Firoj Alam, Ferda Ofli, & Muhammad Imran. (2019). CrisisDPS: Crisis Data Processing Services. 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: Over the last few years, extensive research has been conducted to develop technologies to support humanitarian aid
tasks. However, many technologies are still limited as they require both manual and automatic approaches, and
more importantly, are not ready to be integrated into the disaster response workflows. To tackle this limitation, we
develop automatic data processing services that are freely and publicly available, and made to be simple, efficient,
and accessible to non-experts. Our services take textual messages (e.g., tweets, Facebook posts, SMS) as input to
determine (i) which disaster type the message belongs to, (ii) whether it is informative or not, and (iii) what type of
humanitarian information it conveys. We built our services upon machine learning classifiers that are obtained from
large-scale comparative experiments utilizing both classical and deep learning algorithms. Our services outperform
state-of-the-art publicly available tools in terms of classification accuracy.
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Jörn Franke, Adam Widera, François Charoy, Bernd Hellingrath, & Cédric Ulmer. (2011). Reference process models and systems for inter-organizational ad-hoc coordination – Supply chain management in humanitarian operations. 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: In this work we present a general framework for process-oriented coordination and collaboration in humanitarian operations. Process management has been proven useful in many business domains, but humanitarian operations and disaster response management in general require different process management approaches. Related work has only recently introduced traditional process management approaches for emergency management. These traditional approaches have several limitations with respect to the domain of humanitarian operations and disaster management. Our approach points to design, run-time and monitoring of inter-organizational humanitarian logistics processes. It consists of two parts: A reference model for humanitarian logistics tasks and a system for ad-hoc process management of these tasks. We discuss how they can be integrated to provide additional benefits.
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Henning Gösling, & Jutta Geldermann. (2014). Methodological tool kit for humanitarian logistics. 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. 190–194). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Disasters trigger the need for relief items. The flows of relief items to the beneficiaries in the disaster area are determined by humanitarian logistics networks. The setup and operations of such networks can be supported by employing Operations Research models. Several models, based on different methodologies are available to support decision-making in the field of humanitarian logistics. This work-in-progress analysis suggests a structure of a methodological tool kit for humanitarian logistics. With its help, practitioners in the field of humanitarian logistics should be better equipped to find, compare, and apply available analytical models for their individual decision problem. To serve as an illustration, one OR model is presented in detail according to the proposed structure of the methodological tool kit.
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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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John R. Harrald, Theresa I. Jefferson, Frank Fiedrich, Sebnem Sener, & Clinton Mixted-Freeman. (2007). A first step in decision support tools for humanitarian assistance during catastrophic disasters: Modeling hazard generated needs. 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. 51–56). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The US has not yet developed adequate models for estimating hazard generated needs, the necessary first step for developing useful decision support systems needed to estimate the capability and capacity of the response forces required. Modeling and technology required to support the decisions made by humanitarian relief organizations requires scenario driven catastrophic planning. This paper documents the lack of effective decision support tools and systems for humanitarian aid and describes the current state of models and methods used for determination of hazard generated needs. The paper discusses work performed on a catastrophic earthquake preparedness project. It outlines how the results of this project will be used to advance the modeling and decision support capabilities of federal, state and local disaster planners and emergency responders.
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Bernd Hellingrath, & Adam Widera. (2011). Survey on major challenges in humanitarian logistics. 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: In this work we present the results of a survey on major challenges in humanitarian logistics. The survey was conducted among logistics managers of relief organizations, logistic service providers, and universities investigating in humanitarian logistics. The following issue areas were consulted: (1) Information and Technology, (2) Processes, Organization, Coordination, (3) Infrastructure, (4) Politics, Government. The results in the first issue area focus mainly on needs for action in the context of the transparency, compatibility, and functionality of IT-systems for humanitarian logistics. The transferability of classical and the establishment of specific concepts of logistics and supply chain management were identified as an important challenge in the second issue area. The need for an improved information situation was noticed within the areas “Infrastructure” and “Politics, Government”. Additionally, it can be highlighted that the assessments of the three questioned groups differ in important points, although a common ground for further research was identified.
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Hossein Baharmand, Kees Boersma, Kenny Meesters, Femke Mulder, & Jeroen Wolbers. (2016). A multidisciplinary perspective on supporting community disaster resilience in Nepal. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Fostering community resilience in the aftermath of a disaster constitutes a significant challenge and requires an adequate understanding of the community?s specific capabilities and vulnerabilities. We carried out a field study in Nepal as a multi-disciplinary research team that explored how the humanitarian response enabled community resilience after the devastating earthquakes. We explored three elements of resilience: persistence, adaptability and transformability by zooming in and out between the local community and humanitarian organizations operating at the national level. Our combined insights from three disciplines, social sciences, information management and logistics, show that humanitarian organizations operating in Nepal still primarily aimed to (re)build community resilience ?from above? instead of enabling communities to strengthen their own resilience in a bottom up way. In this paper we contend that fostering an inclusive and networked response has the potential to strengthen the adaptive capacity of humanitarian organizations and community groups and boost local resilience.
