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Dennis Andersson, & Amy Rankin. (2012). Sharing mission experience in tactical organisations. 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: A tactical organisation can be seen as an adhocracy designed to perform missions in uncertain, ambiguous and complex environments. Flexibility, adaptability, resilience, innovation, creativity and improvisation have all been identified as key skills for successful outcome of these missions. To learn skills associated with such abilities previous research has shown that knowledge acquired through experience plays an important role. It is important that organisations share and learn from experiences to improve their ability to cope with novel situations. In literature there is a lack of consistency in how these abilities are discussed, we therefore propose the FAIRIC model. By unravelling some of the similarities and differences we create a common vocabulary to discuss knowledge gained from experience. This can help classify different experiences and provide a systematic way of gathering and modelling knowledge on situational factors to enable sharing of mission experience over boundaries of time and space. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Dennis Andersson, Sofie Pilemalm, & Niklas Hallberg. (2008). Evaluation of crisis management operations using Reconstruction and Exploration. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 118–125). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper we present the Reconstruction and Exploration approach (R&E) and F-REX tool and their applications in a field exercise with the Swedish Rescue Services Agency with the purpose of investigating features needed for a computer supported approach for evaluation of large scale crisis management operations. After the exercise several interviews and one seminar were held to evaluate R&E as a representative for computer supported evaluation approaches for crisis management operations. Initial results indicate that multimedia presentation of key events from an operation can be very valuable not only to stimulate the participants to reflect on their own performance, but also to document and share lessons learned to non-participants.
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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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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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Dharma Dailey, & Kate Starbird. (2014). Visible skepticism: Community vetting after Hurricane Irene. 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. 777–781). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Social media enable rapid, peer-to-peer information flow during crisis events, affordances that have both positive and negative consequences. The potential for spreading misinformation is a significant concern. Drawing on an empirical study of information-sharing practices in a crisis-affected community in the Catskill Mountains after Hurricane Irene, this paper describes how an ad hoc group of community members, led by a handful of journalists, employed specific work practices to mitigate misinformation. We illustrate how the group appropriated specific tools and performed visible skepticism, among other techniques, to help control the spread of false rumors. These findings suggest implications for the design of tools and the development of best practices for supporting community-led, crowd-powered response efforts during disasters.
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Diana Contreras, Thomas Blaschke, Stefan Kienberger, & Peter Zeil. (2011). Spatial vulnerability indicators: Measuring recovery processes after earthquakes. 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 order to analyze and evaluate any post-disaster phases it is necessary to address the pre-existent vulnerability conditions. The methodology consists of four steps: the first step comprises of a review of vulnerability and recovery indicators; the second step is to identify indicators based on spatial variables; the third step is to find the common variables among the subsets of spatial variables from vulnerability and recovery indicators; and the fourth step more pragmatic, is an investigation of the availability of data. The initial results are the set of vulnerability and recovery indicators. Reducing the set of indicators to the indicators represented in a spatial context and the indicators with common features of vulnerability and recovery indices bears the risk to ignore some important single indicators; nevertheless, the added value of the on-going research is to show the advantages of using indicators based on spatial variables.
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Dick Ooms, & Willem-Jan Van Den Heuvel. (2014). If every nail looks different, you need different hammers: Modeling civil-military interaction. 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. 349–353). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: In the response to emergencies and disasters, effective cooperation and information exchange between military and civil actors is essential. However, in practice, the quality of civil-military interaction (CMI) leaves much to be desired. Our research takes an engineering approach, which is complementary to most behavioral-oriented research in the CMI domain. In particular, we seek to support CMI processes with innovative Information Technology solutions. To this end, we are developing a comprehensive conceptual model of the CMI domain, which is currently lacking. This paper contributes to its development by investigating candidate technologies and defining CMI domain model requirements. Exploiting these requirements as criteria, we have evaluated three modeling methods and languages, i.e. the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) and the Design and Engineering Methodology for Organizations (DEMO). Based on the comparative study, we conclude that a combination of these is required for modeling the CMI domain.
