Dennis Andersson, & Amy Rankin. (2012). Sharing mission experience in tactical organisations. 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: A tactical organisation can be seen as an adhocracy designed to perform missions in uncertain, ambiguous and complex environments. Flexibility, adaptability, resilience, innovation, creativity and improvisation have all been identified as key skills for successful outcome of these missions. To learn skills associated with such abilities previous research has shown that knowledge acquired through experience plays an important role. It is important that organisations share and learn from experiences to improve their ability to cope with novel situations. In literature there is a lack of consistency in how these abilities are discussed, we therefore propose the FAIRIC model. By unravelling some of the similarities and differences we create a common vocabulary to discuss knowledge gained from experience. This can help classify different experiences and provide a systematic way of gathering and modelling knowledge on situational factors to enable sharing of mission experience over boundaries of time and space. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Tom Duffy, Richard McMaster, Chris Baber, & Robert Houghton. (2012). Towards an ontology broker to improve cross-agency sharing in emergency response. 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: Major incidents and disasters tend to be highly complex, contain high levels of uncertainty and may often force official responders to set aside their standard operating procedures and work collaboratively with a range of agencies and actors on the ground. Prior work has shown that establishing clear lines of communication and maintaining a shared understanding across organisational boundaries can be challenging to achieve, particularly in stressful and unusual circumstances. In the present paper we discuss ongoing work into specifying a meta-process for facilitating communication and collaboration based on the observation that common themes that emerge in communication within and across organisational boundaries can subsequently be tracked and built into an Ontology Broker. This work draws on experimental work in our laboratory, observations made in emergency control environments and, emphasised in this paper, lessons learned in the 2005 London bombings. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Nils Ellebrecht, Konrad Feldmeier, & Stefan Kaufmann. (2013). IT's about more than speed. The impact of IT on the management of mass casualty incidents in Germany. 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. 391–400). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In the new millennium new technologies (should) play an ever more prominent role in the management of mass casualty incidents (MCI). Drawing on empirical data from a four-year research project (SOGRO), the article reflects on the impact of information technologies (IT) on the organisation of emergency response and on rescue services against the backdrop of broader organisational shifts and contemporary demands. Because IT strengthens a particular way of MCI management, it is firstly described as expressing and reifying specific considerations of emergency response experts. Secondly, the benefits of an IT-based emergency response are critically reviewed. IT collects and makes available data about the rescue operation. Thus, it makes a formerly blurred rescue operation transparent. Although its operational benefit remains vague for on-scene executives, the visualisation reduces uncertainties among them. Thirdly, the article points out the inherent logics of IT. Its implementation not only satisfies newly evolved information needs, but also increases the control density.
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Simon French, Emma Carter, & Carmen Niculae. (2006). When experts or models disagree. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 547–553). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In managing crises, decision makers are confronted with a plethora of uncertainties. Many arise because the world is uncertain, particularly in the context of a crisis. But some arise because analyses based upon different, but seemingly equivalent models lead to different forecasts. Other times expert advisors differ in their explanations and predictions of the evolving situation. We argue that when handled correctly such conflict can alert the decision makers to the inherent complexity and uncertainty of the situation and improve their management of the crisis.
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Jose J. Gonzalez, Geir Bø, & John Einar Johansen. (2013). A system dynamics model of the 2005 hatlestad slide emergency management. 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. 658–667). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: It has long been recognized that the management of emergencies requires that response organisations act flexibly, becoming an “emergent organisation” to better manage the fact that disasters do not follow scripts. Nevertheless, recent research shows that crisis response organisations prefer to follow patterns adequate for normal situations. Arguably, the resistance to become an emergent organisation could be related to poor understanding of how to move from disorganisation to self-organisation. We extend a recent system dynamics work by Tu, Wang and Tseng, describing the transition from disorganisation to self-organisation in the Palau case, to analyse the management of disorganisation in the fatal Hatlestad landslide in Norway. We suggest that the causal structure of the system dynamics model describing the Palau and the Hatlestad case should be considered a candidate for an emergent “middle-range theory” describing the management of disorganisation in emergencies. We propose specific data collection to test the candidate theory.
