Joris Field, Arjan Lemmers, Amy Rankin, & Michael Morin. (2012). Instructor tools for virtual training 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: Crisis management exercises require a lot of preparation and planning to ensure that the training objectives are met. This is often a time consuming and expensive process and can be a major barrier to setting up frequent crisis management training sessions. The introduction of virtual training environments to supplement the live exercises enables the development of tools to support the instructors in their planning, management, observation and analysis of training exercises. This can simplify the planning process, and give instructors control over the configuration of the exercises to tailor them to the needs of individual trainees. In this paper we present a tool that supports instructors in the planning of virtual exercises, and can be used to provide templates for live exercises. This tool has been developed with ongoing feedback from instructors and crisis management personnel and forms part of a crisis management virtual training system. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
FREALLE Noémie, TENA-CHOLLET Florian, & SAUVAGNARGUES Sophie. (2017). The key role of animation in the execution of crisis management exercises. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 916–928). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: The organizers of crisis management exercises want scenario credible and pedagogical from the beginning until the end. For this reason, they call on an animation team that can use different communication channels. The aim of this article is to understand the different types of animation by analyzing the professional experience of the facilitators and the type of casting that can be done. Finally, a definition of four levels of animation is proposed. These levels are associated with different types of messages and rhythm settings. The main objective is to improve the execution of the scenario during a crisis management training.
|
Elizabeth Avery Gomez. (2008). Crisis response communication management: Increasing message clarity with training over time. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 368–375). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The characteristics of a crisis cannot be predicted and no two crises are alike. The responders in a crisis also vary creating two axis of uncertainty that inhibit rapid and accurate scope definition of a crisis. How and what a responder chooses to communicate in a crisis can impact subsequent response efforts placing importance on the clarity and cohesion of information exchange. Training and increased practice of clear and accurate message content between responders is proposed to improve the situation details needed for rapid scope identification. SMS text-messaging is one viable, mobile interoperable communication technology, accessible for everyday use. This research studies message content exchanged between responders and begins with the message-prompt to message-response relationship during crisis response training. A web-enabled training application has been designed to simulate two-way SMS text-message exchange and captures communication responses based on defined task prompts. Leveraging Speech Act Theory and the use of plain language protocols for communication exchange, the SMS text-message responses are assessed for ongoing training and practice.
|
Elizabeth Avery Gomez, & Murray Turoff. (2007). Interoperable communication: An analysis of SMS text-message exchange. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 45–50). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Achieving interoperable communication across governmental agencies and jurisdictions remains a challenge and is simply taking time to implement. Initiatives to support agency interoperability continue. However, community responders remain in need of two-way device quick response tactics. SMS text-messaging is one viable interoperable communication technology that provides a bottom-up approach while offering benefits for everyday use. This research in progress studies the use of a web-based SMS text-message training application, designed to simulate two-way SMS text-message exchange. Speech Act Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior are leveraged to carefully measure SMS text-message exchange. The overarching crisis scenario takes the role of the local community responder. Initial qualitative pilot results are presented and discussed, including next steps for this ongoing research.
|
Elizabeth Avery Gomez, & Michael R. Bartolacci. (2011). Crisis management and mobile devices: Extending the usage of sensor networks within an integrated system framework. 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: Crisis response relies on information dissemination and decisions made from real-time data. Sensor networks, especially in an environmental context, are a source of real-time data and used in both military and industrial applications for information gathering. However, sensor data usage for more pervasive system applications, especially mobile applications outside the battlefield, is limited. Mobile devices play key roles in crisis management, but little research exists on their effectiveness under duress. This research extends a previous study on user (responder) preparation in crisis management to mobile device readiness and real-time data acquisition. This paper steps beyond application use to focus on mobile device capabilities and the interface with wireless sensor networks towards an integrated mobile system framework that provides information and real-time decision data for crisis management. In particular, the approach being proposed incorporates novel strategies for maintaining battery life and connectivity among sensors and portable communication devices that are ideally suited for crisis management applications where “staying connected” is critical.
