Anna Gustafsson, & Tobias Andersson Granberg. (2012). Dynamic planning of fire and rescue services. 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 discuss decision support tools used for more efficient planning of fire and rescue services. The methodology considers small and flexible units and includes dynamic utilization of the existing resources. We develop a quantitative measure for preparedness and use it as a basis for decision support. By constantly accounting for the current situation and using intelligent strategies to locate and allocate resources that support good preparedness, response times can be shortened. The tools will be tested using an experimental setup that includes human-in-the-loop simulations, and the results will compare situations that occur when the decision makers have and do not have access to the developed tools. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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John R. Harrald, Theresa I. Jefferson, Frank Fiedrich, Sebnem Sener, & Clinton Mixted-Freeman. (2007). A first step in decision support tools for humanitarian assistance during catastrophic disasters: Modeling hazard generated needs. 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. 51–56). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The US has not yet developed adequate models for estimating hazard generated needs, the necessary first step for developing useful decision support systems needed to estimate the capability and capacity of the response forces required. Modeling and technology required to support the decisions made by humanitarian relief organizations requires scenario driven catastrophic planning. This paper documents the lack of effective decision support tools and systems for humanitarian aid and describes the current state of models and methods used for determination of hazard generated needs. The paper discusses work performed on a catastrophic earthquake preparedness project. It outlines how the results of this project will be used to advance the modeling and decision support capabilities of federal, state and local disaster planners and emergency responders.
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Michael Hiete, & Mirjam Merz. (2009). An indicator framework to assess the vulnerability of industrial sectors against indirect disaster losses. 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: Natural and man-made hazards may affect industrial production sites by both direct losses (due to physical damage to assets and buildings) and indirect losses (production losses). Indirect losses, e.g. from production downtimes, can exceed direct losses multiple times. Thus, the vulnerability of industrial sectors to indirect losses is an important component of risk and its determination is an important part within risk analysis. In this paper a conceptual indicator framework is presented which allows to assess the indirect vulnerability of industrial sectors to different types of disasters in a quantitative manner. The results are useful for information sharing and decision making in crisis management and emergency planning (mitigation measures, business continuity planning), since the developed indicator system helps to take the complex phenomenon of industrial vulnerability and the underlying interdependencies into account. Besides the identification and conceptual motivation of the indicators, methodical aspects such as standardization, weighting and aggregation are addressed.
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Jutta Hild, Jonathan Ott, Yvonne Fischer, & Christian Glökler. (2010). Markov based decision support for cost-optimal response in security management. 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: In this contribution, we introduce a prototype of a decision support tool for cost-optimal response in security management. The threat situation of a closed infrastructure, exposed to multiple threats, and the corresponding response actions are modeled by a continuous-time Markov decision process (CMDP). Since the CMDP cannot be solved exactly for large infrastructures, the response actions are determined from a heuristic, based on an index rule. The decision support tool's user interface displays the infrastructure's current threat state and proposes the heuristic response actions to the decision maker. In this way, global situation awareness can be enhanced and the decision maker is able to initiate an almost cost-optimal response action in short time.
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Geoffrey Hoare, Jeffrey Nield, Tom Belcuore, & Tom Rich. (2008). Information needs and decision support in health and medical disasters. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 778–786). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: During a disaster, health and medical decision makers need accurate, timely information. However, it is seldom readily available to the right decision makers, at the right time. Quite a number of databases currently exist with information about health and medical organizations which decision makers need during a disaster. Some of these databases have functions that facilitate decision-making and communication before, during and after a disaster. In theory, linking several existing databases will supply this information. Also, other functions can be provided in one package for incident management and monitoring of the preparedness capacity of a State's health and medical systems. But, this has not happened yet in Florida. This research assessed the different users needs, defined the information required to make good decisions and is testing a pilot decision support system of linked databases.
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Gesine Hofinger, Robert Zinke, & Laura Künzer. (2011). Psychological requirements for crisis and emergency decision-support systems for public transport control centers. 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: Control center staff is used to working with software applications for e.g. surveillance of production processes, for controlling and timing of industrial logistics, and for recording and filing incidents and actions. Yet, decision-support systems for emergency situations pose additional demands on employees in this domain. This paper reports first findings for psychological requirements for decision support systems in the rise of emergencies as identified in a federal German research project in the domain of public transportation. In control centers both the humans on duty who have to intervene during an emergency, and the technical system which provides decision-alternatives for supporting the action are considered. Based on findings of the project, psychological, technical and organizational requirements identified in interviews, observations, document analysis and additional relevant literature are generalized.
