Hans Abbink, Roel Van Dijk, Tamas Dobos, Mark Hoogendoorn, Catholijn M. Jonker, Savas Konur, et al. (2004). Automated support for adaptive incident management. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 69–74). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The project CIM, started in 2003, addresses the problem of automated support for incident management. In this paper some intermediate results are shown, especially on automated support of analysis of errors in traces of incident management. For such traces it can be checked automatically which dynamic properties hold or fail. The potential of the approach is shown in the formal analysis of a given empirical trace. The approach can also be applied in conjunction with simulation experiments. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Guruprasad Airy, Tracy Mullen, & John Yen. (2009). Market based adaptive resource allocation for distributed rescue teams. 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: The dynamic nature of real-world rescue scenarios (e.g., military, emergency first response, hurricane relief) requires constant reevaluation of resource assignments. New events can trigger additional resource requirements generating conflicts about how to reassign resources across tasks in an emerging crisis. Reallocation is further complicated as some resources are synergistic (i.e., helicopter and pilot) and many distributed rescue teams have limited information about other teams' status. We show how integrating a team-based multi-agent planning system with standard combinatorial auction methods to dynamically re-allocate resources can maximize overall rescue utility while providing for graceful managed degradation under conditions of extreme stress. The key innovation of our approach is that we explicitly provide a framework that incorporates the costs involved in dynamically switching resources from one task to another. We compare our system's performance against two other approaches.
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Asmelash Teka Hadgu, Sallam Abualhaija, & Claudia Niederée. (2019). Real-time Adaptive Crawler for Tracking Unfolding Events on Twitter. 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: When a major event such as a crisis situation occurs, people post messages on social media sites such as Twitter, in
order to exchange information or to share emotions. These posts can provide useful information to raise situation
awareness and support decision making, e.g., by aid organizations. In this paper, we propose a novel method for
social media crawling, which exploits a Bayesian inference framework to keep track of keyword changes over time
and uses a counter-stream to gauge the inclusion of noise and irrelevant information. In addition, we present a
framework to evaluate real-time adaptive social search algorithms in a reproducible manner, which relies on a
semi-automated approach for ground-truth construction. We show that our method outperforms previous methods
for very large scale events.
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Gary Berg-Cross. (2008). Improving situational ontologies to support adaptive crisis management knowledge architecture. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 537–545). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: There is considerable interest in advance technologies to support crisis and disaster management as they face the challenges of designing, building, and maintaining large-scale distributed systems able to adapt to the dynamics and complexity of crises. Candidate technologies include Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), related Semantic Web technology, agent-based architecture and cognitive architectures. Each embodies some principles of the Adaptive Architecture-including modularity, openness, standards-based development, runtime support and importantly explicitness. However, truly adaptive architectures for crisis management will require some deepening the knowledge architecture's content and not just its representation. Light and more robust ontological models of situations are discussed to show how better formalization of conceptual patterns like “participation” can be developed to support cognitive architectures. The feasibility of an ontological design pattern approach is described as an avenue for future research and development describing specific types of situations.
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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.
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Kees Boersma, Julie Ferguson, Peter Groenewegen, & Jeroen Wolbers. (2014). Beyond the myth of control: Toward network switching in disaster management. 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. 125–129). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: A novel, 'net-centric' approach to disaster management is challenging traditional forms of command and control, through technology-supported, self-directed networks of heterogeneous stakeholders including affected citizens. Citizen involvement in crisis response can strengthen the resilience of local communities, and improve the relevance and delivery of response, evidenced by increasingly important Web2.0-based platforms. While netcentric responses show promise as a principle, it remains unclear how networks can be integrated in shared response infrastructures. We draw on the concepts of 'programming' and 'switching' to suggest a different perspective by which to explore the potential and consequences of interconnected networks. Finally, we propose a research agenda that can help identify and understand switching points in disaster response, comparing a weakly formalized management structure, but strong in citizen involvement, with a strongly formalized management structure, but weak in citizen involvement. We thereby suggest how response organizations can relinquish their reliance on control and command approaches, increasing their adaptive capacity to capitalize on citizen-based information.