|
Klaus Granica, Thomas Nagler, Markus M. Eisl, Mathias Schardt, & Helmut Rott. (2005). Satellite remote sensing data for an alpine related disaster management GIS. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 221–232). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Natural disasters are an age-old problem that occur regularly in alpine regions, posing a major threat to the safety of settlements and transport routes. Within the project “Safety of Alpine Routes – Application of Earth Observation Combined with GIS (Hannibal)”, financed by the Ministry of Transport and Innovation, information relevant for disaster management has been extracted from satellite remote sensing and integrated into a newly developed GIS based Decision Support System (DSS). Some of the required map information were inferred from ERS- or from SPOT5- and QUICKBIRD satellites, others were taken from conventional data sources such as maps or Digital Terrain Models.
|
Matthew Guardascione, & Allen E. Milewski. (2010). Feedback mechanisms in automated emergency management training. 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 study explored automated training for emergency managers and the effects of feedback on performance. A prototype emergency management training application was built to allow the usage of either immediate feedback or delayed, “hotwash” feedback. Users were split into two groups and asked to carry out two emergency management scenarios using one of the feedback mechanisms, and the difference in scores between each feedback type were analyzed There was a general increase in performance across sessions. Further, the improvements in scores between each feedback type showed that users performed significantly better when using the hotwash feedback mechanism compared with the immediate feedback mechanism. In contrast to the performance data, preference data showed no overall differences between the two procedures, although each user had a strong preference for one or the other feedback mechanism. The implications for the design of training systems offering both procedures are discussed.
|
Hans Jochen Scholl, & Sarah L. Carnes. (2017). Managerial Challenges in Early Disaster Response: The Case of the 2014 Oso/SR530 Landslide Disaster. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 961–972). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: The larger the scale, scope, and duration of a disaster, the higher is the number of response units. However, with more units involved in the response also the heterogeneity of responder units drastically increases in terms of capabilities, experiences, practices, techniques, tactics, and procedures. As a result, the coordination and overall management of the response becomes an increasingly challenging endeavor. In the response to the 2014 Oso/SR530 landslide disaster in Washington State over one hundred agencies were involved, which presented a huge coordination task for the incident command. This empirical study is exploratory and focuses on the activities and interactions of professional responders, particularly, in the early phases of the response. It amends and complements previous studies on the subject by identifying and describing in detail various challenges in the early response. It also discusses recommendations on how to tackle and potentially mitigate the challenges identified in future responses.
|
Alison J. Hayes, Jessica Lancaster, Zeno Franco, & Anne Kissack. (2012). Disaster medical education & simulated crisis events: A translational approach. 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: This review addresses current educational and research efforts in disaster medical education (DME) in the United States. Since the events of 9/11, DME has received greater attention. However substantial problems remain in terms of ensuring that large numbers of medical students and residents are exposed to high quality DME – not only Emergency Medicine residents. Barriers to widespread adoption of DME include lack of performance metrics, disagreement task areas, and lack of emphasis on physician leadership. Further, such efforts must ensure retention of key information over periods that are disaster free; utilize objective training metrics that will allow for an evidence base to form; and develop low cost, scalable training approaches that offer greater fidelity to the disaster environment than classroom based instruction. To improve the state of the art, we argue that DME research must move toward a translational science model that integrates important advances in basic information science into application that improve the clinical performance of frontline medical staff who are called on to respond to individual and community needs in the aftermath of disaster. Mid-fidelity, team-in-the-loop simulations developed for disaster manager training may provide an avenue toward improved DME by exposing medical students to scenarios that fundamentally challenge their assumptions in real-time game play. This can be accomplished with lower costs and greater scalability than live exercise or mock-up training approaches. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
Arthur H. Hendela, Murray Turoff, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2010). Cross impact security analysis using the HACKING Game. 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: Security of network assets is a high priority with little traditional return on investment. Increasingly, cyber attacks are being used by both terrorist and unfriendly government organizations. The HACKING Game, a Cross Impact Analysis planning tool, can be used to plan security resource allocation in computer networks. Cross Impact Analysis provides a mathematical basis to determine the interrelationships of one event with a set of other events. Output from the HACKING Game's Cross Impact Analysis model can be used to help justify security expenditures, with an added benefit of being a training tool for employees learning to protect networks. This paper presents details of the Hacking Game's design and its capabilities. Cross impact modeling can be used to develop games for any situation characterized by a set of offense and defense events to produce an individual or collaborative model for such things as natural and man-made disasters.
