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Adam Widera, Hanns-Alexander Dietrich, Bernd Hellingrath, & Jörg Becker. (2013). Understanding humanitarian supply chains – Developing an integrated process analysis toolkit. 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. 210–219). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In this paper we present the development of an integrated process analysis toolkit for humanitarian logistics. The toolkit integrates a conceptual and a technological component. Our approach follows a case study-based modeling and design approach. The developed concept was evaluated in two humanitarian organizations. Based on these results we extended and integrated the tool-supported process analysis approach, which is ready to use for the structural and quantitative analysis of humanitarian logistics processes. The toolkit can be applied in humanitarian organizations as a decision support tool for designing, planning and executing their logistics processes. Thus, the application affects the preparedness of humanitarian organizations as well as their response performance. The process analysis toolkit is embedded in an overall research agenda with the objective to provide humanitarian organizations with the capabilities to identify, monitor, and improve their logistics processes respecting the organization specific objectives.
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Adam Widera, Sandra Lechtenberg, Gaby Gurczik, Sandra Bähr, & Bernd Hellingrath. (2017). Integrated Logistics and Transport Planning in Disaster Relief Operations. 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. 752–764). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Decision making in the area of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management often suffers because of the interrelations between planning horizons, tasks, and crisis management lifecycle phases. In this paper, we present a method, an exemplary prototypical implementation and its evaluation within a relief organization. Based on a structured literature analysis (a review of existing information systems as well as a consideration of ongoing research projects), basic requirements for an integrated logistics and transport planning approach were derived. Together with end-user involvement, these results were used to design and prototype a concept of an appropriate information system, which was applied and evaluated in a tabletop exercise. The generated results are promising in terms of having a positive impact on the logistics effectiveness. In combination with the identified limitations, our results promise to have an impact on future ISCRAM research.
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Ahmed Abdeltawab Abdelgawad, & Tina Comes. (2019). Evaluation Framework for the iTRACK Integrated System. 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: Evaluation and testing are major steps in the development of any information system, particularly if it is to be used in high-risk contexts such as conflicts. While thus far there are various approaches for testing against technology requirements; usability or usefulness, there is a lack of a comprehensive evaluation framework that combines the three elements. The lack of such a framework and commonly agreed standards constitutes a barrier for innovation, and at the same time imposes risks to responders if the technology is introduced without proper testing. This paper aims to close this gap. Based on a reviewing of evaluation methods and measurement metrics, we design a comprehensive evaluation framework including common code quality testing metrics, usability testing methods, subjective usefulness questionnaires, and performance indicators. We demonstrate our approach by using the example of an integrated system for the safety and security of humanitarian missions, and we highlight how our approach allows measuring the system?s quality and usefulness.
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Ajay Kumar, & Johnny Søraker. (2015). Ethics of Information Systems Design in Humanitarian Sector: Cultivating Humanitarian values among Technologists. 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: Ethical considerations have been an important part of the humanitarian discourse for decades. The short paper aims to present insights from the point of view of a technology practitioner with field experience in the humanitarian sector and emphasise on the need for continued dialogue about the importance of ethics in design of appropriate technology. The paper advocates for a value sensitive design approach to information systems design and proposes the need for increasing sensitivity towards the issues in technologist working in the area and draws an outline for possible future research.
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Ajay Kumar, & Simeon Vidolov. (2016). Humanitarian Effectiveness: Reconsidering the Ethics of Community Engagement and the Role of Technology. 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: This position paper discusses the ongoing debate on the topic of humanitarian effectiveness and highlights the need to look at the structuring of the humanitarian system from an ethical point of view. The paper makes the argument that any community engagement with the affected population is a matter of ethics and dignity of those needs to be considered as a central focus to the discussion. The paper also discusses how the humanitarian system as a set of technology, tools & practises focusses on efficiency, and overshadows the issues of care by objectifying and turning the affected population into mere numbers. We discuss that technology and organisations are inter-twined and such a discussion of technology cannot be contemplated without considering the traditional institutional practises as a whole.