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Michael Howden. (2009). How humanitarian logistics information systems can improve humanitarian supply chains: A view from the field. 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: Humanitarian logistics represents a broad range of activities taking place within humanitarian organizations, the bulk of these activities are also components of a broader humanitarian supply chain – The network involved with providing physical aid to beneficiaries. Humanitarian logistics information systems improve information flows, which integrates logistics units more efficiently with non-logistics units within the humanitarian supply chains and provides better feedback to donors, ensuring more effective operations. Humanitarian logistics activities occur across the disaster management cycle. Humanitarian logistics information systems not only improve logistics activities in each phase, but can improve the continuity of humanitarian operations by sharing information throughout the transition of different disaster management cycle phases. Through collaboration between organizations, humanitarian logistics information systems also have the potential to reduce corruption and the market distortion which can occur during humanitarian operations.
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Hussein Mouzannar, Yara Rizk, & Mariette Awad. (2018). Damage Identification in Social Media Posts using Multimodal Deep Learning. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 529–543). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Social media has recently become a digital lifeline used to relay information and locate survivors in disaster situations. Currently, officials and volunteers scour social media for any valuable information; however, this approach is implausible as millions of posts are shared by the minute. Our goal is to automate actionable information extraction from social media posts to efficiently direct relief resources. Identifying damage and human casualties allows first responders to efficiently allocate resources and save as many lives as possible. Since social media posts contain text, images and videos, we propose a multimodal deep learning framework to identify damage related information. This framework combines multiple pretrained unimodal convolutional neural networks that extract features from raw text and images independently, before a final classifier labels the posts based on both modalities. Experiments on a home-grown database of labeled social media posts showed promising results and validated the merits of the proposed approach.
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Soumia Ichoua. (2010). Humanitarian logistics network design for an effective disaster response. 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: In this paper we address the problem of pre-positioning emergency supplies prior to a disaster onset. The goal is to ensure a fast and effective response when the disaster strikes. Pre-positioning of emergency supplies is a strategic decision aimed at determining the number and location of local distribution centers as well as their inventory levels for emergency supplies. These decisions must be made in a highly disruption-prone environment where a timely response is vital and resources are scarce. We present and discuss a scenario-based model that integrates location, inventory and routing decisions.
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Satria Hutomo Jihan, & Aviv Segev. (2013). Context ontology for humanitarian assistance in crisis 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. 526–535). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Massive crisis open data is not fully utilized to identify humanitarian needs because most of it is not in a structured format, thus hindering machines to interpret it automatically and process it in a short time into useful information for decision makers. To address these problems, the paper presents a method which merges ontologies and logic rules to represent the humanitarian needs and recommend appropriate humanitarian responses. The main advantage of the method is to identify humanitarian needs and to prioritize humanitarian responses automatically so that the decision makers are not overwhelmed with massive and unrelated information and can focus more on implementing the solutions. The method is implemented on real data from the Hurricane Wilma crisis. The use of the method in the hurricane Wilma crisis shows the potential abilities to identify the humanitarian needs in specific places and to prioritize humanitarian responses in real time.
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John Sabou, & Simeon Videlov. (2016). An Analysis on the Role of Trust in Digital Humanitarian Actor Networks. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: This paper explores the difficulties of collaboration between Volunteer and Technical Communities (V&TCs) and Humanitarian Response Organisations (HROs). The phenomenon of digital volunteers and their role in collecting and analyzing social media data provided by disaster affected populations has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges to the humanitarian system. Central to these processes are the risks and vulnerabilities that these transformations might bring to existing humanitarian actors. Thus, this paper draws upon the work of Anthony Giddens regarding trust to account for the ongoing relational dynamics, and the unpacking of both it's institutional and inter-personal dimensions. The paper identifies two major approaches underlying their collaborative efforts. The first approach concerns a top-down and centralized process of developing a institutionalized forms of interfacing; while the second concerns the development of interpersonal relational infrastructure.