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Dick Ooms, & Willem-Jan Van Den Heuvel. (2012). Business not as usual: Civil-military interactionfrom an e-business perspective. 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: In peace support operations, military and civil actors are often cooperating in international coalitions. In such operations, effective and efficient coordination and information sharing is a prerequisite for effective Civil-Military Interaction (CMI), but the literature shows that this still leaves much room for improvement. Most research in this area takes a behavioral-science approach. We argue that existing research could be complemented with a design-science approach, which is an Information Systems problem-solving paradigm with its roots in engineering. After developing a high level CMI information exchange model and identifying inhibitors for information exchange, this paper provides a comparison between CMI in peace support operations and the collaboration of commercial enterprises using the e-Business paradigm. Based on observed similarities, the paper argues that the enabling technology for e-Business could overcome current inhibitors for effective and efficient information exchange for CMI in peace support operations, and is complementary to other mechanisms for information exchange. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Diego Klappenbach, Silvia Hollfelder, Andreas Meissner, & Stefan Wilbert. (2004). From analog voice radio to ICT: Data communication and data modeling for the German NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 145–150). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In Germany, the public safety system is largely organized by the German Federal States, which operate, among other equipment, a fleet of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles (NBC RVs) to take measurements in contaminated areas. Currently, the NBC RVs, which have been centrally designed and procured by the German Center for Civil Defense, verbally report measured values to a Central Control Unit (CCU) over the assigned Public Safety Organization (PSO) analog voice radio channel. This procedure has several disadvantages. The channel is not secure, puts a natural limit on the achievable throughput and thus on the number of NBC RVs that can be operational simultaneously. Also, while data is being reported, other PSO members are blocked from sending. Finally, a proprietary model is used to structure the NBC RV data, so the data can only be aggregated and evaluated at the CCU but not by any other PSO unit. To overcome these problems, we propose in this paper a heterogeneous and flexible communication platform that complies with reliability and coverage requirements for PSO. More specifically, our proposed system is designed to replace current ways of communicating between NBC RVs and the CCU. We also propose to standardize data structures for data exchange to enable PSO cooperation. A drastically higher number of measured values can then be transmitted to the CCU, and the data can be processed in a much more effective manner in the CCU as well as in cooperating PSO task forces. Ultimately, this will improve NBC RV missions and consequently shorten PSO response time when dealing with NBC disasters. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Dilek Ozceylan Aubrecht, & Michael R. Bartolacci. (2012). The impact and opportunities for wireless communications in chinese disaster planning and 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: Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires as well as those of manmade origins, such as dam breaches, necessitate communication between and among emergency responders, governmental officials, and the impacted populace. As the third largest country in terms of area and first in terms of population, China is no stranger to natural and manmade disasters of varying kinds. Until recently, the country had no central focus on dealing with such events and allowed local officials for the most part to plan and carry out all of the activities involved in disaster planning and management. Advances in the Chinese economy and more of a nationalist slant on policies have attempted to broaden the planning scope and management across the country with varying results. The deployment of wireless communications across China has assisted in disaster planning and management activities, but inconsistent policies and a haphazard approach to its deployment have hindered its ability to fully aid such activities. With a population of more than 1.3 billion (2010 Census) and its wide geography, China is one of the most natural disaster-affected countries in the world. Many natural disasters occur in China frequently and often result in severe damage and loss of life. In response to these events, several strategies for emergency management should be implemented, but in particular the integration of the deployment of wireless networks throughout the rural parts of the country with disaster/emergency planning for the same areas should be undertaken. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Dilek Ozceylan, & Erman Coskun. (2008). Defining critical success factors for National Emergency Management Model and supporting the model with information systems. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 376–383). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Natural or man-made disasters frequently occur in different countries and disaster types and consequences might differ immensely depending on that country's unique characteristics. While probability of a man-made disaster occurrence will be high for technologically advanced countries as a result of using technology in almost every aspect of daily life, probability of natural disaster occurrence will be dependent on geological, geographical, and climate related factors. Based on their different risk types and levels, each nation should create their own National Emergency Management Model (NEMM) and because of country specific conditions each plan must be unique. Thus, for each country NEMM should be focusing on different factors which are important and should show that country the importance list of factors. As a result, countries may better distribute their limited resources to reach optimum emergency management plan and execution. In this study, our goal is to three fold. Our first goal is to come up with full list of categories and factors which are important for a successful National Emergency Management Model. In order to achieve this goal, we determined our categories and factors based on our analysis of previous disasters and literature review. The second goal is to determine the importance level of each category and defining critical success factors for different countries. For this purpose, we are planning to use experts from different countries. This part of study is still underway. Finally, we analyze how information systems might be utilized for each category and factors to support a better National Emergency Management Model. This is a first step of a multi-step research.
