Ahmed Abdeltawab Abdelgawad. (2019). Reliability of expert estimates of cascading failures in Critical Infrastructure. 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: Owing to the complexity of Critical Infrastructures and the richness of issues to analyze, numerous approaches are used to model the behavior of CIs. Organizations having homeland security as mission often conduct desktop-based simulations using judgmental assessment of CI interdependencies and cascading failures. Expert estimates concern direct effects between the originally disrupted CI sector and other sectors. To better understand the magnitude of aggregate cascading effects, we developed a system dynamics model that uses expert estimates of cascading failures to compare the aggregate effect of cascading failures with the primary direct cascading failures. We find that the aggregate effect of compounded cascading failures becomes significantly greater than the primary cascading failures the longer the duration of the original disruption becomes. Our conceptually simple system dynamics model could be used to improve desktop-based exercises, since it illustrates consequences that go beyond judgmental assessment.
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Andreas Lotter, Konrad Barth, Brauner Florian, Florian Steyer, Ompe Aime Mudimu, & Alex Lechleuthner. (2016). Measurement of information flows in rescue exercises in the aftermath of the collapse of a building. 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: Collapsed buildings are one of the most complex challenges for rescue forces. The large amount of incoming information in particular is a major challenge to handle for the involved forces. The Assessment of this information is necessary in order to be able to give reliable statements about the number of buried and missing victims. To improve the handling of the information, the authors have developed a method to measure information flow during rescue exercises after the collapse of a building. This method has been developed within VERVE, a research project subsidized by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The method has been evaluated and tested through two exercises.
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Viveca Asproth, Erik A.M. Borglund, & Lena-Maria Öberg. (2013). Exercises for crisis management training in intra-organizational settings. 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. 105–109). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In this article the focus is how to train collaboration and communication between emergency authorities in two countries (Norway and Sweden) by using a web-based tool supporting tabletop like exercises. The exercises are accomplished in three steps: Scenario design; exercise design and realization; and evaluation to examine the results of the exercises and for feedback to new scenario designs. The software ties all three steps together. The process is iterative, and involves users from each emergency authority. The preliminary results after two years show that the approach is promising. To be able to better foresee what will happen during an exercise the need for a simulator has appeared as one desirable and possible direction for further research.
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Astrid Janssen, & Hanneke Vreugdenhil. (2015). Objective oriented exercise evaluation with TARCK-it. 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: Do we fully utilize the results of disaster management exercises? Do we miss valuable feedback? Many different types of disaster management exercises, command post exercises, tabletop exercises, or serious games have a specific purpose. Generally each exercise is designed to meet its own particular exercise goals. Evaluation of the exercises is achieved in many different ways. Not always guidelines for exercise evaluation are present. Generally the exercise participants? performance is assessed by experienced staff members. The main purpose of the evaluation is to see whether the exercise goals are met. In this publication the authors suggest that a valuable source of information about the participants? performance in exercises remains often undiscovered. A new level of information can be unlocked by evaluating the exercise using a structured, analytical method. The method TARCK-it directly compares measured participant or team performance with the exercise goals.
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Aurélie Congès, Alexis Evain, Olivier Chabiron, Col. Jacob Graham(USMC, R.), & Frédérick Benaben. (2020). Virtual Reality to Train for Crisis Management. 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. 1100–1112). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: The EGCERSIS project aims at using virtual reality to improve the efficiency of the crisis management preparation phase. The idea is to tackle the drawbacks of regular crisis management exercises thanks to fully configurable scenarios taking place in digital twins of real critical sites. Virtual exercises will improve, among other things, the frequency, efficiency, and modularity of crisis management preparation, while reducing its costs. In this article, we demonstrate the idea of the project through a simple use-case taking place in a metro station and involving three crisis responders. By linking virtual exercises to our crisis management platform, we also want to demonstrate the usefulness of decision-support systems during a crisis.
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Berggren, P., Ryrberg, T., Lindhagen, A., & Johansson, B. (2023). Building capacity – conceptualizing Training of Trainers. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 701–710). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Many organizations train and educate their staff to prepare for crisis. One approach is train-the-trainer (ToT; Training of trainers) concept. It is based on the idea that someone can be trained as a trainer, who in turn train their colleagues. The philosophy resembles a pyramid scheme that allows for a fast and efficient spread of knowledge and skills. This study focused on perceptions of the ToT concept through interviews with ToT trainers. Two learning theories, organizational learning (4I) and experiential learning theory (ELT) were used to conceptualize the ToT-concept. It was found that the ToT-concept can be used as the method to conduct ELT to achieve organizational learning and knowledge (4I). Furthermore, the study also presents how participants perceives ToT using thematic analysis. This resulted in four themes: Common understanding of ToT, Learn-by doing, No grounding in ToT, and Difficult to ensure quality.
