Leire Labaka, Josune Hernantes, Ana Laugé, & Jose Mari Sarriegi. (2011). Three units of analysis for Crisis Management and Critical Infrastructure Protection. 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: Society's welfare is very dependent on the effective performance of Critical Infrastructure (CI). Nowadays, CI constitutes a network of interconnected and interdependent entities. This means that a serious event in one CI can originate cascading events in the rest, leading to a serious crisis. As a consequence, Crisis Management (CM) and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) should converge and integrate their findings, providing a more unified approach. One relevant issue when developing integrated CM/CIP research is what type of unit of analysis should be used, as it conditions the research objectives and questions. This paper presents an analysis of three different units of analysis used in CM research, focusing on the research objectives and questions used in them. These three different units of analysis have been used in a European CIP research project where three simulation models have been developed based on these three units of analysis.
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Janine Hellriegel, & Michael Klafft. (2014). A tool for the simulation of alert message propagation in the general population. 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. 65–69). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Informing and alerting the population in disaster situations is a challenging task. Numerous situational factors have to be considered, as well as the impact of a plethora of communication channels, and multiplication effects in the population. In order to optimize the alerting strategies and enhance alert planning, it would be beneficial to model the dissemination of alerts. In this paper, we present a general overview of an alert dissemination model as well as its prototypical implementation in a simulation software. The software takes situational parameters such as time of day and location into account and can even infer characteristics of the alerting infrastructure from geospatial information.
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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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José Miguel Castillo, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Murray Turoff. (2012). Monte Carlo and decision making support in crisis management. 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: Simulation is an interdisciplinary science applicable to many branches of knowledge. One field in which simulation is relevant is decision making support (DMS), in which we use computers to run models of real or possible scenarios in order to evaluate alternative actions before carrying them out. We will obtain a useful simulation system only when the model (engine of the simulation process) has been made accurately to represent reality. Thus it is necessary to use a methodology that helps us to construct a simulation system. This paper presents some classifications of simulation systems and an introduction to the Monte Carlo method, with the objective of creating a framework of application of this method for the construction of simulation systems for decision making support in crisis management. One area of applicability is scenario-based simulations for training for cross-national teams to cooperate in large scale disasters. The final aim of this research will be the recommendation of standards and methodologies to build simulation systems in crisis management, specifically in decision making support. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Christopher W. Zobel, Stanley E. Griffis, Steven A. Melnyk, & John R. MacDonald. (2012). Characterizing disaster resistance and recoveryusing outlier detection. 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: Most definitions of disaster resilience incorporate both the capacity to resist the initial impact of a disaster and the ability to recover after it occurs. Being able to characterize and analyze resilient behavior can lead to improved understanding not only of the capabilities of a given system, but also of the effectiveness of different strategies for improving its resiliency. This paper presents an approach for quantifying the transient behavior resulting from a disaster event in a way that allows researchers to not only describe the transient response but also assess the impact of various factors (both main and interaction effects) on this response. This new approach combines simulation modeling, time series analysis, and statistical outlier detection to differentiate between disaster resistance and disaster recovery. Following the introduction of the approach, the paper provides a preliminary look at its relationship to the existing concept of predicted disaster resilience. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Tomoichi Takahashi. (2007). Agent-based disaster simulation evaluation and its probability model interpretation. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 369–376). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Agent-based simulations enable the simulation of social phenomenon by representing human behaviors using agents. Human actions such as evacuating to safe havens or extinguishing fires in disaster areas are important during earthquakes. The inclusion of human actions in calculating the damage at disaster sites provides useful data to local governments for planning purposes. In order to practically apply these simulation results, these results should be tested using actual data. Further, these results should be analyzed and explained in a manner that people who are not agent programmers can also understand easily. First, the possibility of applying agent-based approaches to social tasks is shown by comparing the simulation results with those obtained from other methods. Next, we propose a method to present agent behaviors using a probability model and discuss the results of applying this method to the RoboCup Rescue simulation data. These will delve into future research topics for developing agent based social simulations to practical ones.
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Rahele B. Dilmaghani, B.S. Manoj, & Ramesh R. Rao. (2006). Emergency communication challenges and privacy. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 172–180). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Communication and interoperability between different organizations of first responders has been a problem for a long time. There have been examples of failure in communication between different organizations at World Trade Center on 9/11, for example some of the police warnings were not heard by fire fighters that resulted in several lives lost. In most cases, network unavailability or incapability of coordination among networks causes much damage. Therefore, we present a highly reliable communication infrastructure that is suitable at ground zero where the existing communication network is damaged or unavailable. We used Hybrid Wireless Mesh Network (HWMN) as a candidate for communication infrastructure with the capability of working in a heterogeneous environment with different available backhaul technologies. In addition to the use of WMNs, we also present some special requirements for a cellular networks generated by simulation models investigating different scenarios that occur at ground zero. For example, when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, people outside the ground zero area could place a call, but were not able to receive phone calls. This happened because the cellular network elsewhere was not able to contact the Home Location Register (HLR), located at New Orleans. We, in this paper, propose a solution in which the important user or network information databases such as HLR and VLR (Visitor Location Register) are replicated to provide a sufficient amount of fault tolerance.
