Adrot, A., & Aguerre, M. (2023). The Impact of conflicts on Data Sharing for Disaster Risk Reduction. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 43–53). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Cross-border regions are particularly exposed to hazards and require cooperation for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Accordingly, multiple countries have been investing in technology and jointly innovate to share and process data against disasters. However, these countries’ capacity to share data depends on the history and the context of the border itself. Going further, conflicts between countries – may they be past, present or future – can radically question and endanger collaborative efforts to share data for DRR. This collaborative research, involving a cohort of master students and an NGO, explores the influence of conflicts on data sharing and cooperation for DRR. Still in progress, this research examines how conflicts affect data sharing and how DRR actors manage them. It is based on exploratory archive analysis of three distinct cases of cross-border DRR collaboration within the EU borders, as well as experts and actors interviewing. Preliminary findings reveal that conflicts affect DRR at three levels: i) actors, ii) interactions with DRR actors, iii) relations between local DRR actors and institutions. The expected contribution of this research is theoretical, practical and pedagogical.
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Anne-Marie Barthe-Delanoë, & Wenxin Mu. (2020). Towards a Context-Aware Systemic Risk Management Framework for the Crisis Response. 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. 1122–1129). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Crisis response is, as any other collaborative networked organization, challenged by changes and vulnerabilities. Moreover, as a complex system with distributed activities and numerous interdependencies, considering the risk of such an organization at a systemic level, including time and space dimensions, is necessary. Systemic risk management is a topic traditionally studied in the finance area. Even if a few researches now focus on the supply chain management area (a more relatable domain regarding crisis response), there is even fewer literature regarding systemic risk management for the crisis response. Thus, this paper proposes first to define systemic risk related to the case of the crisis response. Then, a framework for context-aware systemic risk management is presented, to support the design as well as the follow-up of the crisis response, meeting one of the challenges of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
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Anouck Adrot, & Mercedes Aguerre. (2022). Data Ecosystems and Disaster Risk Reduction in Cross-border Regions: Visioning from 2020 Roya Valley Flood Disaster. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 878–886). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Knowledge on the practical support from data ecosystems to disaster risk reduction remains partial. More specifically, we misunderstand the drivers and challenges inherent to emergency data ecosystems development in cross-border regions. We also miss cases of data ecosystem building in those regions. This research addresses these gaps by abiding by the principles and guidelines of visioning, a prospective and collaborative research design. Based on qualitative interviewing and archive analysis of the case 2020 Roya Valley floods, this work provides a prospect of a segment of data ecosystem that involves an organizational field aiming at Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at the French-Italian border. Still in progress, this work provides a comprehensive narration of a fictious data ecosystem. The narration hints at the major benefits and challenges inherent to this potential data ecosystem. This work enriches our understanding of data ecosystems’ features and benefits to cooperation between organizations involved in emergencies at borders (such as governments, civil protection agencies, volunteer-based organizations). In future development it will propose an agenda to support practitioners in the development good practices related to data ecosystems.
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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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Benaben, F., Fertier, A., Cerabona, T., Moradkhani, N., Lauras, M., & Montreuil, B. (2023). Decision Support in uncertain contexts: Physics of Decision and Virtual Reality. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 54–66). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Virtual Reality (VR) is often used for its ability to mimic reality. However, VR can also be used for its ability to escape reality. In that case, on the one hand VR provides a visualization environment where the user’s senses are still in a familiar context (one can see if something is in front, behind, up, down, far or close), yet on the other hand, VR allows to escape the usual limits of reality by providing a way to turn abstract concepts into concrete and interactive objects. In this paper, the dynamic management of a complex industrial system (a supply chain) is enabled in a VR prototypical environment, through the management of a physical trajectory that can be deflected by the impact of any potentialities such as risks or opportunities, seen as physical objects in the performance space.
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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.
