Andrea Kavanaugh, Steven D. Sheetz, Riham Hassan, Seungwon Yang, Hicham G. Elmongui, Edward A. Fox, et al. (2012). Between a rock and a cell phone: Communication and information technology use during the 2011 Egyptian uprising. 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 observers heralded the use of social media during recent political uprisings in the Middle East even dubbing Iran's post election protests a “Twitter Revolution”. We seek to put into perspective the use of social media in Egypt during the mass political demonstrations in 2011. We draw on innovation diffusion theory to argue that these media could have had an impact beyond their low adoption rates due to other factors related to demographics and social networks. We supplement our social media data analysis with survey data we collected in June 2011 from an opportunity sample of Egyptian youth. We conclude that in addition to the contextual factors noted above, the individuals within Egypt who used Twitter during the uprising have the characteristics of opinion leaders. These findings contribute to knowledge regarding the role of opinion leaders and social media, especially Twitter, during violent political demonstrations. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Anouck Adrot, Samuel Auclair, Julien Coche, Audrey Fertier, Cécile Gracianne, & Aurélie Montarnal. (2022). Using Social Media Data in Emergency Management: A Proposal for a Socio-technical Framework and a Systematic Literature Review. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 470–479). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Data represents an essential resource to the management of emergencies: organizations have been growingly investing in technologies and resources to lever data as an asset before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. However, research on data usage in emergency management remains fragmented, preventing practitioners and scholars from approaching data comprehensively. To address this gap, this research in progress consists of a systematic review of the literature in a two-steps approach: we first propose a socio-technical framework and use it in an exploratory mapping of the main topics covered by the literature. Our preliminary findings suggest that research on data usage primarily focuses on technological opportunities and affordances and, hence, lacks practical implementation aspects in organizations. The expected contribution is double. First, we contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of data usage in emergency management. Second, we propose future avenues for research on data and resilience.
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Fredrik Bergstrand. (2011). Sensemaking in command centre contexts. 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: This paper presents descriptive accounts from the work conducted at a Swedish fire and rescue service's command centre during a high risk protest. Sensemaking has been applied as a theoretical lens on the empirical data. Two specific episodes has been selected to demonstrate how the process of sensemaking is manifested in the context of the command centre. The paper also includes implications for design suggesting how information systems for this context should be designed to better support sensemaking.
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Borglund, E., A.M., & Granholm, M. (2023). Challenges in work procedures in distributed crisis management. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 732–737). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: This is a work in progress paper on work and IT usage in distributed crisis management. The data presented in this paper has been collected at a one-day tabletop exercise with four Swedish municipalities. Four members of the four municipalities’ crisis organizations were invited to the exercise, which was designed as one scenario divided into two cases. At the start of each case of the exercise, each municipality was split into two separate rooms, to simulate a distributed crisis management. During the first case they could communicate using phone, TETRA radio, and the Internet. During case two in the scenario, there was no Internet connection. The study indicates that all the municipalities managed to organize and solve the given tasks using primarily voice communication, in case one using phone or, e.g., Teams, and in case two using TETRA radio. Information sharing using IT was non-existing.
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Cornelia Caragea, Nathan McNeese, Anuj Jaiswal, Greg Traylor, Hyun-Woo Kim, Prasenjit Mitra, et al. (2011). Classifying text messages for the haiti earthquake. 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 case of emergencies (e.g., earthquakes, flooding), rapid responses are needed in order to address victims' requests for help. Social media used around crises involves self-organizing behavior that can produce accurate results, often in advance of official communications. This allows affected population to send tweets or text messages, and hence, make them heard. The ability to classify tweets and text messages automatically, together with the ability to deliver the relevant information to the appropriate personnel are essential for enabling the personnel to timely and efficiently work to address the most urgent needs, and to understand the emergency situation better. In this study, we developed a reusable information technology infrastructure, called Enhanced Messaging for the Emergency Response Sector (EMERSE), which classifies and aggregates tweets and text messages about the Haiti disaster relief so that non-governmental organizations, relief workers, people in Haiti, and their friends and families can easily access them.
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Rui Chen, Thirumurugan Thiyagarajan, Raghav H. Rao, & JinKyu LeeK. (2010). Design of a FOSS system for flood disaster management. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper we study how information technology solutions can be used when disasters strike. This research in progress focuses on flood disasters and it proposes the design for flood disaster management. To increase the utility of the disaster management information system, we follow the free and open source system (FOSS) concept. Informed by the management tasks of flood response, we elaborate the system requirements and key functionalities. The system has received preliminary evaluation by the domain experts and is currently under further development.