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Aladdin Shamoug, & Radmila Juric. (2011). Addressing interoperability through the semantic of Information Highway in managing responses in Humanitarian Crises. 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: We propose an Information Highway (IH) which addresses interoperability in software systems supporting Humanitarian Crises (HC) and consequently enables efficient decision making at any level: operational, organizational and donor levels. We model our IH by (a) manipulating the semantics stored in knowledge of data repositories, which are interwoven in everyday activities of managing responses to HC and (b) understanding the meaning and the purpose of requests for data retrievals issued in such environments.
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Aladdin Shamoug, Radmila Juric, & Shamimabi Paurobally. (2012). Ontological reasoning as a tool for humanitarian decision making. 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 propose an OWL/SWRL enabled ontological environment which can play a role in reporting and decision making in Humanitarian Crises (HC). We use (5WH): WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW, as the main vehicle for gathering information for decision making. We implement the semantics of (5WH) through OWL models and perform reasoning with SWRL rules, in order to support decision making and create more efficient Humanitarian Response (HR). Our case study shows the feasibility of the proposal and its outcome. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Aladdin Shamoug, Stephen Cranefield, & Grant Dick. (2018). Information Retrieval for Humanitarian Crises via a Semantically Classified Word Embedding. 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. 132–144). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: Decision-makers in humanitarian crisis need information to guide them in making critical decisions. Finding information in such environments is a challenging task. Therefore, decision-makers rely on domain experts who possess experience and knowledge from previous humanitarian crises to provide them with the information they need. In this paper, we explore the ability of the existing computing technologies to augment the capabilities of those experts and help decision-makers to make faster and better decisions. Among many computing technologies we have today, word embedding and the semantic web are able to support such augmentation of the domain expert. In this paper, we train a word embedding model using word2vec, transform words and terms from news archive to entities in domain ontology, annotate those entities with their equivalent concepts from upper ontologies, and reason about them using semantic similarity and semantic matching, to represent and retrieve knowledge, and answer questions of interest to decision-makers in humanitarian crises. The approach was evaluated by comparing the use of word embeddings with and without semantic classification for the retrieval of information about the current humanitarian crisis in Syria.
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Alexander F. Blecken, & Bernd Hellingrath. (2008). Supply Chain Management software for humanitarian operations: Review and assessment of current tools. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 342–351). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Humanitarian operations in response to sudden and slow-onset crises have increased considerably both in terms of size and complexity over the last decade. This requires a coordinated approach by all actors involved in disaster or humanitarian relief efforts. Since the logistics part of disaster relief spending is accountable for a major part of disaster relief spending, it is natural to look at the supply chains of humanitarian organizations when searching for potentials for cooperation during humanitarian operations. In this paper, we have reviewed Supply Chain Management software currently used or piloted in humanitarian organizations. Their main features are presented and the tools are assessed according to criteria specific to supply chain management requirements of humanitarian operations. We find that while there is one tool which has the potential of becoming a de-facto standard, there are still gaps to be filled.
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Alexander Smirnov, Mikhail Pashkin, Nikolay Shilov, & Tatiana Levashova. (2007). Intelligent support of context-based megadisaster management: Hybrid technology and case study. 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. 305–316). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The situation with the hurricane Katrina showed that the conventional tiered response to disaster event, whereby state and local officials are responsible for the first few days, does not work well in case of megadisasters (massive hurricanes, earthquakes, large-scale acts of terrorism, etc.). Such situations require application of new technologies for preparing the operation, interoperability between the operation participants, and decision support for officials. Here presented approach proposes a context-driven decision support schema based on integration of such technologies as context & ontology management and constraint satisfaction. The application of the approach is illustrated via a case study of a portable hospital arrangement.
