Abstract: The use of methods to inform changes of command and control has long been important, in particular through empirical surveys and computational simulation. In this article, we focus on a particular type of control: “bump less” time-shift of authority during emergency response where it is not desirable to interrupt task resolution (Dess et al.,1984). As an example we address a particular type of control in a sociotechnical use case, i.e. ensuring coordinated action among human and non-human entities, and specifically use as a case shift of who ensures coordinated action when what entities are participating fluctuate over time, yet there is a need to sustain coordination (e.g. due to criticality of sustained performance). We do some work to detail a sociotechnical control mechanism and we present methods for examining the influence such control may have on performing both planned, prescribed, organizational task work as well as dynamic, non-prescribed tasks (Stanton et al., 2018). We argue that measures of high fidelity, with high specificity, defined before task resolution (feedforward) may be particularly important in prescribed change due to the possibility to define clear goals for coordinating and detailing who holds coordination authority. For dynamic change, on the other hand supporting technology that enable a sensing and processing of feedback the number of agents/entities undergoing change is not predetermined and the change of who is best suited to coordinate authority is less clear. Our theorizing is illustrated by using traditional linear control theory emulating shift of control nuanced by an emergency use case. In conclusion, we suggest future directions for research as well as practical implications.

Abstract: In this paper we present the results from four empirical studies where we investigate the most appropriate devices for high-ranking emergency leaders – termed commanders in this paper – working close to the scene of incident, usually outside. The studies apply different methods including interviews, questionnaires and usability tests to investigate the technology used by commanders in the agencies today, their motivation for using new technology, as well as their needs for new devices. Three of the studies involve commanders from the police, the ambulance service and the fire and rescue agency in Norway. Devices with different screen sizes ranging from 4,3“ to 40” were used or discussed in the studies. The main conclusion from all the studies is a very clear preference for tablets. We did however identify difference between the agencies regarding the preferred size of an “ideal” tablet, as well as wishes for using more than one device.

Abstract: This paper introduces two concepts-dialogical emergency management and strategic awareness-as means to use and understand the content of social media for the purpose of emergency communication. Dialogical emergency management denotes that the emergency management organizations follow what people publish in various social media on emergencies and ongoing emergency response, and then adjust their information strategies in a way that matches the expectations and needs for emergency information of the public. The concept of strategic awareness suggests that it is essential to have an understanding of the receiver (public) of emergency information but also to have an understanding of the receivers' idea about the emergency and emergency response. Hence, the notion of strategic awareness incorporates structured awareness of how people interpret, value, and reacts on communication based on what they think about the sender's (emergency management organization's) actual intentions and motives.

Abstract: One of the main design challenges of any Emergency Management System (EMS) is the diversity of users and responsibilities that must be considered. Modelling the access capabilities of different communities of users is a relevant concern for which the RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) paradigm provides flexible and powerful constructs. In this paper we describe how we used an RBAC meta-model to specify at different levels of abstraction the access policy of a specific EMS called ARCE (Aplicación en Red para Casos de Emergencia). This approach has made it possible to face access modelling at earlier development stages, so that stakeholders got involved in analytical and empirical evaluations to test the correctness and effectiveness of the access policy. Moreover, since the RBAC meta-model is embedded into a web engineering method, we put into practice a holistic process which addresses different design perspectives (structure, navigation, presentation, interaction and access) in an integrated way.

Abstract: Research in emergency response systems has produced significant literature in a very short span of time. We review a corpus of published works on how Information Communication Technology (ICT) is being utilized and the type of tasks ICT attempts to support in the event of a crisis due to disasters, whether natural or man-made. In our research, we have been able to distinguish eight types of tasks supported by technology during a disaster. We list some of these technologies used by the public, practitioners and researchers to illustrate the current trends of technology usage. We also identify gaps and technology needs that require our attention. Given the increasing frequency and severity of disasters, this research is timely as it (1) contributes to our understanding of the trends of development and technology use during times of crises and (2) identifies potential areas for future work to improve ICT's role during times of emergency. © 2012 ISCRAM.