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Borglund, E., A.M., & Granholm, M. (2023). Challenges in work procedures in distributed crisis management. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 732–737). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: This is a work in progress paper on work and IT usage in distributed crisis management. The data presented in this paper has been collected at a one-day tabletop exercise with four Swedish municipalities. Four members of the four municipalities’ crisis organizations were invited to the exercise, which was designed as one scenario divided into two cases. At the start of each case of the exercise, each municipality was split into two separate rooms, to simulate a distributed crisis management. During the first case they could communicate using phone, TETRA radio, and the Internet. During case two in the scenario, there was no Internet connection. The study indicates that all the municipalities managed to organize and solve the given tasks using primarily voice communication, in case one using phone or, e.g., Teams, and in case two using TETRA radio. Information sharing using IT was non-existing.
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Erik A.M. Borglund, & Lena-Maria Öberg. (2014). Creation of an exercise scenario: A collaborative design effort. 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. 488–492). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: To increase the preparedness Crisis response and management authorities carry out various forms of exercises. This article is based upon a three year long project named Gaining security symbiosis (GSS). The project was aiming to increase the collaboration between crisis actors in the Swedish-Norway border region through exercises. We argue that creation of scenarios is a design challenge. In the GSS project, the exercises are built upon designed scenarios, which should make the exercise realistic and make the trainee train the expected. We propose a scenario design method that is built upon an iterative approach and that includes collaboration with the actors that are involved in the exercise. The method also includes a set of characteristics that could be used to evaluate the events of the scenario. The method have been developed and refined during the project and show some promising result. There is however a need for future research when it comes to further development and evaluation of the proposed design method.
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Cornelius Dold, Christopher Munschauer, & Ompe Aimé Mudimu. (2020). Real-Life Exercises as a Tool in Security Research and Civil Protection – Options for Data Collections. 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. 244–250). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: A real-life exercise is a scientific method used by the TH Köln to generate data sets of new technologies and operational concepts derived from research projects. The Institute of Rescue Engineering and Civil Protection (German acronym: IRG) uses a real-time locating system (RTLS), video surveillance, observers and a mass casualty incident benchmark to generate motion profiles, information flows and information on the quality of care. In this practitioner paper these different methods will be discussed and the combination of different data is described. Furthermore, an outlook is given on the extent to which the method will be improved and expand-ed in the future. Concluding it can be said that the combination of all collected data is essential for the evalua-tion of a real-life exercise in security research or civil protection.
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Dashley K. Rouwendal van Schijndel, Jo E. Hannay, & Audun Stolpe. (2020). Simulation Vignette Generation from Answer Set Specifications. 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. 110–121). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: We investigate an approach that allows exercise managers to design simulations with an explicit focus on building skills, rather than having to focus on all the objects and interactions that a simulation must have. Exercise managers may design exercises at various levels of abstraction and always independently of how those sessions are implemented in simulations, while simulation components that implement the design are assembled and to some extent, automatically, behind the scenes. We outline (1) how Answer Set Programming can assist exercise managers in exercise planning and (2) how automated stage and content generation may be used to invoke appropriate simulation components to realize the design. For deliberate and recurrent training of decision-making skills, stages and content must vary to avoid familiarity (testing effects). We conclude by distilling a main research hypothesis that stipulates how (1) and (2) represent two modes of automated reasoning (so-called deductive versus abductive) and how that distinction clarifies the planning task.
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Simone De Kleermaeker, Annette Zijderveld, & Bart Thonus. (2011). Training for crisis response with serious games based on early warning systems. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper discusses serious games developed as part of a training program developed for a Dutch crisis response group, which acts during a (potential) flooding crisis. Training in general contributes to a wide range of learning objectives and can address different target audiences. For each combination of learning objective and target audience, the proper form of education has to be selected, ranging from self-tuition to large scale multi-party training and exercises. Serious games can be a useful and educational addition to the set of existing training tools. For operational crisis response groups a high match with real-time warning systems is essential. Our approach shows how to integrate both serious games and early warning systems for effective training and exercises. We end with our lessons learned in designing serious games based on early warning systems, in the context of a training program for a crisis response group.
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Bruna Diirr, & Marcos R. S. Borges. (2013). Applying software engineering testing techniques to evaluate emergency plans. 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. 758–763). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: An emergency plan is an important artifact used throughout emergencies. Therefore, it is crucial that this plan covers the different scenarios faced by emergency team and that the prescribed procedures generate the desired results. To achieve these goals, emergency plans need to be exhaustively tested prior to its adoption. Emergency teams usually use simulation to test plans, but it is an expensive approach, demanding the building of complex environments and tools to get realistic situations. To be ready to go through a simulation exercise, a plan should not have many or critical mistakes, otherwise the simulation exercise would be wasted. We present a paired approach to evaluate emergency plans before simulation exercises, by applying software engineering testing techniques: Formal technical review (FTR) and mutation testing. The expected result is a plan more ready to go through simulation, as many of the mistakes are eliminated prior to simulation.