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Dimitrios Kavallieros, George Leventakis, Stefanos Malliaros, Ioannis Daniilidis, & Vasileios Grizis. (2015). PPDR Information Systems ? A Current Status Review Report. 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: Public safety organizations include emergency and law enforcement agencies, fire departments, rescue squads, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). In response to increasing threats of terrorism and natural disasters, safety and security personnel must overcome technology barriers to enhance their efficiency, especially in the neuralgic section of information exchange. Limited availability of information hinders the response time and decision making process. Efficient communications supported by interoperable technology are vital to the situational awareness, scalability, and effectiveness of incident response. This paper?s prime objective is the review of available information systems than can be used to support and assist security agencies.
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Dimitris Zisiadis, Spyros Kopsidas, Vassilis Grizis, George Thanos, George Leventakis, & Leandros Tassiulas. (2012). STAR-TRANS Modeling Language (STML) modeling risk in the STAR-TRANS risk assessment framework for interconnected transportation systems. 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: The present paper introduces a high level modeling language, capable of expressing the concepts and processes of the Strategic Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning in Interconnected Transportation Networks (STAR-TRANS) framework. STAR-TRANS is a comprehensive transportation security risk assessment framework for assessing related risks that provides cohered contingency management procedures for interconnected, interdependent and heterogeneous transport networks. STAR-TRANS modeling Language (STML) is a domain specific language combining language simplicity with a very clear syntax, providing all the necessary elements (assets, threats, incidents, consequences etc.) to model the STAR-TRANS risk assessment framework. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Dirk Bradler, Benjamin Schiller, Erwin Aitenbichler, & Nicolas Liebau. (2009). Towards a distributed crisis response communication system. 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: Reliable communication systems are one of the key success factors for a successful first response mission. Current crisis response communication systems suffer from damaged or destroyed infrastructure or are just overstressed in the case of a large scale disaster. We provide an outline for a distributed communication approach, which fulfills the requirements of first responders. It is based on a layered network topology and current technology used in research projects or already established products. In addition, we propose a testing framework for the evaluation of a crisis response communication system.
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Douglas A. Samuelson, Matthew Parker, Austin Zimmerman, Loren Miller, Stephen Guerin, Joshua Thorp, et al. (2008). Agent-based simulations of mass egress after Improvised Explosive Device attacks. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 59–70). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: For the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, we developed agent-based computer simulation models of mass egress from a stadium and a subway station following one or more attacks with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs.) Anti-IED countermeasures we modeled included improved guidance to exits, baffles to absorb shock and shrapnel, and, for the stadium, egress onto the playing field. We found improved real-time information systems that provide better guidance to exits would substantially expedite egress and could reduce secondary (trampling and crush) casualties. Our results indicate that models like these can be useful aids to selecting countermeasures, and for training, preparation and exercises. We also discuss the unusual problems such models pose for real-time event management and for validation and evaluation.