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David Wodak, & Kenny Meesters. (2021). How To Improve HO/TO's: An Exploratory Study on The Alignment Between Information, Technology And Crisis teams. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 459–470). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In the last decade, the number of crises has increased, and have become more complex. Crisis response does not only focus on rescue operations, or separate stages but rather it is an integrated and continuous process. During this continuous process, several handovers take place. A handover is an important, critical but challenging moment during a crisis, due to the organizational factors that influence the handover and the technology used to transfer information. Since these are crucial elements of a Crisis handover, it would indicate that the alignment between these factors could lead to the improvement of Crisis handovers. However, certain barriers resulted in a lack of alignment. An important barrier originates from the organizational processes. These have a lack of focus on which crisis managers are involved in the handover and thus create a lack of alignment between the systems and information used by various crisis teams.
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Nils Ellebrecht, Konrad Feldmeier, & Stefan Kaufmann. (2013). IT's about more than speed. The impact of IT on the management of mass casualty incidents in Germany. 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. 391–400). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In the new millennium new technologies (should) play an ever more prominent role in the management of mass casualty incidents (MCI). Drawing on empirical data from a four-year research project (SOGRO), the article reflects on the impact of information technologies (IT) on the organisation of emergency response and on rescue services against the backdrop of broader organisational shifts and contemporary demands. Because IT strengthens a particular way of MCI management, it is firstly described as expressing and reifying specific considerations of emergency response experts. Secondly, the benefits of an IT-based emergency response are critically reviewed. IT collects and makes available data about the rescue operation. Thus, it makes a formerly blurred rescue operation transparent. Although its operational benefit remains vague for on-scene executives, the visualisation reduces uncertainties among them. Thirdly, the article points out the inherent logics of IT. Its implementation not only satisfies newly evolved information needs, but also increases the control density.
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Stephen C. Fortier. (2013). Developing an incident response process model for chemical facilities. 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. 941–950). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This research project investigated the incident response mechanism used by the chemical industry for handling extremely hazardous chemicals. The mechanism was described as the policies, procedures, practices, tools, and methods used to conduct incident response. The results from the study determined what technologies, specifically software and information systems, could be utilized to improve the chemical facility incident response mechanism. The chemical industry is responsible for process safety management at all of its facilities, especially those that have off-site consequences in the event of an unplanned release. The processes and procedures of local, regional and national emergency responders have been studied thoroughly. An area of research that is lacking is the study of incident response policies and procedures within the boundaries of a chemical site. Results of the analysis determined that the chemical industry, in general, does not take advantage of available information technology when responding to unplanned releases.
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Russell J. Graves. (2004). Key technologies for emergency response. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 133–138). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
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.
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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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Katrina Petersen. (2019). Managing Risk Across Borders: ethical implications of engaging information technology for transboundary disaster collaboration. 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: Disaster management is increasingly becoming a project in managing diversity, from cross-organisational collaboration to inclusivity of voices. This is particularly prevalent when dealing with transboundary risks. New information technologies support these transboundary interactions by compiling diverse information and sources to build collaborative insight beyond what any individual organisation can know. This paper explores the ethical concerns that planners and responders face as they work with these collaborative information technologies to engage with data from other organisations, based in different data frameworks, socio-political priorities, goals, and cultures of risk. It draws on the ethical impact assessment of a cross-border collaborative crisis planning platform currently under development in the H2020 project IN-PREP to examine ethical tensions around equity, inclusion, diversity, solidarity, accountability and transparency. It discusses the consequences of such design foci for an agency?s ability to notice ethical risks that emerge from working in diversity.
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Jonas Landgren. (2010). Principles of radical research in the area of information systems for crisis 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: The paper outlines a set of principles for radical research in the field of information systems for crisis response and management. After every major disaster, there is a never-ending call for new solutions that could improve emergency and crisis response work. This paper presents confessional accounts from one research group on how design oriented research could adopt a design perspective and organize research that have substantial potential in improving emergency and response work through innovative design of information technology use.
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Benedikt Ley, Volkmar Pipek, Christian Reuter, & Torben Wiedenhöefer. (2012). Supporting inter-organizational situation assessment 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: To assess current situation properly is crucial for effective decision-making in crisis management. However, gathering accurate information from incidence sites and providing appropriate support for assessment practices faces several challenges. The unique information demands of each crisis situation, the information availability or inter-organizational problems and obstacles to information exchange are important factors that need to be considered in designing ICT. In this contribution we present results from an empirical study about decision-making practices in scenarios of medium to large power outages in Germany. We focused on the needs and practices on information exchange at the level of inter-organizational cooperation. We examined the cooperation of fire departments, police, public administration, electricity infrastructure operators and citizens. Our empirical material reflects particularly conditions and challenges in current situation assessment practices, and we were able to derive design requirements for an inter-organizational situation assessment client as a complementary tool for existing crisis management infrastructures. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Benedikt Ley, Volkmar Pipek, Tim Siebigteroth, & Torben Wiedenhöefer. (2013). Retrieving and exchanging of information in inter- Organizational crisis management. 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. 812–822). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Information is the most valuable resource for coping and recovery work in crisis management. It is the foundation for coordination, collaboration and decision-making. However, several challenges face information retrieval, evaluation and exchange processes in inter-organizational crisis management. On the one hand, due to the dynamic nature of crisis situations, information demands are hardly predictable and change in the course of time. Moreover, inter-organizational issues like terminology issues, policy constrains or even the lack of awareness about information available are influencing factors and need to be considered in designing appropriate ICT. In this paper we report from an empirical study, where we had a closer look on information retrieval and exchange practices in scenarios of medium to large power outages in Germany on an interorganizational level. Derived from these results, we were able to present a reference implementation of an interorganizational information repository (IOIR) and report our findings from a related evaluation.