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Flávio E. A. Horita, & João Porto De Albuquerque. (2013). An approach to support decision-making in disaster management based on volunteer geographic information (VGI) and spatial decision support systems (SDSS). 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. 301–306). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The damage caused by recent events in Japan in 2011 and USA in 2012 highlighted the need to adopt measures to increase the resilience of communities against extreme events and disasters. In addition to the conventional and official information that is necessary for adaptation to disasters, recently, common citizens residents in the affected areas also began contributing with voluntary qualified and updated information. In this context, this work-in-progress presents an approach that uses voluntary information – Also known by VGI (Volunteered Geographic Information) – As a data source for Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) in order to assist the decision-making in disaster management. Our approach consists of a framework that integrates voluntary and conventional data, a SDSS and processes and methods for decision-making. As a result, it is expected that this approach will assist official organizations in disaster management by providing mechanisms and information.
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Alicia Cabañas Ibañez, Dirk Schwanenberg, Luis Garrote De Marcos, Miguel Francés Mahamud, & Javier Arbaizar González. (2011). An example of Flood Forecasting and Decision-Support System for water management in Spain. 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: The paper provides an overview of past, present and future development in the program to implement a Flood Forecasting and Decision-Support System (DSS) for the SAIH network in some Spanish basins. These tools represent a significant advance by embedding the decision-making components for management of hydraulic infrastructure into the flood forecasting and flood early warning procedures. The DSS has been implemented based on an open-shell platform for integrating various data sources and different simulation models. So far, it covers the Segura, Jucar, Tajo, Duero and Miño-Sil basins, which represent 42% of Spanish territory. Special attention is paid to the decision-support for the operation of the 66 major reservoirs as a fundamental part of flood management.
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Yasir Javed, Tony Norris, & David Johnston. (2010). Design approach to an emergency decision support system for mass evacuation. 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: This paper is directed primarily to investigating the information needs of emergency managers following recognition of a risk of volcanic eruption. These needs include type of information required during the collection, integration, synthesis, presentation, and sharing of information. This will identify and model the processes underpinning the design of an emergency decision support system (EDSS). Exploration of the information needs, flows, and processes involved in emergency decision making can improve the design of EDSS both in terms of their content and the all-important human-system interfaces that determine their usability.The information attributes and flows then lead to the development of a prototype system that can be evaluated to test and refine the concepts.
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Johan Jenvald, Michael Morin, Toomas Timpka, & Henrik Eriksson. (2007). Simulation as decision support in pandemic influenza preparedness and 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. 295–304). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Outbreak of a destructive pandemic influenza threatens to disrupt societies worldwide. International agencies and national governments have prepared plans and recommendations, but it is often decision-makers with the local authorities that are responsible for implementing the response. A central issue for these decision makers is what interventions are available and effective for the specific local community. The paper presents a simulator architecture and its relation to a workflow for decision support in influenza preparedness and response. The simulator can simulate pandemic scenarios, using localized community models, in the presence of various interventions to support an evaluation of potential response strategies. The architecture includes a customized modeling tool, separated from the simulation engine, which facilitates swift scenario modification and recalculation. This flexibility is essential both to explore alternative solutions in planning, and to adapt to changing requirements, information, and resources in outbreak response. An example simulation, based on actual population data from a reference city, illustrates the approach.
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Jill L. Drury, Gary L. Klein, Jennifer Mathieu, Yikun Liu, & Mark Pfaff. (2013). Sympathetic decisions: Incorporating impacts on others into emergency response decision spaces. 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. 199–209). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: We designed two decision support tools and employed them during a one-week, simulation-driven experiment that included emergency responders acting in their real-life roles. Each tool visualized a “decision space”: A diagrammatic depiction of the relative desirability of one option versus another, including the inherent uncertainty in the potential outcomes. One requirement was to develop a tool accounting for the impacts of decisions on others, so that emergency responders can make “sympathetic decisions.” For example, one decision space enabled responders to request resources from surrounding jurisdictions while also considering the potential negative effects on the lending organizations. Another decision space enabled responders to engage in a strategic dialogue with the public: “listening” to the public's greatest concerns by mining social media to measure emotion, and thereby suggesting strategic communications addressing those concerns. We report how we designed the decision spaces and the qualitative results of using these spaces during the experiment.