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E. Martina Granholm. (2017). What about IT? Crisis Exercises for Multiple Skills. 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. 341–352). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Cooperation and interaction demands digital skills. In an agile context, there is no time for learning while doing, implicating that many of the skills need to be practiced beforehand. Since exercises are one way of enhancing skills needed in crisis situations, it is important to know what skills are practiced during the exercises. This review aims to understand what skills have been practiced during exercises conducted in Sweden between 2010 and 2014. Data was obtained from 15 evaluations of exercises including multiple actors. Most exercises practiced collaboration, communication, information and shared situation awareness skills. Results showed that 4 out of 15 had a specific goal in terms of technology use. Exercises with explicit technology goals are effective as a way to change opinions about the tool in question. The participants requests additional exercises specifically targeting routines and the use of technological tools.
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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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Joris Field, Arjan Lemmers, Amy Rankin, & Michael Morin. (2012). Instructor tools for virtual training systems. 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: Crisis management exercises require a lot of preparation and planning to ensure that the training objectives are met. This is often a time consuming and expensive process and can be a major barrier to setting up frequent crisis management training sessions. The introduction of virtual training environments to supplement the live exercises enables the development of tools to support the instructors in their planning, management, observation and analysis of training exercises. This can simplify the planning process, and give instructors control over the configuration of the exercises to tailor them to the needs of individual trainees. In this paper we present a tool that supports instructors in the planning of virtual exercises, and can be used to provide templates for live exercises. This tool has been developed with ongoing feedback from instructors and crisis management personnel and forms part of a crisis management virtual training system. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Florent Castagnino. (2019). What can we learn from a crisis management exercise ? Trusting social media in a french firefighters' department. 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: This paper sets out the methodology and the temporary results of an ongoing research project on the use of social media in crisis management (in France). It discusses the benefits and limits to use an emergency crisis exercise for research purposes. It describes an observation protocol and a coding method that could be replicate to survey further exercises. Some possible processing of the observation data is exposed, and further visualizations of the data are still in progress. One of the first analytical results tackles the way Var?s firefighters consider social media information. For now, social media seem to be regarded as questionable because they do not easily fit into the organizational routine. At the same time, the awareness of the need to use social media is quite strong. On the analytical level, the paper tries to use sociological concepts to describe and explain some results.
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Henke, S., Widera, A., & Hellingrath, B. (2023). Evaluation-driven Disaster Management Exercises: A Collaborative Toolkit. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 989–999). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Disaster management exercises are a core component of humanitarian organizations’ preparedness strategies. They entail diverse purposes, from training capabilities of participants to testing response plans to enhancing collaboration between organizations and many more. However, it is uncertain how much exercises contribute to preparedness. Rigorous evaluation is needed to exploit learning opportunities of an exercise. Therefore, exercises must target evaluable objectives, which is complicated by the socio-technical openness of the exercise system, the heterogeneity of organizational needs, and the scarcity of resources. Many different tools aim to support evaluation but are limited to specific use cases, resulting in a fragmented overview for practitioners. Due to the excessive effort involved, practitioners often consider exercise evaluation to be of secondary importance. This study thus proposes the conceptual design of a combined toolkit that supports the practitioners in a more rigorous but resource-efficient evaluation to make disaster management exercises more evaluation-driven.
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Erich Heumüller, Sebastian Richter, & Ulrike Lechner. (2012). Towards a framework for command post exercises. 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: The paper describes work-in-progress of an action research approach investigating command post exercises in disaster response organizations. The empirical basis of our approach is three command post exercises in Germa-ny. The main contribution of this paper is the framework for the conceptualization of command post exercises and an analysis of challenges in the conceptualization of command post exercises. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Erich Heumüller, Sebastian Richter, & Ulrike Lechner. (2013). Training, test and experimentation: A classification of command post exercises. 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. 110–114). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Based on a state of the art analysis of exercise classifications and empirical findings from an Action Research approach this paper presents a classification for command post exercises, that addresses identified shortcomings concerning practical support for goal-achievement and evaluation in exercise design. The authors' classification distinguishes between Training, Test and Experimentation Exercises, which are characterized by the following aspects: Goal and purpose of exercise, participants, evaluation content and output, evaluation methodology, role of observers, scenario complexity, potential for organizational innovation and results. The classification was developed in an Action Research approach with an empirical basis of four command post exercises. Results indicate high benefit for exercises and the approach is perceived rather simple, easy to understand and to apply.
