Alexander F. Blecken, & Bernd Hellingrath. (2008). Supply Chain Management software for humanitarian operations: Review and assessment of current tools. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 342–351). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Humanitarian operations in response to sudden and slow-onset crises have increased considerably both in terms of size and complexity over the last decade. This requires a coordinated approach by all actors involved in disaster or humanitarian relief efforts. Since the logistics part of disaster relief spending is accountable for a major part of disaster relief spending, it is natural to look at the supply chains of humanitarian organizations when searching for potentials for cooperation during humanitarian operations. In this paper, we have reviewed Supply Chain Management software currently used or piloted in humanitarian organizations. Their main features are presented and the tools are assessed according to criteria specific to supply chain management requirements of humanitarian operations. We find that while there is one tool which has the potential of becoming a de-facto standard, there are still gaps to be filled.
|
Cornelia Caragea, Nathan McNeese, Anuj Jaiswal, Greg Traylor, Hyun-Woo Kim, Prasenjit Mitra, et al. (2011). Classifying text messages for the haiti earthquake. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In case of emergencies (e.g., earthquakes, flooding), rapid responses are needed in order to address victims' requests for help. Social media used around crises involves self-organizing behavior that can produce accurate results, often in advance of official communications. This allows affected population to send tweets or text messages, and hence, make them heard. The ability to classify tweets and text messages automatically, together with the ability to deliver the relevant information to the appropriate personnel are essential for enabling the personnel to timely and efficiently work to address the most urgent needs, and to understand the emergency situation better. In this study, we developed a reusable information technology infrastructure, called Enhanced Messaging for the Emergency Response Sector (EMERSE), which classifies and aggregates tweets and text messages about the Haiti disaster relief so that non-governmental organizations, relief workers, people in Haiti, and their friends and families can easily access them.
|
Cécile L'Hermitte, William Wang, & Eric Deakins. (2018). Exploring the Physical Internet concept to improve disaster relief operations. In Kristin Stock, & Deborah Bunker (Eds.), Proceedings of ISCRAM Asia Pacific 2018: Innovating for Resilience – 1st International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Asia Pacific. (pp. 12–27). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: Successful disaster relief operations call for responsive and flexible movements of goods in order to make the relief items available when and where they are needed by the affected communities. The objective of this explorative research is to investigate the applicability of the Physical Internet to emergency relief operations. The Physical Internet is a groundbreaking logistical system in which standardised, modular packages are automatically routed from origin to destination through a hyperconnected network of logistics providers and facilities. Although the concept is receiving growing attention from academics, practitioners and policy makers, research in the disaster management context is virtually non-existent. Based on a review of the relevant academic literature and publicly available information from emergency responding agencies and the media, we firstly use the Kaikoura earthquake that occurred in the South Island of New Zealand on 14th November 2016 to identify six key requirements that support the efficient movement of relief items in the aftermath of a disaster. We then identify six characteristics of the Physical Internet and explore how these characteristics can support the requirements of emergency response operations. We conclude that the Physical Internet principles have the potential to enhance the speed, flexibility and reliability of emergency responses. In other words, a fully integrated and collaborative logistics system in which relief items and information move seamlessly across a web of interconnected transport modes and operators can increase the efficient deployment of urgently needed relief items. This study extends the Physical Internet principles to emergency relief operations and identifies new ways of improving and optimising the logistics of emergency responses. In doing so, this research aims to stimulate debate within the disaster relief sector.
|
Nong Chen, & Ajantha Dahanayake. (2006). Personalized situation aware information retrieval and access for crisis response. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 214–222). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Crisis response is an information intensive process, which produces or consumes large quantities of information from different relief organizations. Although personalized information retrieval and access has been realized as an efficient means to accelerate information acquisitions, most IT enabled applications in the fields can only provide uniform information to all the involved relief organizations. The traditional centralized design principle dominantly used to address the inter-organizational information accesses over boundaries is no longer feasible due to its lack of flexibility and adaptability to deal with dynamically changing information needs caused by the unpredictable nature of the crises. In this paper we present our ongoing research regarding a plug and play service architecture for personalized, situation aware information retrieval and access services, which offers a new way of thinking about the retrieval of personalized information in the context of crisis response.
