Vitaveska Lanfranchi, Suvodeep Mazumdar, & Fabio Ciravegna. (2013). Evaluating the real usability of a C2 system – Short and controlled vs long and real. 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. 62–66). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Command and Control systems (C2) need to be highly usable to efficiently support communication during crisis situations. Short-term usability evaluations are typically carried out because of the cost and time advantage. However, even the most realistic evaluations (simulations) do not reflect the real issues encountered “in the wild”, such as the operators' stress or the multiple foci of attention. In this paper we carry out an experiment to measure the changes in usability of a C2 system between a short-term simulation and a long-term “in the wild” evaluation. We demonstrate that short-term usability measurements can differ significantly from long-term “in the wild” ones. Our results indicate that a different approach to usability assessment is needed when dealing with critical systems, that takes into account the temporal horizon and assesses the system in real-life conditions.
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Viktor Sköld Gustafsson, Tobias Andersson Granberg, Sofie Pilemalm, & Martin Waldemarsson. (2022). Managing Natural Hazards in Sweden – Needs for Improved Information and Decision Support Systems. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 376–384). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: This paper explores opportunities for information systems to support emergency response to multiple natural hazards. Interviews were conducted with 12 representatives from actors of the Swedish emergency response system about response to multiple natural hazards. Challenges and needs connected to five themes influencing the response effort were identified: Cooperation, Resource management, Command and control, Common operational picture, and Risk management. The results illuminate a lack of technology to support decisions and analyses during emergency response to both single and multiple natural hazards. Based on this, the paper suggests and discusses information systems and decision support tools to assist in satisfying the identified needs. The findings can inform policy makers in emergency response of where to concentrate the development of collaborative preparedness and response work, and the scientific community of future research directions.
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Tim Grant. (2017). A Meta-theory of Command & Control in Emergency Management. 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. 234–245). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: This paper presents work in progress on developing a meta-theory of C2 in emergency management. Most research in C2 focuses just on one or two scientific disciplines. Just one paper has been found that gives a systematic overview of the science of C2. The approach taken employs entity-relationship modelling, yielding a set of scientific disciplines. These disciplines are compared with five military C2 doctrine publications. Doctrine found in at least four publications corresponded to the disciplines of decision theory, leadership theory, organizational theory, psychology, and the degree of delegation. Some topics not covered by the disciplines were found, indicating that analysis should be extended to C2 processes, resilience, and agility, permitting the development of guidance for practitioners. Further work is needed to compare the disciplines with civilian doctrine. Moreover, the disciplines could be compared to ICCRTS and ISCRAM conference proceedings, yielding an assessment of the maturity of C2 research.
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Stas Simon Krupenia, Cécilia Aguero, & Kees C.H.M. Nieuwenhuis. (2012). The value of different media types to support command and control situation awareness. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: We investigated the value of different media types (Photo, Video, Audio) to support the situational awareness of a Command and Control (C2) officer monitoring three simultaneous military operations. Twenty-one Polish soldiers individually monitored the real-time battlefield information collected by three (virtual, scripted) platoons. Twice during the monitoring task a series of Situation Awareness (SA) probes were presented (Endsley, 1995). At the end of the task, participants were also given a series of meta-SA probes and preference questions. We found that Video supported Level 2 SA (comprehension) better than the other two media types. We also found that participants preferred to receive information in the Photos and Audio clips than in Video. We conclude that if the goal of the C2 team is to better understand the global situation, then providing the persons-in-the-field with video cameras is a valid solution. However, we obtained no evidence to suggest that such an approach supports the ability to predict what may occur in the future (Level 3 SA). © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Sofie Pilemalm, & Niklas Hallberg. (2008). Exploring service-oriented C2 support for emergency response for local communities. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 159–166). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The increased impact of natural disasters and terror attacks on our society has augmented the awareness of needs for advances in emergency response. For local communities it is vital to make use of existing resources. Service-oriented technology provides new possibilities for the enhancement of command and control (C2) systems. However, to gain full use of the technology, it must harmonize with the supported organizations and their work procedures. This paper explores the possibilities and usefulness of service oriented C2-systems for emergency response at the local community level. The study was performed in five steps: (1) literature study, (2) interviews, (3) scenario design, (4) prototyping service-oriented C2 systems, and (5) a scenario based evaluation. The results show that service-oriented C2 systems would support and enhance emergency response at the local community level. Still, several issues that need to be further considered remain, not the least the ability of quality assurance of services.