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Andrea H. Tapia, Kartikeya Bajpai, Bernard J. Jansen, & John Yen. (2011). Seeking the trustworthy tweet: Can microblogged data fit the information needs of disaster response and humanitarian relief organizations. 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: Message data has, as yet, not been adopted by large-scale, international humanitarian relief organizations in an instrumental fashion. While the largest of these organizations have adopted messaging as part of their Public Relations functions, few have used any form of message data originating in the field, at the time of disaster. The message data being contributed by bystanders and those affected by a disaster, as it is happening, has largely been deemed as unverifiable and untrustworthy, and thus construed as unsuitable for incorporation into established mechanisms for organizational decision-making. In this paper, we describe the discursive barriers to the use of microblogged data by Humanitarian NGOs during times of disaster. We present data and findings from a study involving representatives from thirteen humanitarian organizations. Our analysis suggests that the organizational barriers, both in terms of function and structure, and the data itself, form barriers to organizational use of microblogged data. We propose three socio-technical solutions to surpassing adoption bottlenecks, namely bounded microblogging, microblogged data as contextual data, and/or use of computational solutions.
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Andrea H. Tapia, Kathleen A. Moore, & Nichloas J. Johnson. (2013). Beyond the trustworthy tweet: A deeper understanding of microblogged data use by disaster response and humanitarian relief organizations. 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. 770–779). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In this paper we present findings from interviews conducted with representatives from large international disaster response organizations concerning their use of social media data in crisis response. We present findings in which the barriers to use by responding organizations have gone beyond simple discussions of trustworthiness to that of more operational issues rather than mere data quality. We argue that the landscape of the use of microblogged data in crisis response is varied, with pockets of use and acceptance among organizations. We found that microblogged data is useful to responders in situations where information is limited, such as at the beginning of an emergency response effort, and when the risks of ignoring an accurate response outweigh the risks of acting on an incorrect one. In some situations, such as search and rescue operations, microblogged data may never meet the standards of quality required. In others, such as resource and supply management, microblogging data could be useful as long as it is appropriately verified and classified.
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Andrew Arnette, Christopher W. Zobel, & Duygu Pamukcu. (2020). Post-Impact Analysis of Disaster Relief Resource Pre-Positioning After the 2013 Colorado Floods. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 237–243). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Pre-positioning of supplies is important to facilitate disaster relief operations, however it is only after a disaster event occurs that the effectiveness of the pre-positioning strategy can be properly assessed. With this in mind, this paper analyzes a risk-based pre-positioning algorithm, developed for the American Red Cross, in the context of its actual performance in the 2013 Colorado Front Range floods. The paper assesses the relative effectiveness of the pre-positioning approach with respect to historical asset placements, and it discusses changes to the model that are necessary to support such comparisons and allow for further model extensions.
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Anja Van Der Hulst, Rudy Boonekamp, & Marc Van Den Homberg. (2014). Field-testing a comprehensive approach simulation model. 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. 575–584). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper describes the field tests of a simulation based game aiming at raising awareness and creating a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the comprehensive approach (CA). The setting of this game is that of a failed state where an UN intervention takes place after massive conflict that requires a CA to stabilize the situation. That is, the civil and military actors need to collaborate effectively, taking into account their respective strengths, mandates and roles. Underlying the game is the Go4it CA simulation Model (GCAM2.0). GCAM2.0 was extensively field-tested in eight sessions with about 16 persons each, aiming at assessment of the perceived realism and learning effects. It was found to provide a sufficiently authentic experience to obtain awareness of the CA in novices. With regard to improving the deeper understanding of the dynamics and complexity of the CA, in a cooperation-oriented setting only deeper learning can be reached.
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Anthony Charles, Matthieu Lauras, & Rolando Tomasini. (2009). Learning from previous humanitarian operations, a business process reengineering approach. 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: Uncertainty and risks are part of humanitarians' daily routine. Most of the time, infrastructures are damaged or non-existent, the political climate is highly volatile, communication means are insufficient, and so on. Therefore, humanitarian organizations often have to find original methods to implement their supply chains. They may also face recurrent problems, that requires them to change the way they operate. And yet, as they lack the time and resources to reflect on the lessons learnt, most of their best practices and issues are neither captured nor communicated. The aim of the study is thus to propose a framework to capitalize humanitarians' knowledge and know-how, to analyze both gaps and best practices and learn from one operation to another. To this end, we propose a framework derived from traditional Enterprise Modelling tools, adapted to fit relief chains' specificities. Field applications are then given to illustrate our approach and its beneficial effects.