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Camelia Bellepeau, Hugo Bergere, Corentin Thevenet, Frédérick Bénaben, Nafe Moradkhani, & Thibaut Cerabona. (2022). Use of Physics of Decision to Assess how COVID-19 Impacted Air Pollution. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 887–894). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: This article focuses on the question of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on air pollution. The chosen approach is based on the principle of “Physics of Decision” (POD), which considers: (i) the performance of a system as a physical trajectory within the framework of its performance indicators, (ii) risks or opportunities (potentialities) as forces that may deviate that trajectory, and (iii) benefits or damages (actualities) as concrete deviations of the performance trajectory. The daily data about the air pollution in Paris area (France) has been gathered for eight years (2014-2021) and three main performance indicators have been chosen. Then, the performance trajectory of each year has been plotted and the expected trajectories of 2020 and 2021 have been guessed from the previous ones. The deviation between the expected and actual trajectories of 2020 and 2021 have been assessed, and using physics and motion laws, evaluated as a deviation force.
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Deena Disraelly, & Laura Itle. (2020). Providing Reliable Assistance Faster: Secure, Modern, Mission-Capable Credentialing to Support Disaster Operations. 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. 1140–1143). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: The public sector, including state and local government, public health, and emergency management; the private sector; and the Federal Government jointly face challenges with rapidly collecting and validating credentials for individuals applying for employment or volunteering for emergencies, vetting security clearances, and ascertaining suitability. In 2017, for instance, credentialing gaps delayed employees and volunteers from contributing much-needed skills in disaster areas during one of the worst hurricane and wildfire seasons on record while Federal agencies inadvertently issued interim clearances to individuals with criminal records. We propose a secure, modern, mission-capable information technology solution to these with the United States Postal Service hosting this streamlined process by serving as the hub for collection, validation, and transfer of pertinent data. The solution would introduce access points in over 5,000 communities for citizens participating in disaster support operations, as well as those requiring credentialing for employment as part of day-to-day operations.
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Frederick Benaben, & Lysiane Benaben. (2020). Science Fiction: Past and Future Trends of 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. 1130–1139). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This paper is a position paper, presenting an original but very anticipative and mainly imaginative vision of the evolution of the crisis management domain. After analyzing the options to make the past evolutions of that domain somehow explainable (mainly by analyzing the data of all the articles of the last fifteen editions of the ISCRAM conference), the paper aims at providing a framework to assess and evaluate the maturity of the domain of crisis management. Moreover, this framework is also used to tentatively infer some future evolutions and some directions that could be relevant, dangerous, tricky or of great benefit for the crisis management domain. These future trends are mainly based on the current maturity of crisis management (according to the proposed framework) and current or future influential practices, technologies or threats. It will be necessary to wait for fifteen years to see if these bets should be considered as accurate.
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Hanne Haaland, Hege Wallevik, Erika Frydenlund, & Jose J. Padilla. (2020). Modelers and Ethnographers as Co-Creators of Knowledge: Do We Belong Together? 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. 1113–1121). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this paper, we explore the process of co-creation of knowledge between modelers and ethnographers through a project focusing on the role played by CIGS (Citizen initiatives for global solidarity) in the refugee crisis in the island of Lesvos, Greece. We describe the process of collaboration and discuss what this type of interdisciplinary collaboration may bring to the development of a research topic when the initial skepticism and questions of epistemological differences have been overcome. Moreover, we address some of the challenges embedded in this type of research collaboration, particularly the skepticism present within the social sciences.
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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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Julien Coche, Jess Kropczynski, Aurélie Montarnal, Andrea Tapia, & Frédérick Bénaben. (2021). Actionability in a Situation Awareness world: Implications for social media processing system design. 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. 994–1001). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: The field of crisis informatics now has a decade-long history of designing tools that leverage social media to support decision-makers situation awareness. Despite this history, there remains few examples of these tools adopted by practitioners. Recent fieldwork with public safety answering points and first responders has led to an awareness of the need for tools that gather actionable information, rather than situational awareness alone. This paper contributes to an ongoing discussion about these concepts by proposing a model that embeds the concept of actionable information into Endsley's model of situation awareness. We also extend the insights of this model to the design implications of future information processing systems.