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Fahem Kebair, & Frédéric Serin. (2008). Towards an intelligent system for risk prevention and emergency management. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 526–535). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Making a decision in a changeable and dynamic environment is an arduous task owing to the lack of information, their uncertainties and the unawareness of planners about the future evolution of incidents. The use of a decision support system is an efficient solution for this issue. Such a system can help emergency planners and responders to detect possible emergencies, as well as to suggest and evaluate possible courses of action to deal with the emergency. We are interested in our work to the modelling of a monitoring preventive and emergency management system, wherein we stress the generic aspect. In this paper we propose an agent-based architecture of this system and we describe a first step of our approach which is the modeling of information and their representation using a multiagent system.
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George N. Kelly. (2005). Emergency management in Europe – Contribution of euratom research. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 261–267). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper summarises the contribution of EURATOM research to off-site emergency management in Europe over the past two decades. Effort initially focused on the development of methods and software that could be used to underpin the nature and extent of emergency management arrangements and policy. With time, and partially in response to accidents at TMI and Chernobyl, effort shifted to the development of a comprehensive decision support system that could find broad use in real time across Europe in order to better inform decisions on emergency management. The deployment of the developed system across Europe, largely so far at a pre-operational level, is described together with the opportunities this offers for more coherent response to any accident that may in future affect Europe and for better use of scarce resources, both human and otherwise. Indications are given of where further effort or initiatives should be directed with a view to ensuring that the major research achievements are fully and effectively exploited.
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Ali Khalili-Araghi, Uwe Glässer, Hamed Yaghoubi Shahir, Brian Fisher, & Piper Jackson. (2012). Intelligent decision support for emergency responses. 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: With a coastline touching upon the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Great Lakes and the Arctic Sea, the Canadian MSOCs are faced with a daunting task. They are responsible for both routine duties, including patrolling coastal areas and collecting satellite data, as well as critical missions, such as emergency response and crime intervention. Both kinds of mission require the fusion of data from a variety of sources and the orchestration of myriad heterogeneous resources over great physical distances. They must deal with uncertainty, both in terms of what can be known and also in the outcomes of actions, and must interact with an environment prone to dynamic change. We present the architecture and core mechanisms of a decision support system for marine safety and security operations (Glässer, Jackson, Araghi, When and Shahir, 2010). The goal of this system is to enhance complex command and control tasks by improving situational awareness and automating task assignments. This system concept includes adaptive information fusion techniques integrated with decentralized control mechanisms for dynamic resource configuration management and task execution management under uncertainty. Autonomously operating agents employ collaboration and coordination to collectively form an intelligent decision support system. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Rita Kovordanyi, Rudolf Schreiner, Jelle Pelfrene, Johan Jenvald, Henrik Eriksson, Amy Rankin, et al. (2012). Real-time support for exercise managers' situation assessment and 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: Exercise managers and instructors have a particularly challenging task in monitoring and controlling on-going exercises, which may involve multiple response teams and organizations in highly complex and continuously evolving crisis situations. Managers and instructors must handle potentially incomplete and conflicting field-observation data and make decisions in real-time in order to control the flow of the exercise and to keep it in line with the training objectives. In simulation-based exercises, managers and instructors have access to a rich set of real-time data, with an increased potential to closely monitor the trainees' actions, and to keep the exercise on track. To assist exercise managers and instructors, data about the on-going exercise can be filtered, aggregated and refined by real-time decision-support systems. We have developed a model and a prototype decision-support system, using stream-based reasoning to assist exercise managers and instructors in real-time. The approach takes advantage of topic maps for ontological representation and a complex-event processing engine for analyzing the data stream from a virtual-reality simulator for crisis-management training. Aggregated data is presented both on-screen, in Twitter, and in the form of topic maps. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Bruno B. Lage, Victor A. Bañuls, & Marcos R. S. Borges. (2013). Supporting course of actions development in emergency preparedness through cross-impact analysis. 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. 714–723). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Emergency plans are developed to serve as a basis for response actions required in real situations. However, plan development is not an easy task and usually relies on complex processes. Due to the uncertainty of emergencies, one of the most challenging tasks is the development of possible courses of action. To deal with this uncertainty, we propose the use of scenario techniques for the definition of courses of action. Specifically, we adopt the use of CIA-ISM scenario technique for structuring the chain of events that can occur in a crisis that would support planning teams to develop courses of action. A practical application of the methodology has been successfully conducted by an emergency planning team in Brazil. The practical application of the CIA-ISM process was supported by a software artifact called CAEPlan. Lessons learned about the empirical application of both the methodology and the software artifact are presented.
