Amina Saoutal, Nada Matta, & Jean-Pierre Cahier. (2015). Approach to support Situational Awareness within Inter-Organizational Collaboration in Crisis Response. 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: Regardless of the type of crisis and its complexity as well as the difference of culture, objectives and priorities of the multitude organizations involved, emergency response requires effective communication in order to achieve situational awareness within inter-organizational collaboration, make decision and achieve their own objectives. However, actors are challenged by several problems. Among them, weak interaction and information exchange, unavailability of information at the right time etc. Our contribution outlined in this paper is suggesting an approach based on an empirical study conducted in France. The objective of this approach is to mitigate inter-organizational communication problems and support situational awareness (SA) by distributing needed information at the right time.
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Marie Bartels. (2014). Communicating probability: A challenge for decision support systems. 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. 260–264). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper presents observations made in the course of two interorganizational crisis management exercises that were conducted in order to identify requirements for a decision support system for critical infrastructure operators. It brings into focus how different actors deal with the uncertainty of information that is relevant for other stakeholders and therefore is to be shared with them. It was analyzed how the participants articulated und comprehended assessments on how probable the reliability of a given data or prognosis was. The recipients of the information had to consider it when making decisions concerning their own network. Therefore they had to evaluate its reliability. Different strategies emerged.
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Björn J E Johansson. (2020). Boundary Stories – A Systems Perspective on Inter-organizational Learning from Crisis Response Exercises. 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. 427–434). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Inter-organizational exercises are commonly conducted with the aim to improve overall crisis response system performance. However, there are challenges associated with establishing learning goals for, designing and evaluating inter-organizational exercises. This work-in-progress paper applies a systems science perspective on the Swedish crisis response system with the aim to understand (1) what kind of a system it is (2) what properties or mechanisms enable good system performance?, and, (3) what are desirable training goals for improving the crisis response capability of the Swedish crisis response system? The author suggests that (1) the Swedish crisis response system can be seen as a Complex Adaptive System, and (2) that the focus must shift from exercising organizations' intra-organizational capabilities to adaptive capabilities. The latter can be achieved by designing exercises comprising boundary-crossing activities with the purpose to support the buildup of boundary-crossing competence. Cross-organizational learning can be achieved by identifying, documenting and disseminating boundary stories.
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Boris Petrenj, & Paolo Trucco. (2021). Blockchain-based Solutions to support inter-organisational Critical Infrastructure Resilience. 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. 982–993). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This conceptual paper critically discusses opportunities for and challenges to the development and exploitation of blockchain-based solutions for resilience management at inter-organizational level of interdependent Critical Infrastructure (CI) systems. The main premise behind this idea is that trustful information-sharing and inter-institutional collaboration are the key elements of government and private sector efforts to build CI resilience (CIR). The discussion presents a vision that the adoption and adaptation of Blockchain Technology (BCT) could significantly improve the way a network of stakeholders prepares for and performs in face of inevitable CI disruptions. Even though BCT is regarded as technological innovation, the impacts go far beyond information systems. BCT application in this domain would entail significant benefits to organizational, managerial, legal and social issues, but would require adequate operational and organizational changes. We discuss how interdisciplinary approach (BCT and CIR) could address existing challenges, how it could introduce new challenges and how it could support other approaches and paradigms currently being regarded as the future of risk and resilience management. Even though the discussion in this paper is focused on Critical Infrastructure resilience, each point also applies to Crisis/Disaster management domain in general. This is a preliminary overview with the aim to stimulate further discussions and point to possible new, disruptive and interdisciplinary research avenues. To this end, a possible research agenda is eventually proposed.
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Emma Carter, & Simon French. (2005). Nuclear emergency management in Europe: A review of approaches to decision making. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 247–259). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The need for transparent and consistent decision making in nuclear emergency management across local, regional, national and international levels is well recognised. Several decision support systems have been developed to help achieve this; but, by and large, with little consultation with potential DMs and with limited understanding of the emergency management procedures across Europe and how they differ. This work, part of a European Fifth Framework project EVATECH, considers the application of process modelling to document and compare the emergency management process in four countries. We have observed that the four process models are substantially different in their organizational structure and identified differences in where decisions are made, the management of advice and the communication network style. This papers focus is on the results of the comparison and the implications for the design and use of decision support systems.