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Guido Bruinsma, & Robert De Hoog. (2006). Exploring protocols for multidisciplinary disaster response using adaptive workflow simulation. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 53–65). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The unique and dynamic changing nature in which a disaster unfolds forces emergency personnel involved with the mitigation process to be greatly flexible in their implementation of protocols. In past disasters the incapability of the disaster organization to swiftly adjust the workflow to the changing circumstances, has resulted in unnecessary delays and errors in mitigation. Addressing this issue, we propose and demonstrate a method for simulating disasters for work and protocol optimization in disasters response (TAID), based on the BRAHMS multi-agent modeling and simulation language. Our hypothesis is that this low fidelity simulation environment can effectively simulate work practice in dynamic environments to rearrange workflow and protocols. The results from an initial test simulation of the Hercules disaster at Eindhoven airport in the Netherlands look promising for future and broader application of our disaster simulation method.
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Graham Coates, Glenn I. Hawe, Duncan T. Wilson, & Roger S. Crouch. (2011). Adaptive co-ordinated emergency response to rapidly evolving large-scale unprecedented events (REScUE). 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 presents an overview of ongoing research into the development of an integrated framework aimed at adaptive co-ordination of emergency response to dynamic, fast evolving and novel events on a large-scale. The framework consists of (i) a decision support system, supported by rapid adaptive search methods, to enable the real time development of tailored response plans including emergency responder team composition and task allocation to these teams, and (ii) an agent-based simulation of emergency response to large-scale events occurring in real geographical locations. The aim of this research is to contribute to understanding how better agent-based simulation coupled with decision support can be used to enable the effective co-ordination of emergency response, involving the collective efforts and actions of multiple agencies (ambulance services, fire brigades, police forces and emergency planning units), to rapidly evolving large-scale unprecedented events.
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Louise K. Comfort, Milos Hauskrecht, & Jeen-Shang Lin. (2008). Dynamic networks: Modeling change in environments exposed to risk. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 576–585). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Modeling the interaction between interdependent systems in dynamic environments represents a promising approach to enabling communities to assess and manage the recurring risk to which they are exposed. We frame the problem as a complex, adaptive system, examining the interaction between transportation and emergency response as a socio-technical system. Using methods of spatial and statistical analysis, we overlaid the engineered transportation system on the organizational emergency response system to identify the thresholds of fragility in each. We present a research design and preliminary results from a small-scale study conducted in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Region that examined the interaction between the transportation and emergency response systems. These results informed the design of a Situational Assessment Module for emergency managers, currently under development at the University of Pittsburgh.
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Cossentino, M., Guastella, D. A., Lopes, S., & Sabatucci, L. (2023). Adaptive Execution of Workflows in Emergency Response. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 784–796). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: In emergencies, preparation is of paramount importance but it is not sufficient. As we know, emergency agencies develop extensive (text) plans to deal with accidents that could occur in their territories; their personnel train to enact such procedures, but, despite that, the unpredictable conditions that occur during an emergency require the ability to adapt the plan promptly. This paper deals with the last mile of a process we defined for enabling the adaptive execution of such emergency plans. In previous works, we discussed how to convert a free-text plan into a structured-text form, represent this plan using standard modelling notations, and extract goals that plans prescribe to be fulfilled. In this paper, we propose an approach for executing these plans with a workflow execution engine enriched by the capability to support runtime adaptation.