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Sebastian Schmitz, Konrad Barth, Tim Brüstle, Tobias Gleibs, & Ompe Aimé Mudimu. (2019). Testing the implementation of a flying localization system into emergency response using a tabletop exercise. 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: To optimize the search for trapped victims after building collapses, the authors participated in the development ofI a localization system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle. The objective of this study is to evaluate an approach to implement this system into the command and control structures during the emergency response after a building collapse. For this purpose, a tabletop exercise, based on a gas explosion scenario in an apartment building, was carried out with emergency response managers of the fire department and the German federal agency of technical relief. Observers have documented the exercise. Additionally, audio and video recordings were used. Thus, statements could be made about the implementation approach and the tabletop exercise method. Based on the results, the implementation approach can be considered appropriate. In addition, knowledge was gained about the appropriateness of tabletop exercises for the purpose of scientific evaluation.
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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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Richard McMaster, Chris Baber, & Tom Duffy. (2012). The role of artefacts in Police emergency response sensemaking. 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: This paper presents a study of the role of artefacts in sensemaking during emergency response. A qualitative study was conducted with two UK Police Forces, with a particular focus on the role of artefacts in the creation and modification of sensemaking frames. This research demonstrates that sensemaking is a key component of emergency response Command and Control and that this activity is distributed across the individuals within the system. Collaborative sensemaking is coordinated via social and organisational means, supported by a range of private (informal) and shared (formal) artefacts, which function as resources for action – cueing frame seeking and frame-defined data collection. The study also reveals the role of narrative in bridging the gap between these two parallel sensemaking processes and raises implications for the further digitisation of the emergency response environment, demonstrating the importance of balancing social and technical factors in the design of ICT for emergency response. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Rego Granlund, Helena Granlund, Nilda Dahlbäck, & Björn J.E. Johansson. (2010). The effect of a geographical information system on communication in professional emergency response organizations. 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 describes the basic communication analysis performed in a research project with an ambition to investigate the impact of geographical information system (GIS) on crisis management organizations. The goal is to compare the communication between command and control teams that have access to a GIS with geographical position information (GPS) capability in its command post with teams that only have access to paper maps. The method used is controlled experiments using the C3Fire micro-world. A total of 108 professionals, forming 18 teams, participated in the study. The participating professionals were members of Swedish municipal crisis management organizations. The result shows that the communication pattern connected to giving orders have a different distribution depending on if the teams used GIS or paper maps. The result also shows that the communication volume is reduced if the teams use GIS.
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Peter Berggren, Mateo Herrera Velasquez, Jenny Pettersson, Oscar Henning, Henrik Lidberg, & Björn J E Johansson. (2018). Reflection in Teams for Training of Prehospital Command and Control Teams. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 203–211). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Prehospital command and control (PS) is a structure for handling medical accidents in Sweden. It includes terminology, command structure, roles, and performance indicators. The concept is taught and trained at the Centre for Teaching and Research in Disaster Medicine and Traumatology (KMC). The concept is trained using a mixture of lectures, simulation based exercises, and scenario designed by the participants. The scenarios are ran in Emergo Train System (ETS), a versatile and flexible table-top simulation platform, where medical command and control can be trained and evaluated. The purpose of this study was to develop structure for feedback and reflection by using a measure of shared understanding. The empirical study presents how the Shared Priorities instrument can be used to provide structured feedback for training. The paper is concluded with a discussion on how the empirical findings can be integrated in training prehospital medical command and control.