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Katrina Petersen, & Monika Büscher. (2015). Technology in Disaster Response and Management: Narratives of Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: Ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI) are widely recognised as important in IT innovation for crisis response and management. However, attention often struggles to get beyond theorising basic concepts, when the realities of how difficulties and opportunities manifest are complex and practical. Unless these realities are understood, solutions to ELSI will remain at the surface, missing opportunities to responsibly and creatively leverage the potential of IT in disaster response. This workshop brings together narratives of lived experiences of ethical, legal, and social issues encountered in the context of IT innovation in disaster response, and analyses of normative, policy and regulatory backgrounds. In this editorial, we motivate this turn to narrative, summarise the contributions that will be presented on the day, and set out some key questions.
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Dennis J. King. (2005). Humanitarian knowledge management. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 291–295). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: International complex humanitarian emergencies present numerous challenges to aid organizations trying to manage data, information and knowledge about the situation or event. Humanitarian aid organizations should be able to identify what critical information they need, where to find it, what are the major gaps, and how best to share, present and disseminate this information. These challenges can be addressed through improved knowledge management. The faster and more efficiently humanitarian aid organizations are able to identify, collect, distill, analyze and manage the vast corpus of what they need to know, the more effectively they can plan for and respond to natural disasters and complex emergencies and the more lives are potentially saved.
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Dennis J. King. (2006). VISTA-a visualization analysis tool for humanitarian situational awareness. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 11–16). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The US Department of State's Humanitarian Information Unit (HIU) is developing a new product and web-based visualization analysis tool, known as VISTA (Visualized Information & Synthesized Temporal Analysis). VISTA displays geo-spatial, temporal, numerical/graphic data and textual information, all in one product or via a web interface. VISTA is primarily intended for use by decision-makers, analysts, desk/project officers, and others to provide up-to-date common operating picture ie a vista about an emergency, issue or project.
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Laura Laguna Salvadó, Matthieu Lauras, & Tina Comes. (2015). Humanitarian Value Stream Mapping: Application to the EBOLA Outbreak. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: Humanitarian Supply Chain Management serves as bridge between needs and aid provided. Flows of goods and information connect the field to headquarters, distribution to procurement, beneficiaries to donors. The problems of decision-making, information sharing and coordination can be studied with this special logistics focus. We present a Value Stream Mapping approach that provides a structure to analyze and understand the problems arising in practice, such as bottlenecks; waiting times; or misaligned procurement and distribution policies. We demonstrate our lean-management approach by using the ongoing Ebola Outbreak in West Africa as Case Study.
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Laura Laguna Salvadó, Matthieu Lauras, & Tina Comes. (2016). Towards a Monitoring System for American IFRC Logistics Network. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), is one of the many humanitarian organizations that are further developing their logistics network more decentralized structures with sub-regional networks. One of the main challenges identified is the need of monitoring tools to have a real-time overview of the whole logistics network state, and optimization of the associated operations through real-time decision support systems. Logistics departments of humanitarian organizations have not adopted the technological developments that are standard in the commercial sector due to critical differences, and the IFRC is not an exception. This paper presents a case study conducted with the American and Caribbean IFRC. We present user requirements and specifications for the design of a real-time monitoring system dedicated the sub-regional network. It particularly addresses the challenges to simplify remote data collection, visualization and analysis.
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Laura Laguna Salvadó, Matthieu Lauras, & Tina Comes. (2017). Sustainable Performance Measurement for Humanitarian Supply Chain Operations. 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. 775–783). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: This paper proposes a performance measurement definition to consider sustainable development principles in the humanitarian supply chain operations (source, make, deliver). Previous research has shown the challenge for humanitarian organizations to consider the three sustainability pillars people, planet and profit in their decision-making processes. Based on field research with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and a literature review on humanitarian performance measurement and sustainability, we define a set of criteria, objectives and Key Performance Indicators that translates sustainability concepts to concrete humanitarian operations. Based on the Triple Bottom Line approach, the environmental and social dimensions are added to the economic dimension, which is standard in HSC literature and practice. The aim of this study is to set the basis for a Decision Support System (DSS) in operations planning.
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Laura Laguna Salvadó, Matthieu Lauras, & Tina Comes. (2018). A Sustainability Maturity Assessment Method for the Humanitarian Supply Chain. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 276–290). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The HSC is a key element for the success of HOs relief operations. Today, the HSC performance faces many challenges: (1) the increasing gap between funding and needs; (2) donors ask for more transparency and accountability; (3) the growing urgency of switching to sustainable development is gaining ground in public opinion. Consequently, to maintain a competitive position (order winner) in the near future, considering sustainability in addition to effectiveness and efficiency to measure the performance of the operations becomes fundamental. In the literature, some authors have highlighted that the lack of Decision Support Systems difficult the planning and achievement of sustainability performance objectives in humanitarian operations. Therefore, we propose a sustainability maturity assessment method to improve the sustainability of HSC operations. Using the information gathered from IFRC field research, as well as from the literature, a proof of concept is presented to demonstrate the relevance of the proposal.