Abstract: This paper introduces the experimental design we developed for the analysis of asynchronous negotiations among five different stakeholders as they work towards consensus on the functional system requirements that are needed for a common emergency response information system. We present three analytical preference models to measure the evolving consensus and conflict among the stakeholders as they modify their preferences during the negotiation. We illustrate the use of these techniques for obtaining a detailed understanding of the negotiation dynamics among the stakeholders. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.

Abstract: Creating a 'common view' between all stakeholders on the course of an emergency situation and the possible consequences is a challenge for any crisis management organisation. In the SCKâEUR¢CEN nuclear emergency preparedness research two projects address two different and particular communication or information management challenges. The HINES system aims at creating a common view by using an information system as a communication tool in an on-site nuclear emergency response room. The MODEM project uses XML-technology to stimulate communication between scientific experts from different countries and institutes by facilitating the exchange of information used in decision support models used to assess the impact of a release of radioactive material in the environment. Both systems are implemented in prototype phase and used regularly during exercises. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.

Abstract: We have been investigating new decision support methods for emergency responders. Most recently, we have added to our decision support prototype the concept of “badges”: symbols that cue decision makers to the top-ranked option(s) that are the recommended alternatives for a particular decision. This paper provides the rationale for badges, a description of the initial implementation, results from our first experiment with badges, and a discussion of the next steps. As a report on work-in-progress, the primary contribution of this paper is the description of the concept of badges and its proposed use for emergency response decision making. © 2012 ISCRAM.

Abstract: We present in this paper the motivation for the European Common Emergency Communication and Information System CECIS, its objectives and functionalities. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.

Abstract: Emergency Response involves multiple organizations and teams, geographically distributed operations, and a high need for coordinated control and decision making. As incidents evolve, the number of involved organizations, the geographic distribution of involved entities, and the level and complexity of decision making all tend to grow. Information technology can contribute to managing these and related dimensions of an emergency. The work described in this paper is based on longstanding MITRE Corporation experience working with organizations that have severe and demanding requirements for managing complex, rapidly evolving situations, including military conflict, law enforcement engagements, natural disaster response, and terrorist incident response. Recently, we have conducted a series of detailed observations during emergency response exercises and planned events that resulted in identifying key elements for a successful application of information technologies during an emergency. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.

Abstract: We discuss decision support tools used for more efficient planning of fire and rescue services. The methodology considers small and flexible units and includes dynamic utilization of the existing resources. We develop a quantitative measure for preparedness and use it as a basis for decision support. By constantly accounting for the current situation and using intelligent strategies to locate and allocate resources that support good preparedness, response times can be shortened. The tools will be tested using an experimental setup that includes human-in-the-loop simulations, and the results will compare situations that occur when the decision makers have and do not have access to the developed tools. © 2012 ISCRAM.

Abstract: With a coastline touching upon the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Great Lakes and the Arctic Sea, the Canadian MSOCs are faced with a daunting task. They are responsible for both routine duties, including patrolling coastal areas and collecting satellite data, as well as critical missions, such as emergency response and crime intervention. Both kinds of mission require the fusion of data from a variety of sources and the orchestration of myriad heterogeneous resources over great physical distances. They must deal with uncertainty, both in terms of what can be known and also in the outcomes of actions, and must interact with an environment prone to dynamic change. We present the architecture and core mechanisms of a decision support system for marine safety and security operations (Glässer, Jackson, Araghi, When and Shahir, 2010). The goal of this system is to enhance complex command and control tasks by improving situational awareness and automating task assignments. This system concept includes adaptive information fusion techniques integrated with decentralized control mechanisms for dynamic resource configuration management and task execution management under uncertainty. Autonomously operating agents employ collaboration and coordination to collectively form an intelligent decision support system. © 2012 ISCRAM.