Alexander Smirnov, Nikolay Shilov, Tatiana Levashova, & Alexey Kashevnik. (2008). Web-service network for disaster management. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 516–525). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The paper addresses the issue of context-aware operational decision support in emergency situations. A decision support system (DSS) developed for this purpose is implemented as a network of a set of Web-services. The Web-services try to organise a service network according to context. Here the context is proposed to be modelled as a “problem model”. It specifies problems to be solved in a particular kind of emergency situation. Context is produced based on the knowledge extracted from the application domain (application ontology) and formalised by a set of constraints. The purpose of the service network is provision the DSS with contextualised information from diverse information sources and solving problems specified in the context. In the framework of context-aware operational decision support, composition of the application ontology for the disaster management domain from the Semantic Web Ontologies is discussed and a hybrid technology of context-aware operational decision support is presented. The technology is based on ontology management, context management, constraint satisfaction, and Web Services. Application of the ideas above is illustrated by an example of a decision support system for real-time resource coordination and situation awareness for logistics management in fire response operations.
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Alexander Smirnov, Tatiana Levashova, & Nikolay Shilov. (2013). Context-based knowledge fusion patterns in decision support system for emergency response. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 597–606). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is discovery of context-based knowledge fusion patterns. Knowledge fusion is considered as an appearance of new knowledge in consequence of processes ongoing in decision support systems. The knowledge fusion processes are considered within a system intended to support decisions on planning emergency response actions. The knowledge fusion patterns are generalized with regard to preservation of internal structures and autonomies of information and knowledge sources involved in the knowledge fusion and to knowledge fusion results. The found patterns give a general idea of knowledge fusion processes taking place at the operational stage of decision support system functioning, i.e. the stage where context-aware functions of the system come into operation. As a practical application, such patterns can support engineers with making choice of knowledge sources to be used in the systems they design.
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Alexandre Ahmad, Olivier Balet, Jesse Himmelstein, Arjen Boin, Maaike Schaap, Paolo Brivio, et al. (2012). Interactive simulation technology for crisis management and training: The INDIGO project. 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 face the urgent need to train strategic and operational managers in dealing with complex crises, we are researching and developing an innovative decision support system to be used for crisis management and interactive crisis training. This paper provides an overview of current decision-support systems, simulation software and other technologies specifically designed to serve crisis managers. These findings inform the design of a new interactive simulation technology system, where a 3D Common Operational Picture (COP) is shared between tactile digital whiteboard in the command center and mobile devices in the field. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Annie Searle. (2010). A seat at the table for operational risk. 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: What role should operational risk leaders have in the executive suite? This paper argues that, when nervous CEOs ask “What can go wrong? How can we get ahead of the curve?”, they should look to their operational risk leaders. Those leaders oversee corporate and information security as well as business continuity, crisis management and disaster recovery programs inside companies. That makes them ideally qualified to take the process of crisis management, including analysis of aggregate risk across all silos – To the CEO and then into the boardroom when the need arises, before the corporate crisis is full-blown.
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Beau Bouchard, & Brian M. Tomaszewski. (2012). Automated space aid program. 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: As the geographic scale, operational complexity and frequency of disasters continues coupled with ever-increasing amounts of information related to disaster response activity, the crisis management practitioner and research communities are calling for new methodologies for processing and visually representing disaster information [1]. More specifically, there is a growing body of research focused on how analytical outputs based on remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) such as disaster impact assessments can be formatted into usable information products for crisis management practitioners[2]. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Bjørn Erik Munkvold, Jaziar Radianti, Jan Ketil Rød, Tomasz Opach, Mikael Snaprud, Sofie Pilemalm, et al. (2019). Sharing Incident and Threat Information for Common Situational Understanding. 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: This paper presents the INSITU research project initiated to provide a systematic approach for effective sharing, integration and use of information from different sources, to establish a common operational picture (COP) and shared situational understanding among multiple actors in emergency response. The solution developed will provide an interactive map display, integrating harmonisation of terminology and collaboration support for information sharing and synthesis. The enhanced COP will also support evaluation and learning from exercises and incidents. The project involves close collaboration with emergency management stakeholders in Norway, for requirements analysis, participatory design, and validation of project deliverables. The research will improve information sharing and decision support in emergency operations centres, which will contribute to improve societal resilience through more effective response capability.
