive destruction. This preliminary study examines public perceptions and reactions to the sirens for notification of tornadoes. Faculty and students of a mid-sized university in Calhoun County, Alabama were surveyed before and after the devastating 2011 tornado. Although the respondents find the sirens helpful, they have difficulty understanding the tones and spoken messages emitted by the sirens. Concerns about tornadoes did increase slightly after the 2011 tornado. Those who did experience an increase in concern were likely to change their behavior in preparations and response to tornadoes. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Linda Plotnick, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Rosalie Ocker, & Mary Beth Rosson. (2008). Leadership in partially distributed emergency response software development teams. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 150–158). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Emergency response and preparedness teams that are inter-organizational or international often work together in partially distributed teams (PDTs). A PDT has at least one collocated subteam and at least two subteams that are geographically distributed. Leadership configuration and behaviors present unique challenges in PDTs. This paper describes preliminary results of an initial field experiment with international student teams undertaken to examine leadership in PDTs working on high-level requirements for an emergency preparedness information system. Leadership is viewed through the lens of what leader behaviors, or roles, are enacted by the leaders. Leadership configuration was varied: some teams had just an overall team leader; others had no team leader but had a leader for each subteam, while others had both team and subteam leaders. The findings suggest that leadership configuration matters and that leaders do enact roles similar to those found in studies of fully distributed or traditional collocated teams.
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Linda Plotnick, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Sukeshini Grandhi, & Julie Dugdale. (2018). Real or Fake? User Behavior and Attitudes Related to Determining the Veracity of Social Media Posts. In Kristin Stock, & Deborah Bunker (Eds.), Proceedings of ISCRAM Asia Pacific 2018: Innovating for Resilience – 1st International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Asia Pacific. (pp. 439–449). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: Citizens and Emergency Managers need to be able to distinguish “fake” (untrue) news posts from real news posts on social media during disasters. This paper is based on an online survey conducted in 2018 that produced 341 responses from invitations distributed via email and through Facebook. It explores to what extent and how citizens generally assess whether postings are “true” or “fake,” and describes indicators of the trustworthiness of content that users would like. The mean response on a semantic differential scale measuring how frequently users attempt to verify the news trustworthiness (a scale from 1-never to 5-always) was 3.37. The most frequent message characteristics citizens' use are grammar and the trustworthiness of the sender. Most respondents would find an indicator of trustworthiness helpful, with the most popular choice being a colored graphic. Limitations and implications for assessments of trustworthiness during disasters are discussed.
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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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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, & 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, Linda Plotnick, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2014). Development of a dynamic scenario model for the interaction of critical infrastructures. 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. 414–423). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper summarizes the development of a Cross Impact and Interpretive Structural Model of the interactions of 16 critical infrastructures during disasters. It is based on the estimates of seven professionals in Emergency Management areas and was conducted as an online survey and Delphi Process. We describe the process used and the current results, indicating some of the disagreements in the estimates. The initial results indicate some very interesting impacts of events on one another, resulting in the clustering of events into mini-scenarios.
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Murray Turoff, Victor A. Bañuls, Linda Plotnick, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Miguel Ramirez de la Huerga. (2015). Collaborative Evolution of a Dynamic Scenario Model for the Interaction of 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 reviews current work on a model of the cascading effects of Critical Infrastructure (CI) failures during disasters. Based upon the contributions of 26 professionals, we have created a reliable model for the interaction among sixteen CIs. An internal CI model can be used as a core part of a number of larger models, each of which are tailored to a specific disaster in a specific location.
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Murray Turoff, Victor A. Bañuls, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Linda Plotnick. (2013). A cross impact scenario model of organizational behavior in emergencies. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 703–713). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: A conceptual model is developed of the events that can comprise a dynamic cross impact model of performance of a collection of organizations seeking to respond effectively to an emergency or disaster. It might also be used to model a single organization made up of organizational units. This paper provides a concise overview of the literature that supports the creation of the cross-impact event set. The major goal is to engage other professionals who might aid in supplying a collaborative set of estimates for the relative impacts among the events in what would be an asynchronous online Delphi Process.