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Peter Berggren, & Björn J.E. Johansson. (2010). Developing an instrument for measuring shared understanding. 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: The paper discusses the need for an easy-to-use, easy-to-administer measure that can capture shared understanding in a team of professionals working together towards a successful performance. In the paper the development of such a measure is described using two empirical studies. Command-and-Control tasks are complex and often dynamic, and a way of capturing the degree of which a team of individuals have a common understanding of priorities in such a task is imperative. Two studies are presented. In the first study students participated in a microworld experiment where they tried to rank order pre-determined factors in order to measure shared understanding. In the second study officers from the Swedish Armed Forces participated in an exercise where they rank ordered self-generated factors.
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Per Wikberg, Dennis Andersson, & Björn Johansson. (2017). Assessing command and control teams' performance and agility. 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. 204–219). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Crisis response organizations and military units must be agile and able to adapt to dynamic situations. The ability to adapt includes command and control agility, organizational adaptability and individual adaptability. An exploratory study of these adaptability traits were undertaken during a naval exercise. The exercise scenario was designed to progressively become more challenging, suggesting decreased performance and adaptability over time. The study objectives were to develop a data collection approach for adaptability traits and to investigate association between these traits and performance. Data collected from four command teams were evaluated in terms of response rate and item variation. Principal component analysis was used to explore latent structures and relationships. The results indicate acceptable survey response rates and trends showing a decrease in organizational adaptability and C2 agility over time while individual adaptability increased. The analysis also identified five partially independent components in the latent structure.
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Ola Leifler. (2008). Combining technical and human-centered strategies for decision support in command and control: The ComPlan approach. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 504–515). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: ComPlan (A Combined, Collaborative Command and Control Planning tool) is an approach to providing knowledge-based decision support in the context of command and control. It combines technical research on automated planning tools with human-centered research on mission planning. At its core, ComPlan uses interconnected views of a planning situation to present and manipulate aspects of a scenario. By using domain knowledge flexibly, it presents immediate and directly visible feedback on constraint violations of a plan, facilitates mental simulation of events, and provides support for synchronization of concurrently working mission planners. The conceptual framework of ComPlan is grounded on three main principles from human-centered research on command and control: transparency, graceful regulation, and event-based feedback. As a result, ComPlan provides a model for applying a human-centered perspective on plan authoring tools for command and control, and a demonstration for how to apply that model in an integrated plan-authoring environment.
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Nicklaus A. Giacobe, & Pamela J. Soule. (2014). Social media for the emergency manager in disaster planning and response. 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. 570–574). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This practitioner paper outlines some of the benefits for the use of social media, from the perspective of a local-level or county-level emergency manager (EM). As compared to state and national level emergency management, because local level EMs have limited manpower and resources, social media can positively or negatively impact the effectiveness of communication before, during and after disaster strikes. Outlined in this paper are six key points where local EMs have specific needs that could be addressed by the effective use of social media and, in the opinion of the authors, represent the top issues that EMs face when considering how to leverage Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other social media platforms. The six needs addressed in this paper include: 1) Best practices for general social media use by EMs, 2) Social media use for internal command and control within the EM group, 3) Developing situation awareness by monitoring social media, especially prior to predicable events, 4) Communicating disaster preparedness messages through social media, 5)Using social media for gathering damage assessment information during, or immediately following a crisis,and 6) Leveraging social media volunteer groups. This short paper picks up where the Federal Emergency Management Agency's social media training leaves off and attempts to represent these six needs as use cases for researchers and developers to address in future publications and products.
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Mohammadreza Khalilbeigi, Immanuel Schweizer, Dirk Bradler, Florian Probst, & Jürgen Steimle. (2010). Towards computer support of paper workflows in emergency management. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: A crucial aspect for large-scale disaster management is an efficient technology support for communication and decision-making processes in command and control centers. Yet, experiences with the introduction of novel technologies in this setting show that field professionals tend to remain attached to traditional workflows and artifacts, such as pen and paper. We contribute the results of a comprehensive field study which analyzes how the information flow is currently performed within different units and persons in the command and control center. These findings provide insights into key aspects of current workflows which should be preserved by novel technological solutions. As our second contribution, by using a participatory design approach and based on our findings, we present a novel approach for computer support in command and control centers. This relies on digital pens and paper and smoothly integrates traditional paper-based workflows with computing, thereby combining the advantages of paper and those of computers.