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Laura Laguna Salvadó, Matthieu Lauras, Tina Comes, & Mathieu Grenade. (2016). A Study on the Sub-Regionalization of Humanitarian Supply Chain: the IFRC Case. 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: Humanitarian Supply Chain (HSC) performance is a key factor for disaster response. In order to be more responsive, the typical humanitarian supply strategy has evolved from a centralized to a decentralized network, generally at regional level. The objective was to reduce lead-times and costs. However, after a decade of working, organizations like the Americas and Caribbean International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) have noticed that those objectives are only partially reached and have decided to go further in the evolution by developing sub-regionalized networks. In this study, we analyse the HSC sub-regionalization process to better understand the challenges and opportunities for humanitarian organizations. Three key aspects are point out: implementation, real-time monitoring and operations? cost-efficiency. Based on these results and considering the law maturity level of humanitarian organizations in terms of Information and Decision-Support Systems, we conclude with giving concrete guidelines for designing and developing ad-hoc monitoring and orchestrating systems.
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Ola Leifler. (2008). Combining technical and human-centered strategies for decision support in command and control: The ComPlan approach. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 504–515). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: ComPlan (A Combined, Collaborative Command and Control Planning tool) is an approach to providing knowledge-based decision support in the context of command and control. It combines technical research on automated planning tools with human-centered research on mission planning. At its core, ComPlan uses interconnected views of a planning situation to present and manipulate aspects of a scenario. By using domain knowledge flexibly, it presents immediate and directly visible feedback on constraint violations of a plan, facilitates mental simulation of events, and provides support for synchronization of concurrently working mission planners. The conceptual framework of ComPlan is grounded on three main principles from human-centered research on command and control: transparency, graceful regulation, and event-based feedback. As a result, ComPlan provides a model for applying a human-centered perspective on plan authoring tools for command and control, and a demonstration for how to apply that model in an integrated plan-authoring environment.
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Ola Leifler, & Johan Jenvald. (2005). Critique and visualization as decision support for mass-casualty emergency management. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 155–159). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Emergency management in highly dynamic situations consists of exploring options to solve a planning problem. This task can be supported through the use of visual cues that are based on domain knowledge of the current domain. We present an approach to use visualization of critical constraints in timelines and hierarchical views as decision support in mass-casualty emergency situations.
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Leorey Marquez, Pawan Gamage, Dhirendra Singh, Vincent Lemiale, Trevor Dess, Peter Ashton, et al. (2023). SEEKER: A Web-Based Simulation Tool for Planning Community Evacuations. In V. L. Thomas J. Huggins (Ed.), Proceedings of the ISCRAM Asia Pacific Conference 2022 (pp. 8–24). Palmerston North, New Zealand: Massey Unversity.
Abstract: Bushfires cause widespread devastation in Australia, one of the most fire-prone countries on earth. Bushfire seasons are also becoming longer and outbreaks of severe bushfires are occurring more often. This creates the problem of having more people at risk in very diverse areas resulting in more difficult mass evacuations over time. The Barwon Otway region in Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire is one such area with evacuation challenges due to its limited routes in and out of coastal areas and its massive population surges during the tourist season and holiday periods. The increasing gravity of the bushfire threat to the region has brought about the Great Ocean Road Decision Support System (GOR-DSS) project, and the subsequent development of a disaster evacuation tool to support emergency management organisations assess evacuation and risk mitigation options. This paper describes the design and development of SEEKER (Simulations of Emergency Evacuations for Knowledge, Education and Response). The SEEKER tool adds another level of intelligence to the evacuation response by incorporating agent-based modelling and allows emergency management agencies to design and run evacuation scenarios and analyse the risk posed by the fire to the population and road network. Furthermore, SEEKER can be used to develop multiple evacuation scenarios to investigate and compare the effectiveness of each emergency evacuation plan. This paper also discusses the application of SEEKER in a case study, community engagement, and training.