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Iva Seto, David Johnstone, & Jennifer Campbell-Meier. (2018). Experts' sensemaking during the 2003 SARS crisis. 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. 44–55). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: This paper depicts the real-time sensemaking of experts as they worked to combat the first emerging disease of the 21st century: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Newspaper data was analysed from the 2003 SARS crisis, with a Canadian perspective, to follow the process of solving the puzzle of this emerging disease. Retrospective sensemaking is a process that is triggered by the unexpected, which leads to actors gathering information (taking action) in order to consider possible interpretations for the unexpected event. Disease outbreaks serve as sensemaking triggers, and actors engage in retrospective sensemaking to find out the factors involved in how the outbreak happened. Prospective sensemaking (future-oriented) is employed when actors work together to plan how to combat the disease. The newspaper data demonstrate that retrospective and prospective sensemaking are tethered: to make plans to combat a disease, actors first require a collectively agreed upon understanding from which they can generate possibilities for a crisis response. This paper contributes to the field by providing concepts for long-duration crisis sensemaking, as the bulk of organisational research focuses on acute crises such as wildfires, or earthquakes.
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John Sabou, & Simeon Videlov. (2016). An Analysis on the Role of Trust in Digital Humanitarian Actor Networks. 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 paper explores the difficulties of collaboration between Volunteer and Technical Communities (V&TCs) and Humanitarian Response Organisations (HROs). The phenomenon of digital volunteers and their role in collecting and analyzing social media data provided by disaster affected populations has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges to the humanitarian system. Central to these processes are the risks and vulnerabilities that these transformations might bring to existing humanitarian actors. Thus, this paper draws upon the work of Anthony Giddens regarding trust to account for the ongoing relational dynamics, and the unpacking of both it's institutional and inter-personal dimensions. The paper identifies two major approaches underlying their collaborative efforts. The first approach concerns a top-down and centralized process of developing a institutionalized forms of interfacing; while the second concerns the development of interpersonal relational infrastructure.
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Marta Poblet Balcell, Stan Karanasios, & Vanessa Cooper. (2018). Look after Your Neighbours: Social Media and Vulnerable Groups during Extreme Weather Events. 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. 408–415). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: Emergency management organisations across the world routinely use social media to reach out populations for preparedness and response to extreme weather events. In this paper we present a preliminary analysis of social media strategies towards vulnerable populations in the State of Victoria (Australia). Using the notion of vulnerability in an emergency management context (e.g. older persons, socially/geographically isolated persons, people with disabilities, refugee/recent migrant communities) we explore whether and how organisations address vulnerable groups with targeted messages. Our initial findings suggest that organisations do not tend to interact directly with these groups. Rather, reliance on 'information brokers' (intermediary organisations and individuals with an expected duty of care) seems to be a preferred strategy.
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Nour Kanaan, & Anouck Adrot. (2018). Managing inter-organizational breaks in a context of cross-border crisis. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 245–253). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Dysfunctions in interactions can impede communication between crisis responders. The literature in crisis management partially addresses this practical issue by outlining several types of “breaks” (Milburn, 1983). Breaks refer to social disruptions between organizations involved in crisis response that result in erosion of social links, conflicts amplifications and unstructured responsibilities allocation. However, research falls short of details about specification of these social breaks and how to address them, thereby leaving practitioners who need to handle this issue without clear practical guidelines. We draw on the concept of authority to help dealing with the occurrence of these breaks. The empirical analysis of this article focuses on a cross-border region between France and Germany, that is very likely to encounter inter-organizational breaks. This research in progress will contribute to understand the influence of authority on inter-organizational breaks and crisis response. We discuss the expected contribution of this research.
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Christian Reuter, Volkmar Pipek, & Claudia Mueller. (2009). Computer supported collaborative training in crisis communication 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: Crisis management requires stakeholders to not only show strategic, organisational preparedness for crisis events (e.g. by systematising and professionalizing coping work), but also to develop skills to deal with unanticipated events and other stakeholders involved in the same crisis. They should not only rely on established information flows and behaviour patterns, but should be able to deal with situational aspects. This usually involves communication work within and between organisations involved in crisis management. We describe the practice of the crisis communication training of a German electricity provider and the prototype we developed, implemented and evaluated. The collaborative training tool targets not only the local practice, but aims at inter-organisational trainings that would also allow improving the mutual understanding for communication practices and information needs of other stakeholders.