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Daniel Twigt, João Lima Rego, Deborah Tyrrell, & Tineke Troost. (2011). Water quality forecasting systems: Advanced warning of harmful events and dissemination of public alerts. 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: Operational systems developed to monitor and forecast water quality can play a key role to counter and reduce the impact of harmful water quality events. Through these systems, many of the steps required to provide relevant information to the water quality manager can be automated, reducing the lead time required for a warning to be issued, as well as the potential for human error. The systems can also facilitate the routine dissemination of water quality forecasts to relevant parties in order to trigger early warnings or crisis response. This paper outlines some general characteristics of such water quality forecasting systems, focusing on the various elements from which such systems are composed. In addition, examples of existing systems to forecast bathing water quality and harmful algae blooms are provided as illustration. Such systems are either in a development stage (bathing water quality) or already used in operations (harmful algae blooms).
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Erik A.M. Borglund. (2017). The Role of Artefacts in Creating a Common Operational Picture During Large Crises. 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. 191–203). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: This paper is about the work that takes place during large police operations in different command post settings, and how artefacts are used in the collaborative process in creating a common operational picture (COP). We apply “artefactual multiplicity” as our analytical lens. An interpretative research approach has been applied in form of ethnographical field studies using observation and informal interviews as data collection techniques. The artefacts that have been studied are definable as common artefacts, i.e. artefacts that are commonly available in our work environment. Based upon the five separate studies, the artefacts studied are found to be very important as collaborative tools and many also have embedded visualization functionalities. The main contribution from this research is 1) extensive knowledge about how the artefacts are used in the establishment of the COP during large police operations, where the process of establishing the COP is, to a very large extent, dependent upon the artefacts' collaborative and multiple functions; 2) the proposal and suggestion to study the whole staff and the artefacts used by the staff as one heterogeneous unit, as a record of activities. Studies of single artefacts in isolation reduce the possibility of seeing the full multiplicity of all the artefacts used within the staff, and the complexity of the intertwined web of artefactual functions.
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Erik AM Borglund, & Martina Granholm. (2020). You Talk the Talk – But What Do You Talk About? 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. 295–302). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Post-crisis analysis of transboundary crises in Sweden is problematic due to limited documentation. We believe that there is a need to find tools to better understand the command and control, and to understand how the information sharing that takes place during larger crises works. This paper presents the results of an ongoing research, as well as findings about how the TETRA system is used for information sharing in transboundary crises. The data used was collected from two large emergency exercises, where Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian TETRA systems were merged. Communication in 10 shared talk groups was recorded, transcribed and analyzed. The communication in shared TETRA-talk-groups mostly focused on information about the accident, the recourses and first respond units, as well as the actions of each unit. The research also exemplifies and shows that communication within TETRA-talk-groups in transboundary crisis can give new insight into how command and control works.
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Erkki Kurkinen, Helen T. Sullivan, Markku Häkkinen, & Markku Lauttamus. (2010). Optimizing mobile social media interfaces for rapid internal communication by emergency services. 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: Social media tools are seeing use in crisis situations. Authorities have recognized the value of such tools and are beginning to use services such as Facebook and Twitter to disseminate official information. However, the use of the social media concept as an internal, operational tool by emergency services is in its early stages. Current social media tools for mobile devices are of potential value, yet security concerns can render such systems unsuitable for operational use, and the user interface can hinder operational efficiency due to the inheritance of a text based model for input and display. The research to be described is examining interaction methods that may improve the efficiency and usability of mobile device-based social media for operational use by police services. A Twitter like model for police activity reports can provide a means for enhanced situational awareness for police command authorities, and for individual officers or patrol units engaged in the “professional” media interchanges. The proposed model, SUMO, is based on a hybrid symbolic and text interface to rapidly enter status, integrated with geolocation, and sensor-based data to automatically capture key information, and thereby minimizing the amount effort required create a complete status update.
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Felix Wex, Guido Schryen, & Dirk Neumann. (2012). Operational emergency response under informational uncertainty: A fuzzy optimization model for scheduling and allocating rescue units. 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: Coordination deficiencies have been identified after the March 2011 earthquakes in Japan in terms of scheduling and allocation of resources, with time pressure, resource shortages, and especially informational uncertainty being main challenges. We suggest a decision support model that accounts for these challenges by drawing on fuzzy set theory and fuzzy optimization. Based on requirements from practice and the findings of our literature review, the decision model considers the following premises: incidents and rescue units are spatially distributed, rescue units possess specific capabilities, processing is non-preemptive, and informational uncertainty through linguistic assessments is predominant when on-site units vaguely report about incidents and their attributes, or system reports are not exact. We also suggest a Monte Carlo-based heuristic solution procedure and conduct a computational evaluation of different scenarios. We benchmark the results of our heuristic with results yielded through applying a greedy approach. The results indicate that using our Monte Carlo simulation to solve the decision support model inspired by fuzzy set theory can substantially reduce the overall harm. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Gerd Van Den Eede, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2005). Operational risk in incident management: A cross-fertilisation between ISCRAM and IT governance. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 53–60). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The objectives of the research reported by the authors in this paper are threefold. First, the authors want to fine-tune the rresearch methodology on risk identification based on cognitive mapping techniques and group decision support systems (GDSS) developed earlier (Rutkowski et al., 2005). Second, the authors want to determine how High Reliability Theory (HRT) – through the characteristics of High Reliability Organisations (HROs) – can be applied in the particular organisational context of an important economic sector like banking. Third, the authors want to inquire into how Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management can benefit from experiences gained in a mainstream context. More specifically, the use of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) methodology will be explored from the perspective of Incident Management as a sub-process of ICT management.