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Aamir Mahmood, Konstantinos Koufos, & Krisztina Cziner. (2008). Multicast voice performance within a public safety cell. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 18–24). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In public safety communications the first responders are getting directions about the tactical action plan with multicast voice whereas they can report back to the dispatcher with unicast voice. In this paper, the aim is to find the maximum number of voice calls for situation reporting in the presence of multicast voice for tactical coordination. In order to increase the reliability of our analysis we verify our simulator against a test bed prototype consisting of three 802.11 terminals. The simulation study is applied within a mobile cell. The proposed mobility model applies for initial deployment in emergency scenarios. We investigate the statistical properties of the model by simulations.
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Thomas Bernard, Mathias Braun, Olivier Piller, Denis Gilbert, Jochen Deuerlein, Andreas Korth, et al. (2013). SMaRT-OnlineWDN: Online security management and reliability toolkit for water distribution networks. 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. 171–176). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Water distribution Networks (WDNs) are critical infrastructures that are exposed to deliberate or accidental contamination. Until now, no monitoring system is capable of protecting a WDN in real time. In the immediate future water service utilities that are installing water quantity and quality sensors in their networks will be producing a continuous and huge data stream for treating. The main objective of the project SMaRT-OnlineWDN is the development of an online security management toolkit for water distribution networks that is based on sensor measurements of water quality as well as water quantity and online simulation. Its field of application ranges from detection of deliberate contamination, including source identification and decision support for effective countermeasures, to improved operation and control of a WDN under normal and abnormal conditions.
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Shengcheng Yuan, Ma Ma, H. Zhang, & Yi Liu. (2013). An urban traffic evacuation model with decision-making capability. 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. 317–321). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Traffic evacuation is one of the most challenging problems in a mega city due to crowded road conditions. This study focuses on developing a traffic evacuation model with decision-making capability. The model basically consists of two modules. The first one is a decision-making support module which runs very fast and provides short-forecast. The second one is a simulation module, which is used for simulating real evacuation process and for overall performance evaluation with vehicle tracking model. The first module can be considered as a “local” module as only partial information, such as traffic information in certain junctions is available. The second module can be considered as a global module which provides traffic directions for junction, and effective using of road-nets. With integration of two modules, overall system optimization may be achieved. Simulation cases are given for model validation and results are satisfied.
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Alicia Cabañas Ibañez, Dirk Schwanenberg, Luis Garrote De Marcos, Miguel Francés Mahamud, & Javier Arbaizar González. (2011). An example of Flood Forecasting and Decision-Support System for water management in Spain. 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: The paper provides an overview of past, present and future development in the program to implement a Flood Forecasting and Decision-Support System (DSS) for the SAIH network in some Spanish basins. These tools represent a significant advance by embedding the decision-making components for management of hydraulic infrastructure into the flood forecasting and flood early warning procedures. The DSS has been implemented based on an open-shell platform for integrating various data sources and different simulation models. So far, it covers the Segura, Jucar, Tajo, Duero and Miño-Sil basins, which represent 42% of Spanish territory. Special attention is paid to the decision-support for the operation of the 66 major reservoirs as a fundamental part of flood management.
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Matthias Lendholt, Martin Hammitzsch, & Peter Löwe. (2013). Harmonization of data formats for tsunami simulation products. 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. 365–369). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The development of sustainable tsunami early warning systems (TEWS) requires the adoption of proven standards for components on all system levels. This is crucial to ensure the successful operation of the overall system in the long term. Currently, components, data formats and models used to build an individual TEWS come from independent development efforts, using non-standardized proprietary interfaces. Integrating these components into a TEWS requires additional work effort due to the proprietary technologies and formats. This article discusses alternative cost-effective approaches. The successful integration of the TEWS system components depends critically on the adoption and application of industry standards and good practices. From this perspective, this article examines the role of tsunami simulation models, and the challenge to integrate the data products generated from independent tsunami models for a TEWS. The significance of tsunami simulation products, consisting of data and metadata, for the overall early warning workflow is described, including data exchange (among multiple TEWS) and information visualization in combination with additional spatial information. As an outcome, the use of standardized data formats for simulation products is recommended for future work. This approach is demonstrated on a simulation of the March 2011 Tohoku-Oki mega thrust earthquake.