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Ivar Svare Holand, Peter Mozelius, & Trond Olav Skevik. (2021). A structured and dynamic model for emergency management exercises. 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. 186–197). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Emergencies are management challenges, and emergency exercises that involve multiple collaborating parties is a means towards mastering them. Such exercises are often conducted in a virtual training environment based on complex disaster scenarios. The reported study was carried out using a requirement-focused design approach. The aim was to describe and discuss a relevant design for lean, dynamic, and cost-efficient emergency management exercise systems. Data were gathered from a literature study and analyses of earlier emergency management projects in which the authors had participated. Despite the complexity of many current emergency management exercises, the scenarios usually involve only the response phases and have a linear structure that hinders both didactic aspects and the software structure. The conclusion drawn from the study is that an emergency management exercise model should focus on managing the activities that correspond to alternatives that unfold from a dynamic scenario. Finally, the authors recommend the principles of alternate reality games as a way towards more dynamic and cost-efficient emergency exercise systems.
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Jo Erskine Hannay, & Yelte Kikke. (2019). Structured crisis training with mixed reality simulations. 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: We argue that current technology for crisis training does not explicitly cater well enough for managing training
objectives and skill building metrics throughout the lifespan of training. We suggest how successful crisis training
may be enabled by interoperating next-generation exercise management tools with mixed-reality simulations. We
propose an architecture consisting of (1) a front-end in which training objectives, essential skills, corresponding
events and metrics can be declared, (2) a back-end consisting of simulations that implement the events and metrics
and (3) a middleware which transfers information between the front-end and back-end to enable semi-automatic
composition of the simulations and performance analysis. The purpose of this architecture is to facilitate learning
through the principles of deliberate practice. We indicate where emerging technologies are necessary to achieve this.
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Johan Nordström, & Björn Johan Erik Johansson. (2019). Supporting Inter-Organizational Learning – A Review of Post-Excercise Knowledge Sharing. 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: Inter-organisational learning from exercises and response operations is crucial for improving overall response capacity for coping with cross-domain crisis events. In order to compile and disseminate experiences and acquired knowledge in the form of lessons learned, post-exercise reports are written. This paper presents a review of 17 Swedish post-exercise reports. The review was conducted with the aim to investigate whether such reports contained enough information to support inter-organisational learning, i.e. if learning goals were stated, how the event was described, method for evaluation, conclusions, and whether recommendations for change were sufficient for supporting inter-organisational learning. It was found that most reports did not support organisational development and lacked recommendations that were useful outside the own organisation or the
context of the specific exercise scrutinised. The results indicate the need for an exercise evaluation framework for inter-organisational exercises.
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John Sören Pettersson. (2022). Key Concepts for Effective Use of Digital-supported Table-top Crisis Management Exercises. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 864–875). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Several researchers and contingency agencies have suggested good practices for crisis management exercises. Resource-constrained practitioners in the field report difficulties finding cost-efficient ways to maintain exercise cycles. This paper draws on experiences from working with professional crisis response coordinators who adapted material for table-top exercises to learning management systems, executed the exercises and evaluated team performance. This paper discusses the elimination of bottlenecks and unexpected benefits arising from more flexible exercise designs in terms of synchrony, continuity, and location. While these concepts capture the essence of the various opportunities for flexibility, they need some supporting features in the design of digital exercises. This paper argues for putting emphasis on the writing/speech dichotomy when analysing exercise designs from the perspective of the entire exercise life cycle, including evaluations and preparations for further exercises. Additionally, how requests for individual answers are planned appears to be an effective instrument for efficient exercise design and evaluation during the conducting of an exercise.
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Susanne Jul. (2010). You get what you plan for. 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 seeks to illustrate a few simple but common mistakes in exercise planning through a case study, in the hopes that readers may improve their use of exercises as a research and development tool.
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Kristine Steen-Tveit, Jaziar Radianti, & Bjørn Erik Munkvold. (2020). SMS-based real-time data collection for evaluation of situational awareness and common operational picture: lessons learned from a field exercise. 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. 276–284). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Managing complex multi-agency emergency operations requires that the key actors have a holistic, correct and dynamic situational awareness (SA) and that the involved actors establish a common operational picture (COP). Establishing SA and COP are key objectives in many multi-agency exercises, however, reported research shows limitations in existing methods and approaches for collecting the data required for evaluating this. By being able to capture near real-time information during different phases of the exercise we will be better positioned to identify what works well and what does not work in the process of establishing SA and COP. Our paper presents an example of real-time data collection using SMS during a multi-agency field exercise. Overall, the results support the idea of this as an effective method for collecting real-time data for analyzing the formation of SA and a COP among actors in emergency management.
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