|
Arthur H. Hendela, Xiang Yao, Murray Turoff, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Michael J. Chumer. (2006). Virtual emergency preparedness gaming: A follow-up study. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 450–459). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Planning processes, including simulations and games, can help emergency workers to prepare for the unexpected. Rehearsal using software based gaming techniques not only helps planning, but is also cost effective. Computer-based groupware systems can make experts available regardless of location. A new approach, Virtual Simulation (VS), uses networking to create a flexible learning and planning environment. To date two prototype trials of this approach have been implemented at NJIT with major revamps between each one. This paper gives the results of the latest prototype trial, a simulation of attacks on university computer centers. The insights from this second prototype trial of virtual simulation will help us to improve the design and approach for future offerings.
|
Henrik Berndt, Daniel Wessel, Lennard Willer, Michael Herczeg, & Tilo Mentler. (2018). Immersion and Presence in Virtual Reality Training for Mass Casualty Incidents. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 806–817). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Preparation for mass casualty incidents (MCIs) is highly important but difficult to accomplish. Incidents are rare, often complex, and training is costly. However, with the development of consumer grade virtual reality (VR) hardware, immersive training simulations have become affordable for competency training. To make simulations effective, users have to be immersed and feel present in the simulation. We have developed a VR training system for MCIs in a user centered design process with emergency personnel and further improved the system to increase immersion and presence. In an evaluation with eighteen paramedic trainees, we compare six hypothesized design improvements between the two simulations, such as using a menu or a simulated emergency bag for interaction. Results indicate clear user preferences of interaction styles related to immersion and presence in MCI VR simulations.
|
Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Linda Plotnick, & Rosalie J. Ocker. (2011). Learning about Emergency Management Information Systems through Partially Distributed Team projects. 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: What are effective ways to train students for designing Emergency Management Information Systems and for working with distant partners on EMIS projects? This paper describes the results of a project whose goal is to assess the effectiveness of Partially Distributed Teams (PDTs) as a pedagogical strategy. A PDT is one type of distributed team, in which two or more co-located subgroups use information and communication technology to collaborate on a task. Much of emergency management involves cross-organizational and often cross-national collaboration in this form. Students need, but lack, learning experiences focused on how to work effectively in such situations. This field study involved more than 700 students from universities in eight countries, working in 80 teams on an EMIS software requirements task. Results indicate that students report positive learning experiences, with international students in international teams reporting the most positive experiences. There are also significant differences among universities.
|
Hongmin Li, Doina Caragea, & Cornelia Caragea. (2021). Combining Self-training with Deep Learning for Disaster Tweet Classification. 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. 719–730). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Significant progress has been made towards automated classification of disaster or crisis related tweets using machine learning approaches. Deep learning models, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), domain adaptation approaches based on self-training, and approaches based on pre-trained language models, such as BERT, have been proposed and used independently for disaster tweet classification. In this paper, we propose to combine self-training with CNN and BERT models, respectively, to improve the performance on the task of identifying crisis related tweets in a target disaster where labeled data is assumed to be unavailable, while unlabeled data is available. We evaluate the resulting self-training models on three crisis tweet collections and find that: 1) the pre-trained language model BERTweet is better than the standard BERT model, when fine-tuned for downstream crisis tweets classification; 2) self-training can help improve the performance of the CNN and BERTweet models for larger unlabeled target datasets, but not for smaller datasets.
|
Joske M. Houtkamp, & Frank A. Bos. (2007). Evaluation of a virtual scenario training for leading firefighters. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 565–570). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Artesis Virtual and VSTEP BV developed a virtual scenario training for leading firefighters. We evaluated the usability of the training application and measured the satisfaction of 53 trainees. The trainees were positive about the training application, the training itself, and the interaction with the interface. We observed that trainees experienced navigation difficulties and sometimes misjudged visual information. Evaluations of new versions of this application, should address the influence of interface problems on performance.