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H. van Dijk. (2015). Situation Awareness in Crisis Situations: Development of a User Defined Operational Picture. 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: This paper describes an effort underway to develop an operational concept and technical implementation for a User Defined Operational Picture (UDOP). The purpose of the UDOP capability is to create, visualize, and share decision-focused views of the operational environment for decision-makers to support accurate situation awareness and timely decision-making. Unlike a traditional Common Operational Picture (COP), a UDOP allows the user to select what information should be included in- or excluded from the data set defining the operational picture at the source. This paper provides an overview of the UDOP capabilities, as well as a description of the initial prototype implementation in an operational setting.
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Ida Maria Haugstveit, Eivind Lars Rake, & Aslak Wegner Eide. (2015). Practitioner-Centered, Long-Term Testing of an ICT-based Triage System for Emergency Management. 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: Triage in emergency response refers to determining the priority of victims based on their need for treatment and medical intervention. Today, triage is performed by the use of paper-based triage tags. Communication about patients? status is mainly carried out over radio or through handwritten notes. This practice makes it challenging for emergency personnel to keep an overview of the number, location, and medical status of victims, and to distribute information between personnel. Although technological solutions to ease the triage process exist, the methods used to test these solutions are somewhat limited. This paper reports our plans and preparations for a practitioner-centered, long-term testing of an ICT-based triage system. The system uses electronic devices to tag patients and communicate their status to relevant incident operators, providing a common operational picture for both on- and off-site personnel. The technologies (eTriage and Master) that are to be used during the testing are presented.
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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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John M. McGuirl, Nadine B. Sarter, & David D. Woods. (2008). Seeing is believing?: The effects of real-time, image-based feedback on emergency management decision-making. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 406–414). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Emergency management personnel often face feedback delays and a lack of reliable information. To address this problem, new information technologies have been developed that can provide real-time, image-based feedback. While potentially useful, this trend represents a fundamental shift in both the timing and format of the information used by incident commanders (ICs). Eight ICs took part in a simulation exercise to determine the potential impact of real-time imaging on their decision-making. Nearly all of the ICs failed to detect important changes in the situation that were not captured in the imaging but that were available via other, more traditional data sources. It appears that the ICs placed an inappropriately high level of trust in the imaging data, resulting in reduced data search activities and hypothesis generation. This research helps practitioners anticipate and guard against undesirable effects of introducing similar technologies on training and operational procedures.
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Kees Boersma, Jeroen Wolbers, & Pieter Wagenaar. (2010). Organizing emergent safety organizations: The travelling of the concept 'netcentric work' in the Dutch safety sector. 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 is about the introduction of netcentric work in the public safety sector in the Netherlands. The idea behind netcentric work is that a common operational picture will help the professionals to overcome problems with sharing information during crisis. In this WIP paper we will pay attention to netcentric work principles and the dilemma of standardization of technologies versus local adaptation. In the Netherlands the government has chosen to introduce netcentric work via a Platform in which various options are discussed among members of Dutch safety regions. The outcome is a process of negotiation in what we call trading zones. In these trading zones netcentric work is (re)defined. Using theoretical concepts like soft-bureaucracy we show in this paper how netcentric work eventually is not about technology in the first place but a negotiated new way of working and organizing. Further research is needed to understand the full implications of netcentric work for the administration and organization of safety.
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Kristine Steen-Tveit. (2020). Identifying Information Requirements for Improving the Common Operational Picture in Multi-Agency Operations. 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. 252–263). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: While there exists a considerable body of literature on the importance of a common operational picture (COP) in multi-agency emergency operations, the COP concept itself still lacks a univocal definition. Despite the lack of consensus regarding the mechanisms underlying the COP, the literature implies a level of consistency in the focus on sharing critical information. Based on interviews with Norwegian emergency management stakeholders, this study investigates common information requirements for emergency management services and presents an example of a framework for structuring the sharing of critical information and building a COP. Termed 'the window report', this framework is used among emergency stakeholders in Norway and Sweden. The study identified eight common information requirement categories for managing extreme weather scenarios. With a focus on common information needs and a process for structured information sharing, future strategic emergency management planning might take a more holistic perspective on cross-sectoral operations than in current practice.