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Michael J. Chumer, & Murray Turoff. (2006). Command and control (C2): Adapting the distributed military model for emergency response and emergency 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. 465–476). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The military use of Command and Control (C2) has been refined over centuries of use and developed through years of combat situations. This C2 model is framed as process, function, and organization, suggesting that emergency response organizations and emergency management structure their non military C2 and subsequent response scenarios within the C2 framework established in this paper.
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Matthias Max, Sigmund Kluckner, & Susann Jentzsch. (2014). Trainings for crisis information systems in civil protection: A German perspective. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 518–527). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Much research and technical development has been conducted to make crisis management more efficient, especially regarding crisis information systems used to streamline operations of authorities during a crisis. Experts from the German Red Cross mention that there is a need for the development and improvement of specific training methods and structures for such new crisis information systems in command and control centers. They also say that computer simulations could be a practical possibility to train crisis management and response staff. To substantiate this information, interviews were conducted with key officials in the field of German civil protection: command and control center staff, command and control center software trainers and crisis information system managers. This paper presents a qualitative study in the field of training German response personnel in crisis management information systems. The results are presented in three sections: suitable training strategies and structures, challenges and best practices for the implementation of trainings and using simulation as a training method for crisis information systems. The results contain personal experiences, opinions and known best-practices of the interview partners.
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Marcel D.E Van Der Lee, & Marcel Van Vugt. (2004). IMI – An information system for effective Multidisciplinary 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. 15–19). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The field of crisis response and disaster management can be characterized, upon many other factors, by distributed operations, not daily routine work and multidisciplinary aspects. In designing and developing information systems for crisis response these factors need special attention. On behalf of regional emergency services, TNO Physics and Electronics Laboratory designed and guided commissioning of the IMI project (Information System for Multidisciplinary Incident Management). Four regional fire departments in Zuid-Holland decided to develop the information system. The Rotterdam region was selected as project pilot. The IMI-project was carried out with experiences and a background of military command and control where the above three factors also play a major role. In this paper we will elaborate on the reasons behind the design of the functionalities of the IMI-system. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Manne Messemaker, Jeroen Wolbers, Willem Treurniet, & Kees Boersma. (2013). Shaping societal impact: Between control and cooperation. 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. 901–905). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In our modem society, the impact of large-scale spfety and security incidents can be large and diverse. Yet. this societal impact is makeable and controllable to a limited extent. At best, the effect of concrete response actions is that the direct damage is somewhat reduced and that the recovery is accelerated. Proper crisis communication can make the biggest difference with respect to overall societal impact. We argue that crisis communication must strike a balance between a directive approach of chaos, command and control and a more empathic approach of continuity, coordination and cooperation. On the basis of a concrete case we analyze how crisis communication reflects the incident response approach and how societal impact is affected.
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Magnus Jändel, Sinna Lindquist, & Linus Luotsinen. (2013). Social coverage maps. 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. 241–250). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper introduces Social Coverage Maps (SCM) as a visual representation of the societal impact of localized disruptions in urban areas. Incited by the recent deliberate interruption of wireless services for the purpose of crowd control in San Francisco, we focus on the use of SCMs for representing emergent effects of electronic warfare. As a prequel we discuss maps and other visualizations as representations of human behaviour and relations. The SCM concept is defined and grounded in simulation-based parameters. Using an experimental scenario based on cell phone jamming in a city we show how SCMs are generated using an agent-based population simulator. We find that Social Coverage Maps could become a useful tool for analysing emergent effects of actions and events including electronic warfare, roadblocks, smoke, teargas, chemical and radioactive contamination with applications in operational and emergency planning as well as crisis management.