|
Ignacio Aedo, Paloma Díaz, Victor A. Bañuls, José H. Canós-Cerdá, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2011). Information technologies for emergency planning and training. 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: Crucial to improving the management of emergency situations is the definition of suitable Emergency Plans and training of participants in the application of such plans. In order to design a good Emergency Plan, experts from different areas need to work collaboratively to identify all the events and the relationships among such events. The main purpose of this project is to study different information technology techniques that can be used in the elaboration of and training for Emergency Plans, based on the use of scenarios. The use of such techniques will support collaborative development of Emergency Plans, the use of rich formats that provide different perspectives on a plan, the exportation and sharing of plans in order to increase their evolution and improvement, the instruction of participants, as well as better interaction, participation and exchange of knowledge. Key aspects of the plans for this recently begun project are described in this paper.
|
Ilona Heldal, & Cecilia Hammar Wijkmark. (2017). Simulations and Serious Games for Firefighter Training: Users' Perspective. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Informatin Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 868–878). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Simulation and serious games (SSG) are advocated as promising technologies supporting training in emergency management (EM). Based on an investigation of SSG use for fire fighter training in nine countries, this paper is examining key elements and success factors that can counteract potential obstacles and challenges of SSG implementation. Data comes from interviews and observations with users and responsible managers from user organizations. By contrasting the different incentives and views regarding the SSG use, this paper contributes to a better understanding of SSG integration into organizational practices. Only by connecting the local, organizational strategies and user requirements with technical values and concrete examples can the SSG usage be experienced as successful. This connection requirement is by far not obvious since values are formulated differently by the main stakeholders and the benefits at one organization are not necessarily the same as at another. In this context, the added values of SSG solutions need to be more explicitly connected to the goals of traditional classroom and live training.
|
Jacob L. Graham, & Mark B. Stephens. (2018). Analytic Decision Gaming – A Tool to Develop Crisis Response and Clinical Reasoning. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 60–68). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Emerging threats provide motivation to develop new methods for preparing the next generation of crisis responders. Bayesian theory shifts reasoning toward a probabilistic, epistemic paradigm, giving rise to Evans' revised heuristic-analytic theory. Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University use scenario-based training and the analytic decision game (ADG) to blend and implement these processes as foundational pedagogy for engaging, educating and training medical students as crisis responders and critical thinkers. The ADG scenarios vary by content and level of expertise, lending themselves readily adaptable to both crisis response preparation and the development of clinical reasoning. The ADG creates a virtual crisis requiring participants to engage in scenario management as role-players. For the past two years, medical students from the Penn State College of Medicine, in their first year of training, have participated in the ADG Lights Out scenario, testing community preparation and resilience after a wide-spread and months-long power outage.
|
Jaziar Radianti, Santiago Gil Martinez, Bjørn Erik Munkvold, & Morgan Konnestad. (2018). Co-Designing a Virtual Training Tool for Emergency Management. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 960–970). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Responders and decision makers can be trained through simulation tools where participants learn how to deal with an ongoing crisis and make decisions through a realistic, simulated environment using a game or gamification approach. Training through a simulated, virtual crisis tool would be a more affordable way of conducting a drill, as a supplement to field drills. In this paper, we describe the requirements' elicitation process for co-design of a virtual training tool for emergency management. The cooperative design process included researchers and end-users together to generate potential solutions for a defined problem. The elicitation process involved brain-storming, interviews and a workshop together with representatives from emergency stakeholders. A systematic qualitative data analysis was conducted. The paper reports our analysis results which serve as a basis for further development of an emergency management virtual training tool using an extreme weather scenario.
|
Murray E. Jennex. (2007). Reflections on strong angel III: Some lessons learned. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 537–544). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Strong Angel III was a civilian military disaster response demonstration held in San Diego in /August, 2006. This demonstration resulted in the generation of a great deal of knowledge that can potentially benefit disaster response efforts world wide. This paper attempts to capture this knowledge and to reflect on the demonstration for its value to the community.
|
John Sören Pettersson. (2022). Key Concepts for Effective Use of Digital-supported Table-top Crisis Management Exercises. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 864–875). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Several researchers and contingency agencies have suggested good practices for crisis management exercises. Resource-constrained practitioners in the field report difficulties finding cost-efficient ways to maintain exercise cycles. This paper draws on experiences from working with professional crisis response coordinators who adapted material for table-top exercises to learning management systems, executed the exercises and evaluated team performance. This paper discusses the elimination of bottlenecks and unexpected benefits arising from more flexible exercise designs in terms of synchrony, continuity, and location. While these concepts capture the essence of the various opportunities for flexibility, they need some supporting features in the design of digital exercises. This paper argues for putting emphasis on the writing/speech dichotomy when analysing exercise designs from the perspective of the entire exercise life cycle, including evaluations and preparations for further exercises. Additionally, how requests for individual answers are planned appears to be an effective instrument for efficient exercise design and evaluation during the conducting of an exercise.