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André Sabino, Rui Nóbrega, Armanda Rodrigues, & Nuno Correia. (2008). Life-saver: Flood emergency simulator. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 724–733). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper proposes an agent-based simulation system for Dam Break Emergency Plan validation. The proposed system shows that integrating GIS data with an agent-based approach provides a successful simulation platform for the emergency plan validation process. Possible strategies to emergency plan modeling and representation are discussed, proposing a close relation with the actual workflow followed by the entities responsible for the plan's specification. The simulation model is mainly concerned with the location-based and location-motivated actions of the involved agents, describing the likely effects of a specific emergency situation response. The simulator architecture is further described, based on the correspondence between the representation of the plan, and the simulation model. This includes the involving characteristics of the simulation, the simulation engine, the description of the resulting data (for the later evaluation of the emergency plan) and a visualization and interaction component, enabling the dynamic introduction of changes in the scenario progression.
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André Simões, Armanda Rodrigues, Patricia Pires, & Luis Sá. (2011). Evaluating emergency scenarios using historic data: Flood management. 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: The evaluation of an emergency scenario is often based on the use of simulation models. The specificity of these models involves the need for a complex evaluation of the problem domain, including the physical conditions behind the considered threat. Based on emergency occurrences data, provided by the Portuguese National Civil Protection Authority, we are currently developing a methodology for evaluating a real situation, based on past occurrences. The aim is to develop a platform that will enable the evaluation of a risk scenario based on existing civil protection data. The methodology under development should enable the evaluation of different scenarios based on the collected available data. This will be achieved thanks to the facilitated configuration of several aspects, such as the geographical region and relevant properties of the considered threat. In this paper, we describe the methodology development process and the current state of the platform for risk evaluation.
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David Mendonça, Yao Hu, & Qing Gu. (2007). Cognitive-level support for improvisation in emergency response. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 489–496). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Improvisation-serial and purposeful creativity, exercised under time constraint-is an intensely cognitive endeavor. Accordingly, supporting improvisation requires an understanding of the underlying cognitive processes and an identification of opportunities for support. This paper reports on the development of cognitively-grounded computer-based support for improvisation in a simulated emergency response situation. The application is a computational model which attends to traces of group decision processes, analyzes them, and attempts to achieve fit between its own intentions and those of the group. The current architecture and functioning of the model are discussed, along with an overview of the simulation platform. Current and future workin the areas of model validation and evaluation is described. The results of this work strongly suggest that model-based support for improvisation is possible, but that for the time being will be restricted to synthetic situations, of the kind often used in training exercises.
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Alayne Da Costa Duarte, Marcos R. S. Borges, Jose Orlando Gomes, & De Paulo V. R. Carvalho. (2013). ASC model: A process model for the evaluation of simulated field exercises in the emergency domain. 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. 551–555). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The undefined flow of execution of activities in an evaluation process hampers its implementation. A consistent evaluation process defines interrelated methodological steps that make it easier for the evaluator to lead the process. This article presents a process model for the evaluation of simulated field exercises in the emergency domain, including their sub processes and activities. The proposed model was derived from observations made during real situations of a simulated evacuation exercise of communities in high-risk areas in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The motivation came from the finding that the assessment of simulated field exercises is conducted by completing an activity report that does not follow a structural model, an evaluation program or a formal standard. The results of this research show the experts' satisfaction with the application of the model proposed for the development of an evaluation process. The same occurs when comparing to reports currently used by them for this purpose.
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David Passenier, Colin Mols, Jan Bím, & Alexei Sharpanskykh. (2013). Understanding crises: Investigating organizational safety culture by combining organizational ethnography and agent modeling. 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. 566–570). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper presents a novel, advanced research approach to investigate organizational safety culture as a complex phenomenon, combining agent modeling and organizational ethnography. Safety culture is an emergent property of organizations that largely influences the resilience of organizational responses in crisis situations. However, theory describing the precise ways in which safety culture influences resilience is lacking. Thus the first step is to understand how safety culture gradually emerges from interactions between formal and informal organizational processes. The paper explains the proposed research methodology illustrated by a case of an aircraft maintenance organization. A preliminary analysis is performed from which a conceptual model is derived, and the subsequent simulation and automated analytical techniques that will be used to validate the model and gain new insights are explained.
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Tim Schoenharl, Greg Madey, Gábor Szabó, & Albert-László Barabási. (2006). WIPER: A multi-agent system for emergency response. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 282–287). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper describes the proposed WIPER system. WIPER is intended to provide emergency planners and responders with an integrated system that will help to detect possible emergencies, as well as to suggest and evaluate possible courses of action to deal with the emergency. The system is designed as a multi-agent system using web services and the service oriented architecture. Components of the system for detecting and mitigating emergency situations can be added and removed from the system as the need arises. WIPER is designed to evaluate potential plans of action using a series of GIS enabled Agent-Based simulations that are grounded on realtime data from cell phone network providers. The system relies on the DDDAS concept, the interactive use of partial aggregate and detailed realtime data to continuously update the system and allow emergency planners to stay updated on the situation. The interaction with the system is done using a web-based interface and is composed of several overlaid layers of information, allowing users rich detail and flexibility.