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Magnus Ingmarsson, Henrik Eriksson, & Niklas Hallberg. (2009). Exploring development of service-oriented C2 systems for emergency response. 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: Local emergency-response organizations must maximize their use of existing resources. Therefore, emergencyresponse organizations need appropriate command-and-control (C2) systems to coordinate not only their own resources, but also to take advantages of other local actors. The local nature of response coordination imposes additional challenges for the development of C2 systems. In particular, the C2 systems must support coordination across organizational boundaries at the local level. Service-oriented architectures (SOA) provide new technologies for the development of C2 systems. This approach is based on a set of loosely-coupled services offered by multiple actors rather than a single monolithic system. This work reports the result of a prototype SOA implementation that builds on a previous requirements engineering study for service-oriented C2 systems for local emergency response. The results illustrate how it is possible to develop lightweight C2 systems using state-or-the art Web and SOA technologies. However, there are still remaining organizational and maintainability challenges.
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Lennart Landsberg, Jörg Schmidt, & Ompe Aimé Mudimu. (2022). Synthesising Comparisons to Develop a Generic Command and Control System. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 392–403). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Large and small incidents challenge emergency services around the world. Regardless of the size of the incident, command and control (C2)-systems are used to manage the situation, allowing a rapid and coordinated intervention. As all implemented actions result from the outputs of C2-systems, they are a fundamental component of the response. That is why they must be highly reliable and efficient. A research initiative is therefore addressing the approach of evaluating C2-systems on a scenario basis and using key performance indicators (KPI). To ensure that the KPIs can be applied to any form of incident control, a generic C2-system was developed by comparing and merging six German- and English-language C2-systems as well as one international standard. With this step, a comprehensive and detailed C2-system was developed, which is presented in this paper.
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Laura Ardila, Israel Perez-Llopis, Carlos E. Palau, & Manuel Esteve. (2013). Virtual reality training environment for strategic and tactical emergency operations. 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. 140–144). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The application of Information and Communication Technologies in emergency management environments is a challenging research topic; particularly, the applicability of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems specifically designed for these environments. A key aspect in emergency management is the training of operatives at all levels, from intervention to operational, including tactical command and control. Virtual reality is widely used for training and learning purposes, but the interaction of real and virtual worlds with new standards (i.e. MPEG-V), going a step further from the traditional approach to create virtual environments based in expensive simulation dedicated equipment and allowing data streaming between both worlds, has not yet been exploited in training for emergency management. This paper proposes an architecture for a C4ISR training system providing interoperability between real and virtual worlds using the MPEG-V standard and allowing simultaneous and real time training of both real and virtual units.
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Landsberg, L., Gleibs, T., & Mudimu, O. A. (2023). Design of a Systems Theory Approach for the Evaluation of C2-Systems. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 692–700). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: The course of large-scale incidents as well as disasters can reveal weaknesses in command and control (C2) systems, which make adjustments necessary. Also, new technologies may require C2-systems to be adapted to achieve their full potential for improving incident command. This paper deals with an approach to enable the comparison and evaluation of different C2-systems or their adaptations in order to find the best possible customizations for C2-systems. To this purpose, systems theory is used to unify the approaches of different research disciplines. Within the C2-system boundaries, distinctions were made to represent three different levels of evaluation: “Physical Characteristics”, “Structures and Processes” as well as “C2-system-effectiveness”. During the implementation of the evaluation methods from the different research disciplines into the systems theory approach, it became apparent that the comprehensive approach is desirable, but that broad knowledge and expertise is necessary, especially at the highest evaluation level “C2-system-effectiveness”.
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L.T. Darryl Diptee, & Scott McKenzie. (2012). The systems thinking approach of beyond-line-of-sight command and control. 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: Effective command and control (C2) is necessary to achieve and maintain superiority in military engagements. C2 is well documented in the literature and is a major focus in the military arena; however, the conventional military network topology is increasingly becoming a liability and ineffective in the new age of asymmetric warfare. The beyond-line-of-sight command and control (BLOS C2) concept is a radical shift towards a seamless joint network topology, which will dramatically increase tactical C2 across military service branches, equipment types, and geographical locations. Though BLOS C2 is still in its testing phase, this paper examines the systems thinking approach of BLOS C2 with respect to layered models, adaptation, and synergy. The implementation of the BLOS C2 “tactical Wi-Fi” concept helps fill a Central Command (CENTCOM) capability gap in support of a Contingency Plan (CONPLAN) that provides Navy Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) with a robust force protection system. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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