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Lukau, E., Schiller, J., & Meissen, U. (2023). Towards efficient Post-Blackout Emergency Communication based on Citizens’ Smartphone State of Charge. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 76–87). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Effective emergency communication between citizens and authorities after a power outage can be a challenging task. In such situations, citizens may be in danger and need to contact authorities in case of an emergency. However, overloaded cellular networks and failing network infrastructure can severely hamper citizens' ability to communicate with authorities, even if their smartphones are still functioning. Addressing these challenges requires the development of effective post-blackout communication systems that can operate in a range of emergency scenarios. In this work we investigate smartphone state of charge during the day in order to evaluate the impact of a power outage on the citizens ability to communicate in a post-blackout scenario. The results are then used to propose future-proof communication networks that are suitable for post-blackout emergency communication especially after cellular network infrastructure has failed. We introduce two post-blackout communication phases named communication-burst and communication-void. Our study indicates that a significant amount of smartphones remain usable even after a long-lasting blackout and communication infrastructure failure. Not utilizing these devices could lead to missed opportunities for emergency communication
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Marion Lara Tan, Sara Harrison, Julia S. Becker, Emma E.H. Doyle, & Raj Prasanna. (2020). Research Themes on Warnings in Information Systems Crisis Management Literature. 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. 1085–1099). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Early Warning Systems (EWS) are crucial to mitigating and reducing disaster impacts. Furthermore, technology and information systems (IS) are key to the success of EWSs. This systematic literature review investigates the research topics and themes from the past six years of Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (ISCRAM) conference proceedings and seeks to identify the research developments and directions for EWSs to steer a discourse to advance the research in this field. Findings from a sample size of 60 papers show that there are technical, social, and topical considerations to using and advancing technology for EWSs. While technology has advanced EWSs to new levels, it is important to consider the influence of technology in the successful operation of EWSs. The results are based on the ISCRAM proceedings literature and may be broader or have different prioritization if a wider disciplinary body of literature was explored. This will be considered in the future.
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Rob Grace, & Michelle Potts. (2022). Opportunities for Multisensor Integration in Public-Safety Answering Points. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 895–904). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Public-Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) coordinate emergency response by gathering critical information from 911 callers for dispatch to first responders. However, PSAPs fail to gather this information if 911 callers are unable, unwilling, or unavailable to report key details about an emergency. To address this problem, early-adopter PSAPs employ communication specialists to gather multimedia information from multiple sensing tools, including automated alarms, cameras, government databases, location systems, open-source websites, social media, and alternative communication channels such as text-to-911. Using preliminary usage data from an early- adopter PSAP, this study identifies 11 breakdowns in 911 call taking that create opportunities for multisensor integration. This study then characterizes use cases for multisensor tools based on usage patterns observed across five incident types. These findings highlight multisensor integration as a critical area for crisis informatics research.
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Yohann Chasseray, Anne-Marie Barthe-Delanoë, Stéphane Négny, & Jean-Marc Le Lann. (2021). Automated unsupervised ontology population system applied to crisis management domain. 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. 968–981). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: As crisis are complex systems, providing an accurate response to an ongoing crisis is not possible without ensuring situational awareness. The ongoing works around knowledge management and ontologies provide relevant and machine readable structures towards situational awareness and context understanding. Many metamodels, that can be derived into ontologies, supporting the collect and organization of crucial information for Decision Support Systems have been designed and are now used on specific cases. The next challenge into crisis management is to provide tools that can process an automated population of these metamodels/ontologies. The aim of this paper is to present a strategy to extract concept-instance relations in order to feed crisis management ontologies. The presented system is based on a previously proposed generic metamodel for information extraction and is applied in this paper to three different case studies representing three different crisis namely Ebola sanitarian crisis, Fukushima nuclear crisis and Hurricane Katrina natural disaster.
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