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Steven Curnin, & Christine Owen. (2013). A typology to facilitate multi-agency coordination. 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. 115–119). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Multi-agency coordination in emergency management presents many challenges. Agencies that normally operate independently have to assemble into a unified supra organization to achieve a common goal. To achieve successful multi-agency coordination organizations need to span organizational boundaries and provide linkages with multiple agencies. This requires interorganizational compatibility of information and communication systems. Necessary for this success are the stakeholders responsible for facilitating these organizational boundary spanning activities. This paper proposes that the preliminary research findings can create a typology of dimensions crucial to facilitating multi-agency emergency management coordination. It is envisaged that the typology will culminate into a diagnostic tool that will enable stakeholders to examine the breakdowns and successes of multi-agency emergency management coordination.
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Thomas Foulquier, & Claude Caron. (2010). Towards a formalization of interorganizational trust networks for crisis 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: As the concept of trust has found its way into the crisis management literature, many questions remain to be addressed, among which that of its integration with information technology, and its relevance for improving collaboration in a crisis management environment. We propose in this paper that a sub category of social networks, interpersonal trust networks between organisations, may have a significant influence on the management of a crisis by organizations, and that their formalization by technology can help manage such networks and prepare for potential crises. Following a review of trust in the crisis management context, we link trust's organizing properties to crisis management case studies and present our rationale for formalizing trust networks in an information system. We consider the technological artifact produced before the crisis by formalizing interpersonal, interorganizational trust relationships will constitute an element for collective sensemaking by parties involved in the management of a crisis.
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Jörn Franke, François Charoy, & Cédric Ulmer. (2010). A model for temporal coordination of disaster response activities. 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: One problem for public safety organizations in a disaster is the management of response activities and their dependencies on an intra-and inter-organizational level. Our interviews with end users have shown that current solutions for managing activities are complicated to use in the crisis by teams in the field and also in operation centers, when facing continuous unexpected events and cross-organizational activities. We propose an activity centric system for managing crisis response activities for such situations. We give an example how this system is used in a crisis within one organization and cross-organizations. Afterwards, we explain the evaluation of the solution. This research contributes not only to the crisis management domain, but also to the business process management domain by providing an alternative view on activities in highly dynamic scenarios.
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Herkevall, J., & Johansson Björn J E. (2023). Is this a date? – New perspectives on ICT for harmonized inter-organizational crisis management. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 67–75). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: In this paper, we challenge common conceptions related to the role and development of information and communication technology (ICT) for crisis management. Based on an understanding of inter-organizational crisis management as self-organizing through processes of harmonization in complex adaptive systems, ICT is positioned as an enabler in the bridging of social and organizational boundaries. In this view, the primary requirements for ICT in inter-organizational settings are defined by current information sharing needs, which are continuously changing with the context and co-working partners. From this understanding of inter-organizational relations in crisis management, this paper suggests two complementary approaches to ICT focusing on policy adjustment and training that supports adaptive organizational capabilities and utilization of easily available commercial ICT. The ideas put forth in this paper are intended to add perspectives and spark discussions on ICT for crisis management.
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Johan Nordström, & Björn Johan Erik Johansson. (2019). Supporting Inter-Organizational Learning – A Review of Post-Excercise Knowledge Sharing. 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: Inter-organisational learning from exercises and response operations is crucial for improving overall response capacity for coping with cross-domain crisis events. In order to compile and disseminate experiences and acquired knowledge in the form of lessons learned, post-exercise reports are written. This paper presents a review of 17 Swedish post-exercise reports. The review was conducted with the aim to investigate whether such reports contained enough information to support inter-organisational learning, i.e. if learning goals were stated, how the event was described, method for evaluation, conclusions, and whether recommendations for change were sufficient for supporting inter-organisational learning. It was found that most reports did not support organisational development and lacked recommendations that were useful outside the own organisation or the
context of the specific exercise scrutinised. The results indicate the need for an exercise evaluation framework for inter-organisational exercises.
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Kristoffer Karl Darin-Mattsson, & Niklas Hallberg. (2019). Do's and Don'ts in Inter-Organizational Crisis Management Exercises. 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: It is commonly assumed that conducting exercises will contribute to better crisis management. However, the exact mechanisms of cause and effect are hard to isolate empirically. The objective of this paper is to compile and analyze the recommendations in the literature on inter-organizational exercises and learning. While not claiming to meet the strict scientific demand of empirical validation and general applicability, the compilation may nevertheless provide some guidance from research to practitioners. Forty-four papers about learning in interorganizational exercises were analyzed. Out of the analyzed papers, 28 discussed obstacles or success factors.
However, the recommendations applicable in one setting are not automatically valid in others, and some are even contradictory. The recommendations have therefore been categorized according to two criteria; when in the exercise cycle and for whom they apply. Several recommendations concern individual learning, but maximizing individual learning can sometimes hamper learning on the organizational level.