|
Kenneth Johnson, Javier Cámara, Roopak Sinha, Samaneh Madanian, & Dave Parry. (2021). Towards Self-Adaptive Disaster Management Systems. 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. 49–61). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Disasters often occur without warning and despite extensive preparation, disaster managers must take action to respond to changes critical resource allocations to support existing health-care facilities and emergency triages. A key challenge is to devise sound and verifiable resourcing plans within an evolving disaster scenario. Our main contribution is the development of a conceptual self-adaptive system featuring a monitor-analyse-plan-execute (MAPE) feedback loop to continually adapt resourcing within the disaster-affected region in response to changing usage and requirements. We illustrate the system's use on a case study based on Auckland city (New Zealand). Uncertainty arising from partial knowledge of infrastructure conditions and outcomes of human participant's actions are modelled and automatically analysed using formal verification techniques. The analysis inform plans for routing resources to where they are needed in the region. Our approach is shown to readily support multiple model and verification techniques applicable to a range of disaster scenarios.
|
Alexander Kiselev, & Sergey Bogatov. (2012). Model PROLOG for countermeasures efficacy assessment and its calculation algorithm verification on the base of the Chazhma Bay accident data. 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: Methodical approaches used in the computational model “PROLOG” are given in the paper. This model is intended for assessing radiological situations and an efficiency of counter measures after short term radioactive releases. Basic local Gaussian dispersion algorithm is supplemented with modules for assessing a plume rise, dry deposition velocities, effect of buildings and complex terrain, etc. The modules provide a compromise between simplicity, shortage of initial data and adequacy of the model in case of real accident. Approaches to assess the dose and countermeasure efficiency are presented as well. Plume rise, complex terrain and contaminant polydispersity modeling approaches were tested on the basis of comparison of calculation and experimental results for dose rate and Co-60 surface contamination measured after the Chazhma bay accident in 1985. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
Rita Kovordanyi, Rudolf Schreiner, Jelle Pelfrene, Johan Jenvald, Henrik Eriksson, Amy Rankin, et al. (2012). Real-time support for exercise managers' situation assessment and decision making. 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: Exercise managers and instructors have a particularly challenging task in monitoring and controlling on-going exercises, which may involve multiple response teams and organizations in highly complex and continuously evolving crisis situations. Managers and instructors must handle potentially incomplete and conflicting field-observation data and make decisions in real-time in order to control the flow of the exercise and to keep it in line with the training objectives. In simulation-based exercises, managers and instructors have access to a rich set of real-time data, with an increased potential to closely monitor the trainees' actions, and to keep the exercise on track. To assist exercise managers and instructors, data about the on-going exercise can be filtered, aggregated and refined by real-time decision-support systems. We have developed a model and a prototype decision-support system, using stream-based reasoning to assist exercise managers and instructors in real-time. The approach takes advantage of topic maps for ontological representation and a complex-event processing engine for analyzing the data stream from a virtual-reality simulator for crisis-management training. Aggregated data is presented both on-screen, in Twitter, and in the form of topic maps. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
Lauren Thévin, Julie Dugdale, Olivier Boissier, & Catherine Garbay. (2016). Evaluating Plans and Human Response Using a Normative Multi-Agent System. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: We describe a socio-technical system designed to train different organisations in emergency management during the preparedness phase. In this system, both humans and the system work together in building organisational context awareness. The system uses a normative multi-agent system and a tangible table for user interaction. Real time virtual feedbacks are used to draw users? attention to the validity of their actions with respect to the emergency plan. Feedback allows the actors to be aware of the other factors that impact the validity of their action (actions of other actors, environment etc.) and to identify the behaviour that is expected of them by the other organisations. The system is still in its prototype phase. Its behaviour is illustrated by example scenarios, showing that it is possible to support collaboration amongst distant actors, in a way that only relevant information is shown.
|