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Laura Laguna Salvadó, Matthieu Lauras, Tina Comes, & Mathieu Grenade. (2016). A Study on the Sub-Regionalization of Humanitarian Supply Chain: the IFRC Case. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Humanitarian Supply Chain (HSC) performance is a key factor for disaster response. In order to be more responsive, the typical humanitarian supply strategy has evolved from a centralized to a decentralized network, generally at regional level. The objective was to reduce lead-times and costs. However, after a decade of working, organizations like the Americas and Caribbean International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) have noticed that those objectives are only partially reached and have decided to go further in the evolution by developing sub-regionalized networks. In this study, we analyse the HSC sub-regionalization process to better understand the challenges and opportunities for humanitarian organizations. Three key aspects are point out: implementation, real-time monitoring and operations? cost-efficiency. Based on these results and considering the law maturity level of humanitarian organizations in terms of Information and Decision-Support Systems, we conclude with giving concrete guidelines for designing and developing ad-hoc monitoring and orchestrating systems.
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Lauren Bateman, & Erica Gralla. (2018). Evaluating Strategies for Intra-Organizational Information Management in Humanitarian Response. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 145–157). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Information management is critical in humanitarian response, yet intra-organizational information management practices have not been well-studied. This paper evaluates several strategies for intra-organizational information management. An agent-based model represents the dynamics of information-gathering and -sharing, in order to examine the impact of each strategy on (1) the time required to acquire adequate information for decision-making and (2) the amount of excess information acquired in the process. The results show that holding regular information-sharing meetings significantly reduces the time to acquire adequate information, but does not reduce information overload; however, deploying an information management specialist reduces both time required and information overload. The results support recommendations for humanitarian organizations deciding how to improve their internal information management approaches.
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Fabiana Santos Lima, Bernd Hellingrath, Adam Widera, & Mirian Buss Gonçalves. (2013). A systemic process model for procurement decisions in humanitarian logistics. 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. 688–692). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The relief organizations work in volatile environments involving a variety of actors with different skills and knowledge. The service of emergency for victims of natural disasters requires a rapid decision-making. The objective of the approach presented in this paper is to develop a Systemic Process Model (SPM) for procurement decisions in humanitarian logistics. The SPM aims to support procurement tasks of humanitarian organizations during the response phase in disaster relief. The approach provides a decision support tool using an appropriate quantitative model reflecting the specific area of humanitarian logistics processes.
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Daniel Link, Kenny Meesters, Bernd Hellingrath, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2014). Reference task-based design of crisis management games. 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. 592–596). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Serious games are an effective tool for giving players a hands-on, immersive experience of crisis situations. To simplify the design of such games while ensuring their relevance, we propose a design method that is based on reference tasks. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by the improved design of the serious game “Disaster in my Backyard” that has been played during ISCRAM Summer school 2013. The design incorporates humanitarian logistics, search-and-rescue and coordination tasks. We also present the lessons learned from this instantiation of the game and give an outlook towards future research, such as the evaluation of tools for crisis response and management through the use of serious games and reference tasks.
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Carleen Maitland, Andrea H. Tapia, Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, Kang Zhao, & Edgar Maldonado. (2010). Sectoral coordination in humanitarian information management: The implications of professionalization. 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: Sector wide collaboration in humanitarian information management will occur in a context defined by professionalization of information management more generally as well as evolving needs for data within the humanitarian relief sector. By accounting for these broader trends this research contributes to our understanding of collaboration in the humanitarian relief sector. In particular, the research analyzes the desire for greater standardization within the sector as a function of both the process of professionalization for information management as well as greater specialization in information technology that is a response to technological change. Based on these insights, recommendations for future actions for the community are made.
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Carleen Maitland, Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, & Andrea H. Tapia. (2009). Information management and technology issues addressed by humanitarian relief coordination bodies. 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: Coordination bodies that attempt to overcome coordination barriers in humanitarian relief face many challenges. Among them are general organizational barriers to coordination as well as functionally-oriented barriers arising specifically from information management (IM) and information technology (IT) issues. Based on data collected from three coordination bodies, the research presented here examines IM and IT-related barriers, identifying similarities and differences between them as well as requirements for resolving them. The research finds that while many similarities exist, resolving IM issues typically requires higher levels of organizational change as compared to IT-related barriers. The research concludes that coordination bodies need to address a mixture of IT and IM related issues both to foster better coordination but also to ensure their efforts are successful.
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