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Guido Te Brake, Tjerk De Greef, Jasper Lindenberg, Jouke Rypkema, & Nanja Smets. (2006). Developing adaptive user interfaces using a game-based simulation environment. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 6–10). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In dynamic settings, user interfaces can provide more optimal support if they adapt to the context of use. Providing adaptive user interfaces to first responders may therefore be fruitful. A cognitive engineering method that incorporates development iterations in both a simulated and a real-world environment is used to develop new adaptive concepts. In a simulated 3D-world, created with the Unreal Tournament game-engine, a team of emergency personnel have to rescue people and develop an understanding of the situation. We believe a game-based simulation environment can provide an effective platform for experiments in which crisis management situations can be created under controlled circumstances. Using this simulation, support concepts based on adaptive user interfaces can be developed and evaluated before they are implemented in a real-world setting. This paper describes the work that has been done, and presents the design of the planned experiments.
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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.
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Jonas Herkevall, & Björn J E Johansson. (2022). Understanding Understanding at the Boundary of Inter-organizational Crisis Management – Perspectives from the Swedish COVID-19 Response. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 322–333). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to understand understanding at the boundaries of inter-organizational crisis management – through different practitioner accounts of the Swedish COVID-19 response. Large-scale crisis management is challenging, as it demands cooperation across organizational boundaries. This paper presents an interview study conducted in Sweden during the COVID-19 response. Findings suggest that cooperative work at the inter-organizational boundaries depends on the ability to bridge discursive boundaries. From the perspective of an organization, this demands understanding of the rationale, values, constraints and capabilities of other organizations. Interviewees expressed frustration due to the time demands of establishing such an understanding. Despite time demands, establishing understanding was needed as the ability to conduct basic tasks such as sharing information and resources, and coordinating action emerge from that understanding. In this paper, it is suggested that new approaches to training that comprise general boundary-crossing skills be added to existing training and exercise programs.
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Kenneth Johnson, Javier Cámara, Roopak Sinha, Samaneh Madanian, & Dave Parry. (2021). Towards Self-Adaptive Disaster Management Systems. 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. 49–61). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Disasters often occur without warning and despite extensive preparation, disaster managers must take action to respond to changes critical resource allocations to support existing health-care facilities and emergency triages. A key challenge is to devise sound and verifiable resourcing plans within an evolving disaster scenario. Our main contribution is the development of a conceptual self-adaptive system featuring a monitor-analyse-plan-execute (MAPE) feedback loop to continually adapt resourcing within the disaster-affected region in response to changing usage and requirements. We illustrate the system's use on a case study based on Auckland city (New Zealand). Uncertainty arising from partial knowledge of infrastructure conditions and outcomes of human participant's actions are modelled and automatically analysed using formal verification techniques. The analysis inform plans for routing resources to where they are needed in the region. Our approach is shown to readily support multiple model and verification techniques applicable to a range of disaster scenarios.
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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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Niels Netten, & Maarten Van Someren. (2006). Automated support for dynamic information distribution in incident management. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 230–237). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: For all emergency response personnel involved in crisis situations it is essential to timely acquire all information critical to their task performance. However, in practice errors occur in the distribution of information between these collaborating actors leading to mistakes and subsequently more damage to the situation. In this paper we present a prototype system for dynamic information distribution able to support the information flow between collaborating crisis actors. The system has been evaluated by means of simulated experiments that use data from a real incident scenario. The results indicate that automated support by means of Machine Learning method works well. Especially, when actor work context features are included, then the performance on selecting and distributing relevant information is high. Furthermore, actors acquire relevant information much faster making group communication much more efficient.
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Robin E. Mays, Mark Zachry, Murat, A., & Mark P. Haselkorn. (2011). Aligning border security workflow and decision making with supporting information and communication 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: As part of the National Center for Border Security and Immigration (NCBSI) led by the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), researchers from the University of Washington, Wayne State University, and UTEP conducted a three-site study of border security operations and the role of command, control and communication (C3) systems in support of those operations. While inevitably bringing some positive capability to the environment, if C3 systems are not consciously aligned with desired practices and decision-making, the implications will not always be for the better. This is especially true of C3 systems in the border security environment because these systems are intimately intertwined with complex and critical workflow and decision-making processes, often in the context of complex and, at times, competing missions.