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Kristine Steen-Tveit, & Jaziar Radianti. (2019). Analysis of Common Operational Picture and Situational Awareness during Multiple Emergency Response Scenarios. 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 response operations require communication and coordination between agencies that seldom occurs in everyday workday situations. Furthermore, in such hybrid environments it is necessary to establish a common operational picture for the responders involved to support collaborative decision-making. The emergency responders must gain situational awareness, and this can further affect the quality of how they deal with the situation. Training in emergency situations is shown to be efficient for learning. In order to understand the complexity of working in unpredictable environments, an analysis of an audio-log from a large-scale drill was carried out. Moreover, this paper provides a definition of several categories for identifying the processes to establish situational awareness and a common operational picture among emergency responders. The analysis process revealed how the actors communicate and revealed an overall communication pattern.
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Kristine Steen-Tveit, Jaziar Radianti, & Bjørn Erik Munkvold. (2020). SMS-based real-time data collection for evaluation of situational awareness and common operational picture: lessons learned from a field exercise. 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. 276–284). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Managing complex multi-agency emergency operations requires that the key actors have a holistic, correct and dynamic situational awareness (SA) and that the involved actors establish a common operational picture (COP). Establishing SA and COP are key objectives in many multi-agency exercises, however, reported research shows limitations in existing methods and approaches for collecting the data required for evaluating this. By being able to capture near real-time information during different phases of the exercise we will be better positioned to identify what works well and what does not work in the process of establishing SA and COP. Our paper presents an example of real-time data collection using SMS during a multi-agency field exercise. Overall, the results support the idea of this as an effective method for collecting real-time data for analyzing the formation of SA and a COP among actors in emergency management.
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Michael Ammann, Tuomas Peltonen, Juhani Lahtinen, Kaj Vesterbacka, Tuula Summanen, Markku Seppänen, et al. (2010). KETALE Web application to improve collaborative emergency 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: KETALE is a database and web application intended to improve the collaborative decision support of the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) and of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). It integrates distributed modeling (weather forecasts and dispersion predictions by FMI, source term and dose assessments by STUK) and facilitates collaboration and sharing of information. It does so by providing functionalities for data acquisition, data management, data visualization, and data analysis. The report outlines the software development from requirement analysis to system design and implementation. Operational aspects and user experiences are presented in a separate report.
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Michael E. Stiso, Aslak Wegner Eide, Ragnhild Halvorsrud, Erik G. Nilsson, & Jan Håvard Skjetne. (2013). Building a flexible common operational picture to support situation awareness in 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. 220–229). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Decision support systems for emergency management tend to focus on making a lot of data meaningful to particular users via a common operational picture (COP). This paper describes one such system, but one that goes further by making the COP flexible enough to support multiple users. Large crises involve frequent role switching between different actors in a response. Hence, predicting the support needs of a given user of a COP is difficult at best, complicating the design process. The solution described here is to use interactive information overlays to enable different users to fit the COP to their particular SA needs. The design was evaluated in two user workshops and a demonstration. In general, it was well-received, but domain experts cautioned that the tool must be usable not only in large crises but in everyday operations, or else it will not be used.
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Miguel Ramirez de la Huerga, Victor A. Bañuls, & Murray Turoff. (2015). A Scenario-based approach for analyzing complex cascading effects in Operational Risk Management. 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: This is the first paper to apply Cross Impact Analysis (CIA) and Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) methods for analyzing complex cascading effects in Operational Risk Management in an industrial environment. Its main objective is to improve the understanding of the overall picture of an organization?s risks. The paper summarizes the development of a CIA-ISM method of the interaction of 18 critical events of an industrial plant as a first step to improving organizational resilience based on the company?s own estimations as well as the estimates of a panel. The main benefit of using these methods is to know the relationships between different risks and consequences, direct links, indirect and cascading effects. Having the possibility of knowing a full risk map and being able to make a forecast will help to mitigate the unexpected effects and have a better response after an emergency situations is the same as being more resilient.
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Mirko Thorstensson. (2012). Supporting observers in the field to perform model based data collection. 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: Computerized support systems enhancing taskforce performance are being increasingly used in different organizations in the emergency response, crisis management and military fields. Organizational demands for improved mission capabilities and reduced budgets impose new requirements on data content and system performance. More information needs to be provided by humans in the field, reporting observations from the evolving course of events in order to enhance possibilities for operational analyses and continuous development of organizational abilities. In this paper, we describe a method that can improve human data-collection abilities and data quality when using human observers as data collecting sensors in distributed tactical operations by applying model-based data collection. We introduce a tool that can support observers in the field, the network-based observer tool that can support human observers in determining what to report and how to report observations. We present results and findings from three different use cases. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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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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