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Fabiana Santos Lima, Bernd Hellingrath, Adam Widera, & Mirian Buss Gonçalves. (2013). A systemic process model for procurement decisions in humanitarian logistics. 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. 688–692). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The relief organizations work in volatile environments involving a variety of actors with different skills and knowledge. The service of emergency for victims of natural disasters requires a rapid decision-making. The objective of the approach presented in this paper is to develop a Systemic Process Model (SPM) for procurement decisions in humanitarian logistics. The SPM aims to support procurement tasks of humanitarian organizations during the response phase in disaster relief. The approach provides a decision support tool using an appropriate quantitative model reflecting the specific area of humanitarian logistics processes.
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Tim A. Majchrzak, Oliver Noack, Herbert Kuchen, Philipp Neuhaus, & Frank Ückert. (2010). Towards a decision support system for the allocation of traumatized patients. 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: We present a decision support system for the allocation of traumatized patients. The assignment of patients to vehicles and hospitals is a task that requires detailed up-to-date information but has to be carried out quickly. We pro-pose to support medical staff with an IT system. We especially encourage such a system to be used in cases of mass incidents as it is very problematic – yet essential – To provide all injured with adequate healthcare as fast as possible. Our proposal is a system based on business rules. In this paper we describe the development project's background as well as the system's requirements and some details of its implementation. Moreover, we explain an exemplary scenario to show strengths of our approach. Besides discussing related work, we draw an overview of future tasks.
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Christoph Markmann, Heiko A. Von Der Gracht, Jonas Keller, & Rixa Kroehl. (2012). Collaborative foresight as a meansto face future risks – An innovative platform conception. 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: Increasing market volatility and disruptions imply risks for companies and governments and have become therefore focus topics. Adequate tools to identify, assess and manage future developments are key to survive in a turbulent environment. In our paper, we present the systematic development process of an innovative, web-based foresight platform, which is a joint research project funded by the German Federal Government and aims to improve the robustness in decision making by collaborative foresight. Its four interlinked applications have the purpose to enable their users a collaborative generation, discussion, evaluation and development of future-oriented knowledge. Thereby, a special emphasis is on the relevance and the timeliness of the provided information. Within the multi-stage requirement analysis of the tool platform we analyzed existing concepts in order to identify strengths and weaknesses and conducted brainstorming sessions and interviews with professionals of 130 companies and organizations to account for different backgrounds, perspectives and intentions. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Matthias Max, Sigmund Kluckner, & Susann Jentzsch. (2014). Trainings for crisis information systems in civil protection: A German perspective. 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. 518–527). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Much research and technical development has been conducted to make crisis management more efficient, especially regarding crisis information systems used to streamline operations of authorities during a crisis. Experts from the German Red Cross mention that there is a need for the development and improvement of specific training methods and structures for such new crisis information systems in command and control centers. They also say that computer simulations could be a practical possibility to train crisis management and response staff. To substantiate this information, interviews were conducted with key officials in the field of German civil protection: command and control center staff, command and control center software trainers and crisis information system managers. This paper presents a qualitative study in the field of training German response personnel in crisis management information systems. The results are presented in three sections: suitable training strategies and structures, challenges and best practices for the implementation of trainings and using simulation as a training method for crisis information systems. The results contain personal experiences, opinions and known best-practices of the interview partners.
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Melanie Eckle, João Porto de Albuquerque, Benjamin Herfort, Alexander Zipf, Richard Leiner, Rüdiger Wolff, et al. (2016). Leveraging OpenStreetMap to Support Flood Risk Management in Municipalities: A Prototype Decision Support System. 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: Floods are considered the most common and devastating type of disasters world-wide. Therefore, flood management is a crucial task for municipalities- a task that requires dependable information to evaluate risks and to react accordingly in a disaster scenario. Acquiring and maintaining this information using official data however is not always feasible, especially for smaller municipalities. This issue could be approached by integrating the collaborative maps of OpenStreetMap (OSM). The OSM data is openly accessible, adaptable and continuously updated. Nonetheless, to make use of this data for effective decision support, the OSM data must be first adapted to the needs of decision makers. In the pursuit of this goal, this paper presents the OpenFloodRiskMap (OFRM)- a prototype for a OSM based spatial decision-support system. OFRM builds an intuitive and practical interface upon existing OSM data and services to enable decision makers to utilize the open data for emergency planning and response.
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