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Josune Hernantes, Jose M. Torres, Ana Laugé, Jose Mari Sarriegi, Iztok Starc, Eva Zupancic, et al. (2010). Using GMB methodology on a large crisis model. 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: Mitigating, detecting, evaluating, responding and recovering from crises are highly complex tasks that involve many decision makers (agents). As a consequence using collaborative methods that allow the cooperation among these agents during the crisis management strategy and procedures design is of significant importance. Group Model Building (GMB) is a robust collaborative methodology that has been successfully used for modelling several complex socio-technical problems, where different agents may have diverse perspectives or interests in the problem under analysis. Through the development of a series of exercises, GMB allows the integration of these initially fragmented perspectives. Modellers translate the knowledge elicited from experts during GMB workshops into simulation models that reproduce the behaviour of the problem. This paper presents the use and adaptation of the GMB methodology in a research project about large pan European crises due to outages in the electricity sector.
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Jennifer Mathieu, Mark Pfaff, Gary L. Klein, Jill L. Drury, Michael Geodecke, John James, et al. (2010). Tactical robust decision-making methodology: Effect of disease spread model fidelity on option awareness. 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: We demonstrate a method of validating the utility of simpler, more agile models for supporting tactical robust decision making. The key is a focus on the decision space rather than the situation space in decision making under deep uncertainty. Whereas the situation space is characterized by facts about the operational environment, the decision space is characterized by a comparison of the options for action. To visualize the range of options available, we can use computer models to generate the distribution of plausible consequences for each decision option. If we can avoid needless detail in these models, we can save computational time and enable more tactical decision-making, which will in turn contribute to more efficient Information Technology systems. We show how simpler low fidelity, low precision models can be proved to be sufficient to support the decision maker. This is a pioneering application of exploratory modeling to address the human-computer integration requirements of tactical robust decision making.
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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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Maurizio Marchese, Lorenzino Vaccari, Gaia Trecarichi, Nardine Osman, & Fiona McNeill. (2008). Interaction models to support peer coordination in crisis management. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 230–241). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: All phases of emergency management activities – that we will reference hereafter as eResponse activities – depend on data from a variety of sources and involve a range of different organizations and teams at various administrative levels with their own systems and services. The existence of numerous and different actors, policies, procedures, data standards and systems results in coordination problems with respect to data analysis, information delivery and resource management.. In this paper we present a novel approach based on interaction models distributed through a peer to peer infrastructure and we show how it can be applied in the context of crisis management to support coalition formation and process coordination in open environments. In particular, a prototype eResponse simulation system – built on a P2P infrastructure – has been developed to execute interaction models describing common coordination tasks in emergency response domain. Preliminary evaluation of the proposed framework demonstrates its capability to support such eResponse tasks.
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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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Anja Van Der Hulst, Rudy Boonekamp, & Marc Van Den Homberg. (2014). Field-testing a comprehensive approach simulation model. 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. 575–584). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper describes the field tests of a simulation based game aiming at raising awareness and creating a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the comprehensive approach (CA). The setting of this game is that of a failed state where an UN intervention takes place after massive conflict that requires a CA to stabilize the situation. That is, the civil and military actors need to collaborate effectively, taking into account their respective strengths, mandates and roles. Underlying the game is the Go4it CA simulation Model (GCAM2.0). GCAM2.0 was extensively field-tested in eight sessions with about 16 persons each, aiming at assessment of the perceived realism and learning effects. It was found to provide a sufficiently authentic experience to obtain awareness of the CA in novices. With regard to improving the deeper understanding of the dynamics and complexity of the CA, in a cooperation-oriented setting only deeper learning can be reached.
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Daniel E. Lane, Tracey L. O'Sullivan, Craig E. Kuziemsky, Fikret Berkes, & Anthony Charles. (2013). A structured equation model of collaborative community response. 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. 906–911). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper analyses the collaborative dynamic of community in response to urgent situations. Community emergencies arising from natural or man-induced threats are considered as exogenous events that stimulate community resources to be unified around the response, action, and recovery activities related to the emergency. A structured equation model is derived to depict the actions of the community system. The system is described in terms of its resources including the propensity to trigger community action and collaboration among diverse groups. The community is profiled with respect to its ability to respond. The system defines the trigger mechanisms that are considered to be the drivers of collaborative action. A simulation model is presented to enact the system emergencies, community profiles, and collaborative response. The results develop an improved understanding of conditions that engage community collaborative actions as illustrated by examples from community research in the EnRiCH and the C-Change community research projects.
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