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Douglas C. Pattie, & Stefanie Dannenmann. (2008). Evaluation and strengthening of early warning systems in countries affected by the 26 December 2004 Tsunami. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 415–423). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The objective of this international initiative was to provide an integrated framework for strengthening early warning systems in the Indian Ocean region by building on existing systems and facilitating coordination among specialized and technical institutions. The project supported the development of tsunami early warning systems in collaboration with numerous United Nations and other organizations devoted to disaster risk management and risk reduction. For the practitioner of early warning systems, the project has been divided into two areas-warning system development and preparedness. As a cross-cutting theme, the project promoted multi-hazard end-to-end systems in a regional context by emphasizing (i) risk knowledge, (ii) monitoring and warning service, (iii) communications and dissemination of understandable warnings and (iv) response capability and preparedness. The activities of the project were structured into five components-system implementation, integrated risk management, public awareness and education, community-level approaches and project coordination. Practitioners should note that the work represents a first step for establishing a complete tsunami early warning system within a multi-hazard framework.
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Dragos Datcu, & Leon J.M. Rothkrantz. (2008). A Dialog Action Manager for automatic 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. 384–393). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of our research on the development of a Dialog Action Manager-DAM as part of a complex crisis management system. Imagine the utility of such an automatic system to detect the crisis and to provide support to people in contexts similar to what happened recently at the underground in London and Madrid. Preventing and handling the scenarios of terrorism and other crisis are nowadays maybe the most important issues for a modern and safe society. In order to automate the crisis support, DAM simulates the behavior of an employee at the crisis centre handling telephone calls from human observers. Firstly, the system has to mimic the natural support for the paradigm 'do you hear me?' and next for the paradigm 'do you understand me?'. The people witnessing the crisis event as well as human experts provide reports and expertise according to their observations and knowledge on the crisis. The system knowledge and the data communication follow the XML format specifications. The system is centered on the results of our previous work on creating a user-centered multimodal reporting tool that works on mobile devices. In our paper we describe the mechanisms for creating an automatic DAM system that is able to analyze the user messages, to identify and track the crisis contexts, to support dialogs for crisis information disambiguation and to generate feedback in the form of advice to the users. The reasoning is done by using a data frame and rule based system architecture and an alternative Bayesian Network approach. In the paper we also present a series of experiments we have attempted in our endeavor to correctly identify natural solutions for the crisis situations.
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Duncan T. Wilson, Glenn I. Hawe, Graham Coates, & Roger S. Crouch. (2013). Scheduling response operations under transport network disruptions. 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. 683–687). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Modeling the complex decision problems faced in the coordination of disaster response as a scheduling problem to be solved using an optimization algorithm has the potential to deliver efficient and effective support to decision makers. However, much of the utility of such a model lies in its ability to accurately predict the outcome of any proposed solution. The stochastic nature of the disaster response environment can make such prediction difficult. In this paper we examine the effect of unknown disruptions to the road transport network on the utility of a disaster response scheduling model. The effects of several levels of disruption are measured empirically and the potential of using real-time information to revise model parameters, and thereby improve predictive performance, is evaluated.
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Duncan T. Wilson, Glenn I. Hawe, Graham Coates, & Roger S. Crouch. (2012). Estimating the value of casualty health information to optimization-based decision support in response to major incidents. 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: In this paper we describe a work-in-progress decision support program designed for use in the response to major incidents in the UK. The proposed program is designed for use in a continuous fashion, where the updating of its model, the search for solutions to the model through an optimization algorithm, and the issuing of these solutions are carried out concurrently. The model facilitates the inclusion of dynamic and uncertain features of emergency response. The potential of such an approach to deliver high-quality response plans through enabling more accurate modeling is evaluated through focusing on the case of casualty health information. Computational experiments show there is significant value in monitoring the dynamic and uncertain health progression of casualties and updating the model accordingly. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Eduard Santamaria, Florian Segor, & Igor Tchouchenkov. (2013). Rapid aerial mapping with multiple heterogeneous unmanned vehicles. 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. 592–596). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In this article, work in progress on a system for rapid aerial mapping is presented. We believe that a tool able to quickly generate an up-to-date high resolution aerial view, e.g. shortly after a natural disaster or a big incident occurs, can be a highly valuable asset to help first responders in the decision making. The presented work focuses on the path planning capabilities of the system, together with the area partitioning and workload distribution among a team of multi-rotor unmanned aircraft. Sensor footprint and range of the involved aircraft may differ. The presented approach is based on an approximate cellular decomposition of the area of interest. The results of this work will be integrated into an existing system which already provides a mobile ground control station able to supervise and control multiple sensor carriers.