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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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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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Mari Olsén, Niklas Hallberg, Per-Anders Oskarsson, & Magdalena Granåsen. (2020). Exploring Capabilities that Constitute Inter-Organizational Crisis Management. 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. 417–426). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Crises are infrequent, unpredictable and complex events. Managing such events requires well-prepared and well-coordinated efforts by several response organizations. Hence, a sufficient inter-organizational crisis management (ICM) capability is critical for sustainable societies. To ensure the ICM capability, approaches for enhancing and evaluating it are needed. The objective of this study was to identify and elaborate a clearly defined set of capabilities that constitutes ICM capability. The study was performed by an explorative literature study, where identified capabilities related to ICM were clustered. The cluster of capabilities was iteratively evaluated and refined. The study resulted in 14 capabilities that constitute ICM capability, which were divided into core, supportive, and enabling capabilities. The set of capabilities may provide a foundation for a framework of ICM capability with the ability to support assessment of ICM performance both in exercises and in real ICM operations, as well as in the design of ICM exercises.
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David Passenier, Jeroen Wolbers, Julia Mollee, Kees Boersma, & Peter Groenewegen. (2012). Formalization of crisis response coordination from a public inquiry report. 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: We assess the usability of public inquiry report data to build a formal trace that can be used in later stages to create an agent model simulating crisis response coordination. The case taken is a train tunnel fire near the underground train station at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol that turned out to be harmless, but the incident illustrated key weaknesses in inter-organizational coordination causing a slower response than required in case of a more serious fire. We present a taxonomy of data problems resulting from our attempt to reconstruct a logical series of events. This highlights gaps or ambiguities in data pertaining to coordination practices, communication networks, situational properties and information and communication systems. Our formal trace cannot support all the report's claims that explain the failures in coordination. The report data show some critical problems, but can still serve as a basis for an information network model of the crisis. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Per-Anders Oskarsson, Niklas Hallberg, Johan Nordström, Magdalena Granåsen, & Mari Olsén. (2022). Assessment of Collaborative Crisis Management Capability by Generic Questions. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 385–391). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Societies need the ability to respond to crises such as terrorism, pandemics and natural disasters. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the capability of crisis management is attained, maintained, and developed. Since large crises cannot be handled by single organizations, collaborative crisis management capability is needed. The objective of this work was to provide support by an instrument for assessment of collaborative crisis management capability. The work was iteratively performed in a workgroup. The outcome was two templates with sets of generic questions, one for assessment of the actual capabilities and one for assessment of the preconditions of the capabilities. The templates mainly focus on assessment of collaborative crisis management capability. However, since the questions are generically formulated, they should be usable for assessments of any type of crisis management capability.
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Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, Carleen Maitland, Andrea H. Tapia, Kang Zhao, & Kartikeya Bajpai. (2010). Assessing humanitarian inter-organizational network effectiveness: The case of GlobalSympoNet. 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 reports on research in progress. The objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of multidimensional humanitarian inter-organizational networks. Especially, it investigates how organizational characteristics and network structure properties impact network effectiveness. To this end, the research develops a model of network effectiveness in the humanitarian field, using the case of GlobalSympoNet, a network of organizations/agencies engaged in humanitarian information management and exchange. Data for the research come from a series of three surveys and semi-structured interviews conducted among organizations/agencies members of GlobalSympoNet. Social network analyses are done using UCINET (Borgatti et al., 1999). Some preliminary results are presented here.
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Torben Wiedenhöfer, Christian Reuter, Benedikt Ley, & Volkmar Pipek. (2011). Inter-organizational crisis management infrastructures for electrical power breakdowns. 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: Major electricity breakdowns like the Northeast Blackout (USA) in 2003 or the blackout in most parts of Western Europe in 2005, have shown the fundamental role of electricity in our everyday life. The experiences of these accidents show that power suppliers, firefighters, police, county administration and citizens face multifarious challenges in inter-organizational communication, information and coordination processes during coping and recovery work. In this work-in-progress paper we describe early research dealing with inter-organizational issues in emergency management (EM). We are mainly focusing on supporting social practices in inter-organizational EM, for example collaborative interpretation of emergency situations, ad-hoc coordination or supporting citizen communication and helping routines. Identified from our experiences from related projects, discussions and literature studies, we suggest potential questions and future topics in user-driven software engineering processes for EM and domain specific problems, such as supporting citizen participation, coping with information uncertainties and quality variations or enhancing inter-organizational learning.
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