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Ma Ma, Shengcheng Yuan, H. Zhang, & Yi Liu. (2013). Framework design for operational scenario-based emergency response system. 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. 332–337). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The present paper introduces a scenario-based framework design for connecting emergency response system with human behavior analysis and social information processing, which aims at improving its comprehensive capability in dealing with unexpected situations caused by physical, social and psychological factors during a crisis. The overall framework consists of four function modules: Scenario awareness, scenario analysis, scenario evolvement and scenario response. A detailed function design for each module is presented as well as the related methodologies used for integration of four modules. The contribution of this paper includes two aspects. One is realizing the integration of incident evolution, information-spreading and decision-making by taking account of physical, social and psychological effects during emergency. The other is improving the efficiency of decisionmaking through dynamic optimization process.
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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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Gloria Mark, Ban Al-Ani, & Bryan Semaan. (2009). Repairing human infrastructure in a war zone. 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: People depend on human infrastructure for a range of activities in their daily lives, such as work and socializing. In this paper we consider three different intertwined types of infrastructures of a society that may be affected in crisis situations: The physical, technological, and human infrastructures. We argue that when the human infrastructure is damaged, e.g. in a natural catastrophe or war, then people can switch reliance to the technological infrastructure to be resilient. We conducted an empirical study of 85 people who lived in war zones during the 2006 Israeli-Lebanon war and the ongoing Gulf war in Iraq. In this paper, we report how information technology is used by our informants in new ways in their attempt to maintain social relationships and continue working. Our informants also used technology to help navigate safe routes for travel and for psychological support. We discuss implications of our results for disaster research.
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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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Paula Mostert, Bartel A. Van De Walle, Koen Milis, & Jan Vandijck. (2005). The role of IT in crisis management exercising, training and planning in Belgian and Dutch Companies: A survey. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 131–133). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: We report the findings of a crisis management survey on the role of IT in the crisis exercising, training and planning activities among companies in 6 different industries in two neighbouring European countries, Belgium and the Netherlands, having at least 50 employees. The survey was sent to 1450 Dutch and 1245 Belgian companies, 245 of which were returned, resulting in a response rate of 9%. The results of the survey show that the role of IT in these activities in both countries is very limited.
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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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Sofie Pilemalm, Tobias Andersson Granberg, Rebecca Stenberg, & Anders Axelsson. (2012). Emergency response in rural areas. 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 study, security and safety in rural parts of Sweden is investigated. New ways of organizing for efficient response can be found in the extended collaboration between societal sectors and in utilizing the local social capital. New categories of first responders and their requirements are identified and we propose non-technical and technical solutions as support. The results' application to large-scale crises is discussed. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Esther Sangiamkul, & Jos Van Hillegersberg. (2011). Research directions in information systems for 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: This article systematically reviews the literature on using IT (Information Technology) in humanitarian logistics focusing on disaster relief operations. We first discuss problems in humanitarian relief logistics. We then identify the stage and disaster type for each article as well as the article's research methodology and research contribution. Finally, we identify potential future research directions.
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Bryan Semaan, Gloria Mark, & Ban Al-Ani. (2010). Developing information technologies for citizens experiencing disruption: The role of trust and context. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper considers a subset of the technology-enabled communication that took place among citizen populations experiencing various disruptions, e.g. disaster and war. In the context of a disrupted environment, trust can erode where people no longer rely on institutions for support (i.e. the government), or where citizens do not trust other people. We argue that depending on what is taking place in the physical world, trust in people, information, and institutions can change – in this sense, trust is contextual. We then offer recommendations for designing new technologies for people who experience disruption, taking into account trust and context.
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Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, Carleen Maitland, Andrea H. Tapia, & Kartikeya Bajpai. (2011). Humanitarian organizational collaboration: Information technologies as necessary but not sufficient. 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: Organizations in the humanitarian relief field increasingly need to look outside their own boundaries and engage in a significant level of inter-organizational collaboration. In studying collaborative processes in the nonprofit context, researchers have used different theoretical approaches to investigate the motivations behind why organizations collaborate. Although these studies have contributed to shed some lights on these collaborative mechanisms, little is still known about the main factors that influence the decision of humanitarian organizations to engage into collaboration especially with regards to the implications of information technologies. In this paper, we explore factors for collaboration among members of the GlobalSympoNet, a network of organizations engaged in humanitarian information management. We analyze data collected through nineteen semi-structured interviews. We identified seven factors that could be grouped into three categories including structural, behavioral and organizational. Our findings also suggest that information technologies alone are not enough to motivate and maintain long lasting collaboration.
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