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Edward J. Glantz. (2014). Community crisis management lessons from Philadelphia's 1793 epidemic. 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. 556–564). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are greatly concerned that a new influenza type A outbreak will result in a rapid spread of infectious disease, overwhelming existing medical response infrastructures. Each of these organizations has published planning guides that call upon local and community organizers to begin planning for such an event. To establish insight and provide context for these organizers, this paper presents a case analysis of the Philadelphia yellow fever outbreak of 1793.
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Edward Mahinda, & Brian Whitworth. (2004). Evaluating flexibility and reliability in emergency response information systems. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 93–98). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Flexibility, variously known as adaptability, tailorability, and customizability, has long been recognized as important in information system (IS) success. Reliability has known value in IS for the resulting predictability it bestows on a system. However increasing flexibility can increase possible paths for system breakdown, and so contribute to failure, i.e. increasing flexibility can reduce reliability. Reliability and flexibility seem in design “tension”, as one creates change and the other resists it. The combination of reliability and flexibility has been called “ robustness”, and it seems a desirable integration particularly for emergency response systems. However typically these two areas are studied separately. Our approach to evaluating the combination of reliability and flexibility is to define two distinct requirements that neither overlap nor contradict, and can be assessed by system users. A questionnaire instrument for users is proposed for measurement of the flexibility and reliability of a system. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Eelco Vriezekolk, Roel Wieringa, & Sandro Etalle. (2012). Design and initial validation ofthe Rastermethod for telecom service availability risk assessment. 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: Crisis organisations depend on telecommunication services; unavailability of these services reduces the effectiveness of crisis response. Crisis organisations should therefore be aware of availability risks, and need a suitable risk assessment method. Such a method needs to be aware of the exceptional circumstances in which crisis organisations operate, and of the commercial structure of modern telecom services. We found that existing risk assessment methods are unsuitable for this problem domain. Hence, crisis organisations do not perform any risk assessment, trust their supplier, or rely on service level agreements, which are not meaningful during crisis situations. We have therefore developed a new risk assessment method, which we call RASTER. We have tested RASTER using a case study at the crisis organisation of a government agency, and improved the method based on the analysis of case results. Our initial validation suggests that the method can yield practical results. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Eelco Vriezekolk, Roel Wieringa, & Sandro Etalle. (2011). A new method to assess telecom service availability risks. 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: Protection of society against natural and man-made disasters is high on the societal and political agenda. Effective crisis management is more important than ever. Nowadays, crisis organisations depend crucially on reliable telecom services, and unexpected failure of telecommunication may have serious consequences. In order not to be caught unprepared, crisis organisations should therefore perform a risk assessment on telecom availability. Unfortunately, assessment of availability risks of modern, multi-operator telecom services is difficult; information sources are unreliable, and the relevant information is uncertain and difficult to obtain. This paper describes some of these difficulties, as well as the requirements of availability risk assessment methods for crisis telecommunication services. The paper outlines a new method that can be applied without requiring full knowledge of the physical layout of the telecom infrastructure. This new method relies on telecom service diagrams as a tool for risk analysis and to facilitate dialogue among the analysts.
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Ehren Hill, & Frank Hardisty. (2012). CR-Site: An infrastructure siting tool for crisis response. 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: Many crisis response and recovery efforts require choosing locations in order to deliver needed materials and services. Automated methods can help choose optimal locations for relief camps, field hospitals, command centers, and other critical relief infrastructure. However, current information technology tools for siting relief infrastructure suffer from exposing too much complexity to the user. We are developing a tool, CR-Site, which we hope will serve as an exemplar of an emergency siting tool that eliminates unnecessary complexity, while exposing necessary parameters. In this paper, we describe the technical design and user workflow for CR-Site and provide a case study for the functionality provided by CR-Site. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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