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Christian Reuter, Volkmar Pipek, Torben Wiedenhöefer, & Benedikt Ley. (2012). Dealing with terminologies in collaborative systemsfor 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: This paper presents approaches on how to deal with terminological ambiguities (different understandings of terms in heterogeneous groups of actors) in collaborative systems. First we will give some insight on the conceptual and theoretical foundation surrounding the 'triangle of reference', a model of how linguistic symbols are related to the objects they represent. Then we will describe the results of our exploratory empirical study, which was conducted in Germany, and dealt with inter-organisational crisis communication. Based on this, we will then deduce requirements necessary for supporting and dealing with terminologies, and propose technical approaches for collaborative systems. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Helen Richardson. (2004). Expatriates in political crisis: A website. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 75–80). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: With the rise in the profile of terrorism and war since the September 11th terrorist attack, the Bali, Turkish and Madrid bombings, organisational stress has reached new heights. Companies have subsequently realised the need to provide more resources for their expatriate employees. A few companies are now developing online resources to help employees through these crises. The researcher sought to extend this approach by developing a trial Website for expatriates employees and their families that draws on the concept of 'Storytelling' as a form of 'Narrative Therapy'. The aim is to help expatriates and their families cope with the crisis by being able to share similar experiences, and further to provide them with links to useful resources to help them cope with the situation. This study began with the researcher reflecting on their own family experiences during the Libyan Revolution and then collecting stories from others who have shared similar experiences. This is a research in progress paper, and deals with the development of the concept and then a trial Website, which will be tested in subsequent research. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Johannes Sautter, Janina Hofer, Sven Wirth, Wolf Engelbach, Matthias Max, Tanel Tenso, et al. (2014). Local-specific resource planning for mass casualty incidents. 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. 503–507). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: In the situation of mass casualty incidents in Germany the questions that always remain are what and how much resources are needed to provide the best response. Furthermore, there are many local-specific constraints that exist, such as the density of hospitals nearby, what their surgery capacities are like, the distance between the local rescue bases and the incident scene as well as the level of preparedness of first responders. This paper describes an organisational approach to elaborate the specific tactical strategies that take part in preparedness planning. Furthermore, this paper will give insight and explore a simulation information system to support local medical response managers in elaborating those strategies in an office environment.
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Willem Treurniet, Rozemarijn Logtenberg, & Peter Groenewegen. (2014). Governance of occasional multi-sector networks. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 120–124). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Large-scale safety and security incidents typically require the coordinated effort of multiple organisations. A networked organisation is generally seen as the most appropriate structure for coordination within safety and security collaborations. Such networks generally are mixed-sector networks in the sense that the strategic orientations of the contributing organisations differ. Our research focuses on how to prevent, overcome and cope with the tensions resulting from this mixed-sector nature. We studied cases of three major Dutch events and our preliminarily findings were that an active network governance approach contributes to a more decisive and more purposive organisation. The flexibility and decisiveness of the networked organisation can be enhanced if in addition informal network governance measures are applied. Moreover, a purposive information infrastructure, directed towards a limited number of clear priority issues, is a key enabler of the functioning of the network.
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Gerd Van Den Eede, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2005). Operational risk in incident management: A cross-fertilisation between ISCRAM and IT governance. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 53–60). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The objectives of the research reported by the authors in this paper are threefold. First, the authors want to fine-tune the rresearch methodology on risk identification based on cognitive mapping techniques and group decision support systems (GDSS) developed earlier (Rutkowski et al., 2005). Second, the authors want to determine how High Reliability Theory (HRT) – through the characteristics of High Reliability Organisations (HROs) – can be applied in the particular organisational context of an important economic sector like banking. Third, the authors want to inquire into how Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management can benefit from experiences gained in a mainstream context. More specifically, the use of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) methodology will be explored from the perspective of Incident Management as a sub-process of ICT management.
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Kim Weyns, & Martin Höst. (2013). Case study on risk analysis for critical systems with reliability block diagrams. 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. 693–702). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper presents a practical risk analysis method for critical, large-scale IT systems in an organisation. The method is based on reliability block diagram modelling and was adapted to fit the requirements of governmental organisations and to reduce the effort required to capture complex failure behaviour. Through the use of different failure categories the risk analysis can be simplified, the input data becomes easier to estimate and the results are easier to use in an organisational risk and vulnerability analysis. The paper first explicitly describes the different steps of the method and then presents a case study in which the method was applied and evaluated in a real-life setting. The method is meant to help an organisation to communicate internally about the reliability of their critical IT systems and to prioritise proposed improvements to this reliability.
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Fabian Wucholt, Yeliz Yildirim-Krannig, Mareike Mähler, Uwe Krüger, & Clemens Beckstein. (2011). Cultural analysis and formal standardised language-A mass casualty incident perspective. 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: Handling highly dynamic scenarios as they arise in mass casualty incident (MCI) situations requires lots of information about the situation and an extremely flexible IT infrastructure that can assist in managing the inci-dent. Normally, rescue workers from different organisational cultures do not communicate across their organisa-tional boundaries, but in an MCI they have to efficiently collaborate in order to successfully manage the inci-dent. In this paper we argue that qualitative cultural analysis can provide important insights into the design of techno-logical systems that are to be deployed in inter-organisational settings like an MCI. We will show how the engi-neering of complex knowledge based systems for such scenarios can profit from the results of such an analysis.
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