Herkevall, J., & Johansson Björn J E. (2023). Is this a date? – New perspectives on ICT for harmonized inter-organizational crisis management. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 67–75). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: In this paper, we challenge common conceptions related to the role and development of information and communication technology (ICT) for crisis management. Based on an understanding of inter-organizational crisis management as self-organizing through processes of harmonization in complex adaptive systems, ICT is positioned as an enabler in the bridging of social and organizational boundaries. In this view, the primary requirements for ICT in inter-organizational settings are defined by current information sharing needs, which are continuously changing with the context and co-working partners. From this understanding of inter-organizational relations in crisis management, this paper suggests two complementary approaches to ICT focusing on policy adjustment and training that supports adaptive organizational capabilities and utilization of easily available commercial ICT. The ideas put forth in this paper are intended to add perspectives and spark discussions on ICT for crisis management.
|
|
Per-Anders Oskarsson, Niklas Hallberg, Johan Nordström, Magdalena Granåsen, & Mari Olsén. (2022). Assessment of Collaborative Crisis Management Capability by Generic Questions. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 385–391). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Societies need the ability to respond to crises such as terrorism, pandemics and natural disasters. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the capability of crisis management is attained, maintained, and developed. Since large crises cannot be handled by single organizations, collaborative crisis management capability is needed. The objective of this work was to provide support by an instrument for assessment of collaborative crisis management capability. The work was iteratively performed in a workgroup. The outcome was two templates with sets of generic questions, one for assessment of the actual capabilities and one for assessment of the preconditions of the capabilities. The templates mainly focus on assessment of collaborative crisis management capability. However, since the questions are generically formulated, they should be usable for assessments of any type of crisis management capability.
|
|
Boris Petrenj, & Paolo Trucco. (2021). Blockchain-based Solutions to support inter-organisational Critical Infrastructure Resilience. 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. 982–993). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This conceptual paper critically discusses opportunities for and challenges to the development and exploitation of blockchain-based solutions for resilience management at inter-organizational level of interdependent Critical Infrastructure (CI) systems. The main premise behind this idea is that trustful information-sharing and inter-institutional collaboration are the key elements of government and private sector efforts to build CI resilience (CIR). The discussion presents a vision that the adoption and adaptation of Blockchain Technology (BCT) could significantly improve the way a network of stakeholders prepares for and performs in face of inevitable CI disruptions. Even though BCT is regarded as technological innovation, the impacts go far beyond information systems. BCT application in this domain would entail significant benefits to organizational, managerial, legal and social issues, but would require adequate operational and organizational changes. We discuss how interdisciplinary approach (BCT and CIR) could address existing challenges, how it could introduce new challenges and how it could support other approaches and paradigms currently being regarded as the future of risk and resilience management. Even though the discussion in this paper is focused on Critical Infrastructure resilience, each point also applies to Crisis/Disaster management domain in general. This is a preliminary overview with the aim to stimulate further discussions and point to possible new, disruptive and interdisciplinary research avenues. To this end, a possible research agenda is eventually proposed.
|
|
Björn J E Johansson. (2020). Boundary Stories – A Systems Perspective on Inter-organizational Learning from Crisis Response Exercises. 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. 427–434). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Inter-organizational exercises are commonly conducted with the aim to improve overall crisis response system performance. However, there are challenges associated with establishing learning goals for, designing and evaluating inter-organizational exercises. This work-in-progress paper applies a systems science perspective on the Swedish crisis response system with the aim to understand (1) what kind of a system it is (2) what properties or mechanisms enable good system performance?, and, (3) what are desirable training goals for improving the crisis response capability of the Swedish crisis response system? The author suggests that (1) the Swedish crisis response system can be seen as a Complex Adaptive System, and (2) that the focus must shift from exercising organizations' intra-organizational capabilities to adaptive capabilities. The latter can be achieved by designing exercises comprising boundary-crossing activities with the purpose to support the buildup of boundary-crossing competence. Cross-organizational learning can be achieved by identifying, documenting and disseminating boundary stories.
|
|
Mari Olsén, Niklas Hallberg, Per-Anders Oskarsson, & Magdalena Granåsen. (2020). Exploring Capabilities that Constitute Inter-Organizational 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. 417–426). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Crises are infrequent, unpredictable and complex events. Managing such events requires well-prepared and well-coordinated efforts by several response organizations. Hence, a sufficient inter-organizational crisis management (ICM) capability is critical for sustainable societies. To ensure the ICM capability, approaches for enhancing and evaluating it are needed. The objective of this study was to identify and elaborate a clearly defined set of capabilities that constitutes ICM capability. The study was performed by an explorative literature study, where identified capabilities related to ICM were clustered. The cluster of capabilities was iteratively evaluated and refined. The study resulted in 14 capabilities that constitute ICM capability, which were divided into core, supportive, and enabling capabilities. The set of capabilities may provide a foundation for a framework of ICM capability with the ability to support assessment of ICM performance both in exercises and in real ICM operations, as well as in the design of ICM exercises.
|
|