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Sergio Herranz, David Díez, Díaz, P., & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2012). Exploring the design of technological platformsfor virtual communities of practice. 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: Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoP) refers to groups of people who share a concern about a specific domain or topic and use a virtual environment to share and increase their knowledge and expertise about this domain. This kind of social structure has intrinsic features suitable to support emergency management communities. Nevertheless, the design of specific technological platforms that support both the activity and the practice of the community is not a trivial task, especially in critical domains such as emergency management. This paper presents the inquiry process carried out over one and a half years for the purpose of generating insights about the application of VCoPs within the emergency management context. Based on a case study, a set of findings is presented about the guidelines that should be followed in order to develop suitable technological platforms that support the labor of VCoPs in the emergency management context. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Amanda Hughes, Muhammad Imran, Linda Plotnick, Robert Power, & Murray Turoff. (2019). Requirements for Software to Support the use of Social Media in Emergency Management: A Delphi Study. 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: Social Media contain a wealth of information that could improve the situational awareness of Emergency Managers during a crisis, but many barriers stand in the way. These include information overload, making it impossible to deal with the flood of raw posts, and lack of trust in unverified crowdsourced data. The purpose of this project is to build a communications bridge between emergency responders and technologists who can provide the advances needed to realize social media?s full potential. We are employing a Delphi study survey design, which is a technique for exploring and developing consensus among a group of experts around a particular topic. Participants include emergency managers and technologists with experience in software to support the use of social media in crisis response, from many countries. The topics of the study are described and preliminary, partial results presented for Round 1 of the study, based on 33 responses.
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Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Jane Kushma, & Linda Plotnick. (2014). Use of Social Media by U.S. Public Sector Emergency Managers: Barriers and Wish Lists. 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. 602–611). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with U.S. public sector emergency managers to probe barriers to use of social media and reactions to possible software enhancements to support such use. The three most frequently described barriers were lack of personnel time to work on use of social media, lack of policies and guidelines for its use, and concern about the trustworthiness of pulled data. The most popular of the possible technological enhancements described for Twitter are filtering by category of user/contributor, and display of posts on a GIS system with a map-based display.
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Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Jose J. Gonzalez, & Murray Turoff. (2013). ICT support and the effectiveness of decision making in disasters: A preliminary system dynamics model. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 668–673). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: A high level conceptual model is presented of factors hypothesized to be key determinants of the effectiveness of decision making in large scale disasters, grounded in the literature on disaster management. ICT robustness (including the use of social media) sensemaking, and the effectiveness of decision making processes by the multi-organizational Partially Distributed Teams that must cooperate are accorded key roles in the process model. The outcomes of the decision making processes modeled are decisions, in terms of timeliness and quality.
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Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Linda Plotnick. (2013). Dealing with information overload when using social media for emergency management: Emerging solutions. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 823–827). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Several recent studies point the way to enabling emergency response managers to be able to find relevant posts and incorporate them into their sensemaking and decision making processes. Among the approaches that have improved the ability to find the most relevant information are the social conventions of creating topic groups and tags and of “retweeting;” the use of trained volunteers to filter and summarize posts for responders; automated notifications of trending topics; natural language processing of posts; techniques for identifying posts from the disaster site; and the use of GIS and crisis maps to visually represent the distribution of incidents.
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Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Linda Plotnick, & Rosalie J. Ocker. (2011). Learning about Emergency Management Information Systems through Partially Distributed Team projects. 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: What are effective ways to train students for designing Emergency Management Information Systems and for working with distant partners on EMIS projects? This paper describes the results of a project whose goal is to assess the effectiveness of Partially Distributed Teams (PDTs) as a pedagogical strategy. A PDT is one type of distributed team, in which two or more co-located subgroups use information and communication technology to collaborate on a task. Much of emergency management involves cross-organizational and often cross-national collaboration in this form. Students need, but lack, learning experiences focused on how to work effectively in such situations. This field study involved more than 700 students from universities in eight countries, working in 80 teams on an EMIS software requirements task. Results indicate that students report positive learning experiences, with international students in international teams reporting the most positive experiences. There are also significant differences among universities.
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