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Mark F. Taylor, & Russell J. Graves. (2005). Adaptive risk-readiness decision support for infrastructure protection. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 161–169). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper presents a system concept for integrating the mass of information critical to infrastructure protection operations. Our main focus and contribution lies in (1) coupling risk assessments into a dynamic decision support process, and (2) providing a collaboration and visualization decision support interface for representing complex and changing infrastructure protection information. The system concept supports adaptive decision making based upon dynamic risk and readiness assessments. Users benefit from having a more comprehensive and up-to-date risk picture on which to base their judgments.
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Xiaodan Yu, & Deepak Khazanchi. (2017). Studying Virtual Teams during Organizational Crisis from a Sociomaterial Perspective. 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 (1055). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose sociomaterialism as a theoretical lens for studying virtual team management during organizational crisis. In applying this lens, we propose the use of pattern theory as the method of choice for documenting effective practices for managing virtual teams in organizational crisis settings.
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Yang Zhang, William Drake, Yuhong Li, Christopher Zobel, & Margaret Cowell. (2015). Fostering Community Resilience through Adaptive Learning in a Social Media Age: Municipal Twitter Use in New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy. 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: Adaptive learning capacity is a critical component of community resilience that describes the ability of a community to effectively gauge its vulnerability to the external environment and to make appropriate changes to its coping strategies. Traditionally, the relationship between government and community learning was framed within a deterministic paradigm. Learning outcomes were understood to result from the activities of central actors (i.e., government) and flow passively into the community. The emergence of social media is fundamentally changing the ways organizations and individuals collect and share information. Despite its growing acceptance, it remains to be determined how this shift in communication will ultimately affect community adaptive learning, and therefore, community resilience. This paper presents the initial results of a mixed-methods research effort that examined the use of Twitter in local municipalities from Monmouth County, NJ after Hurricane Sandy. Using a conceptual model of organizational learning, we examine the learning outcomes following the Hurricane Sandy experience.
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Shengcheng Yuan, Yi Liu, Gangqiao Wang, Hongshen Sun, & H. Zhang. (2014). A dynamic-data-driven driving variability modeling and simulation for emergency evacuation. 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. 70–74). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper presents a dynamic data driven approach of describing driving variability in microscopic traffic simulations for both normal and emergency situations. A four-layer DGIT (Decision, Games, Individual and Transform) framework provides the capability of describing the driving variability among different scenarios, vehicles, time and models. A four-step CCAR (Capture, Calibration, Analysis and Refactor) procedure captures the driving behaviors from mass real-time data to calibrate and analyze the driving variability. Combining the DGIT framework and the CCAR procedure, the system can carry out adaptive simulation in both normal and emergency situations, so that be able to provide more accurate prediction of traffic scenarios and help for decision-making support. A preliminary experiment is performed on a major urban road, and the results verified the feasibility and capability of providing prediction and decision-making support.
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Jun Zhuang, John Coles, Peiqiu Guan, Fei He, & Xiaojun Shan. (2012). Strategic interactions in disaster preparedness and relief in the face of man-made and natural disasters. 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: Society is faced with a growing amount of property damage and casualties from man-made and natural disasters. Developing societal resilience to those disasters is critical but challenging. In particular, societal resilience is jointly determined by federal and local governments, private and non-profit sectors, and private citizens. We present a sequence of games among players such as federal, local, and foreign governments, private citizens, and adaptive adversaries. In particular, the governments and private citizens seek to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure from both adaptive terrorists and non-adaptive natural disasters. The federal government can provide grants to local governments and foreign aid to foreign governments to protect against both natural and man-made disasters. All levels of government can provide pre-disaster preparation and post-disaster relief to private citizens. Private citizens can also make their own investments. The tradeoffs between protecting against man-made and natural disasters – specifically between preparedness and relief, efficiency and equity – and between private and public investment, will be discussed. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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