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Beate Rottkemper, & Kathrin Fischer. (2013). Decision making in humanitarian logistics – A multi-objective optimization model for relocating relief goods during disaster recovery operations. 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. 647–657). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Disaster recovery operations rarely proceed smoothly and disruptions often require the redistribution of relief items. Such a redistribution has to be carried out taking into account both the current disruption and the uncertainty regarding possible future incidents in the respective area. As decisions have to be made fast in humanitarian operations, extensive optimization runs cannot be conducted in such a situation. Nevertheless, sensible decisions should be made to ensure an efficient redistribution, considering not only satisfaction of needs but also operational costs, as the budget is usually scarce in the recovery phase of a disaster. In this work, different scenarios are generated and then solved with a multiobjective optimization model to explore possible developments. By evaluating the results of these scenarios, decision rules are identified which can support the decision maker in the actual disaster situation in making fast, but nevertheless well-founded, decisions.
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Bernd Hellingrath, & Adam Widera. (2011). Survey on major challenges in humanitarian logistics. 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 this work we present the results of a survey on major challenges in humanitarian logistics. The survey was conducted among logistics managers of relief organizations, logistic service providers, and universities investigating in humanitarian logistics. The following issue areas were consulted: (1) Information and Technology, (2) Processes, Organization, Coordination, (3) Infrastructure, (4) Politics, Government. The results in the first issue area focus mainly on needs for action in the context of the transparency, compatibility, and functionality of IT-systems for humanitarian logistics. The transferability of classical and the establishment of specific concepts of logistics and supply chain management were identified as an important challenge in the second issue area. The need for an improved information situation was noticed within the areas “Infrastructure” and “Politics, Government”. Additionally, it can be highlighted that the assessments of the three questioned groups differ in important points, although a common ground for further research was identified.
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Brian M. Tomaszewski, & Lóránt Czárán. (2009). Geographically visualizing consolidated appeal process (CAP) information. 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: Maps are essential visual advocacy devices for humanitarian relief projects. Maps provide advocacy by presenting, disseminating, and analyzing humanitarian relief project information in formats that are easier to understand and reason with. In this paper, we present our preliminary work on geographically visualizing Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) information. The practical intent of our work is to (a) provide advocacy for CAP projects by geographically representing project information such as funding status so that (b) the nature of a project is better understood, thus potentially leading to increased project donations and improved project funding decision making. We provide examples of a prototype mapping application built to utilize Google Earth[TM] for representing CAP project information in map-based formats.
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Briony Gray, & Matthew Colling. (2021). Understanding Interoperability in Humanitarian Aid Organizations. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 439–447). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Quality and timely knowledge is critical to effective humanitarian operations during crises. Despite this, there remain limitations to its capture, exchange and understanding both in the inter and intra agency settings. To improve this, methods like interoperability should be improved within humanitarian aid organizations and their wider networks. Learning from the experiences and insights of domestic and international delegates of the Canadian Red Cross, this paper highlights that the biggest added values of interoperability to the intra-agency setting are (i.) increasing organizational capacity, expertise and reputation, (ii.) better tools, processes and leveraging valuable knowledge, and (iii.) improved engagement of volunteers, employees and delegates. The most prevalent barriers are (i.) workplace culture, (ii.) differences in operations, context and communications and (iii.) the socio-technical barriers of systems, processes and integration. The paper concludes by presenting lessons for humanitarian organizations to improve interoperability, supporting resilient responses for future crisis management.
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Carleen Maitland, Andrea H. Tapia, Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, Kang Zhao, & Edgar Maldonado. (2010). Sectoral coordination in humanitarian information management: The implications of professionalization. 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: Sector wide collaboration in humanitarian information management will occur in a context defined by professionalization of information management more generally as well as evolving needs for data within the humanitarian relief sector. By accounting for these broader trends this research contributes to our understanding of collaboration in the humanitarian relief sector. In particular, the research analyzes the desire for greater standardization within the sector as a function of both the process of professionalization for information management as well as greater specialization in information technology that is a response to technological change. Based on these insights, recommendations for future actions for the community are made.
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Carleen Maitland, Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, & Andrea H. Tapia. (2009). Information management and technology issues addressed by humanitarian relief coordination bodies. 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: Coordination bodies that attempt to overcome coordination barriers in humanitarian relief face many challenges. Among them are general organizational barriers to coordination as well as functionally-oriented barriers arising specifically from information management (IM) and information technology (IT) issues. Based on data collected from three coordination bodies, the research presented here examines IM and IT-related barriers, identifying similarities and differences between them as well as requirements for resolving them. The research finds that while many similarities exist, resolving IM issues typically requires higher levels of organizational change as compared to IT-related barriers. The research concludes that coordination bodies need to address a mixture of IT and IM related issues both to foster better coordination but also to ensure their efforts are successful.
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Christian Siemen, Roberto dos Santos Rocha, Roelof P. van den Berg, Bernd Hellingrath, & João Porto de Albuquerque. (2017). Collaboration among Humanitarian Relief Organizations and Volunteer Technical Communities: Identifying Research Opportunities and Challenges through a Systematic Literature Review. 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. 1043–1054). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Collaboration is the foundation to strengthen disaster preparedness and for effective emergency response actions at all levels. Some studies have highlighted that remote volunteers, i.e., volunteers supported by Web 2.0 technologies, possess the potential to strengthen humanitarian relief organizations by offering information regarding disaster-affected people and infrastructure. Although studies have explored various aspects of this topic, none of those provided an overview of the state-of-the-art of researches on the collaboration among humanitarian organizations and communities of remote volunteers. With the aim of overcoming this gap, a systematic literature review was conducted on the existing research works. Therefore, the main contribution of this work lies in examining the state of research in this field and in identifying potential research gaps. The results show that most of the research works addresses the general domain of disaster management, whereas only few of them address the domain of humanitarian logistics.
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Daniel Link, Kenny Meesters, Bernd Hellingrath, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2014). Reference task-based design of crisis management games. 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. 592–596). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Serious games are an effective tool for giving players a hands-on, immersive experience of crisis situations. To simplify the design of such games while ensuring their relevance, we propose a design method that is based on reference tasks. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by the improved design of the serious game “Disaster in my Backyard” that has been played during ISCRAM Summer school 2013. The design incorporates humanitarian logistics, search-and-rescue and coordination tasks. We also present the lessons learned from this instantiation of the game and give an outlook towards future research, such as the evaluation of tools for crisis response and management through the use of serious games and reference tasks.
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David J. Saab, Edgar Maldonado, Razvan Orendovici, Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, Kang Zhao, Annemijn Van Gorp, et al. (2008). Building global bridges: Coordination bodies for improved information sharing among humanitarian relief agencies. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 471–483). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Information is a critical component to improved inter-agency coordination during disaster response. Coordinated information and communication technologies deployments as well as coordinated information management processes are important tools in the provision of this information. However, multilateral agency coordination faces many challenges, which has sparked the formation of coordination bodies. This research examines three such bodies and describes their organizational arrangements as well as identifies common challenges they face to effective coordination. It finds that the bodies differ on a variety of dimensions including funding mechanisms, autonomy, and number of members, which will likely have implications for the strategies they employ. Also, the coordination bodies identify a lack of standardization, capacity and information availability and analysis as challenges to improved coordination.
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David Paulus, Kenny Meesters, & Bartel Van de Walle. (2018). Turning data into action: supporting humanitarian field workers with open data. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1030–1039). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: In the aftermath of disasters, information is of the essence for humanitarian decision makers in the field. Their concrete information needs is highly context-influenced and often they find themselves unable to access the right information at the right time. We propose a novel ICT-based approach to address these information needs more accurately. First, we select a group of in-field decision makers and collect their concrete information needs in the disaster aftermath. We then review to what extent existing data and tools can already address these needs. We conclude that existing solutions fall short in meeting important information needs of the selected group. We describe the design of an information system prototype to address these gaps more accurately. We combine data of the International Aid Transparency Initiative and the Humanitarian Data Exchange to form the data-backend of our system. We describe our implementation approach and evaluation plan.
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