|
Tina Comes, Frank Schätter, & Frank Schultmann. (2013). Building robust supply networks for effective and efficient disaster 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. 230–240). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The effective and efficient distribution of relief goods is a key challenge in disaster management. Typically, adhoc supply networks (SNs) need to be built, in which various actors with different interests collaborate. Although information is sparse and highly uncertain, time for SN design is short, and important strategic decisions (e.g., location of facilities), whose revision requires investing substantial time, effort and resources, must be made promptly. This paper presents an iterative approach for the design of robust SNs that combines (i) an optimisation model to identify promising alternatives to be analysed in detail, (ii) a scenario-based approach to analyse the weaknesses of these alternatives and generate alternative solutions for comparison and benchmarking, and (iii) a decision support module for detailed comparisons and consensus building. By following the iterative approach, successively robust SNs are created to enable effective and efficient disaster response. We illustrate our approach by an example from the Haiti 2010 earthquake.
|
Nuala M. Cowan. (2011). A geospatial data management framework for humanitarian response. 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: The success of humanitarian relief efforts is contingent upon the quality and timeliness of information provided to both the decision making and coordinating functions. Poor or fragmented information can lead to inappropriate decisions or poorly coordinated activities. This research focuses on how the application of spatially aware technologies can allow the information dimension of the challenge to become more effective. This will be achieved through the development of a comprehensive framework for the organization of spatially referenced humanitarian information, and corresponding geospatial data model for practical application in the field. The development of a spatial data framework that is both comprehensive and scalable can unleash the power of GIS for humanitarian data managers, and facilitate the collection and sharing of information between agencies that share similar goals. The research involves the development of a framework based on a literature review of best-practices, which will be refined and tested through interaction with the humanitarian information management community.
|
Philip Degener, Henning Gösling, & Jutta Geldermann. (2013). Decision support for the location planning in disaster areas using multi-criteria methods. 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. 278–283). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In this paper, a multi-criteria facility location model is represented. The model is meant to support relief organisations to determine the best warehouse location to stock emergency relief supplies in the pre-disaster phase of a natural disaster. As a result of the prepositioning of the goods the relief organisations are able to respond immediately to an occurring disaster. In consideration of a multiplicity of quantitative and qualitative objectives a criteria hierarchy is developed which can be adapted to any specific disaster area by omitting irrelevant goals. Afterwards the multi-criteria methods PROMETHEE I+II as well as different sensitivity analysis are described and the model is applied on a local level in a flood-prone area in Bangladesh. Small organisations with restrictive financial and personnel resources can especially benefit from the clear structure of the model and the user friendliness and high transparency of the PROMETHE I+II methods.
|
Douglas Alem, & Alistair Clark. (2015). Insights from two-stage stochastic programming in emergency logistics. 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 discusses the practical aspects and resulting insights of the results of a two-stage mathematical network flow model to help make the decisions required to get humanitarian aid quickly to needy recipients as part of a disaster relief operation. The aim of model is to plan where to best place aid inventory in preparation for possible disasters, and to make fast decisions about how best to channel aid to recipients as fast as possible. Humanitarian supply chains differ from commercial supply chains in their greater urgency of response and in the poor quality of data and increased uncertainty about important inputs such as transportation resources, aid availability, and the suddenness and degree of “demand”. The context is usually more chaotic with poor information feedback and a multiplicity of decision-makers in different aid organizations. The model attempts to handle this complexity by incorporating practical decisions, such as pre-allocation of emergency goods, transportation policy, fleet management and procurement, in an uncertainty environment featured by a scenario-based approach. Preliminary results based on the floods and landslides disaster of the Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, point to how to cope with these challenges by using the mathematical model.
|
Jerome A. Duval. (2008). WebEOC Resource Manager® a collaborative framework: Developing standard Resource Management processes for disaster relief. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (127). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: I will demonstrate ESi's WebEOC Resource Manager® tool, which enables users to catalog and deploy resources in a manner that is compliant with FEMA's National Incident Management System (NIMS). The system is a proven and tested deployed in over 25 states throughout the U.S. The tool provides real-time data sharing in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
|
Mauro Falasca, Christopher W. Zobel, & Gary M. Fetter. (2009). An optimization model for humanitarian relief volunteer management. 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: One of the challenges of humanitarian organizations is that there exist limited decision technologies that fit their needs. It has also been pointed out that those organizations experience coordination difficulties with volunteers willing to help. The purpose of this paper is to help address those challenges through the development of a decision model to assist in the management of volunteers. While employee workforce management models have been the topic of extensive research over the past decades, no work has focused on the problem of managing humanitarian relief volunteers. In this paper, we discuss a series of principles from the field of volunteer management and develop a multi criteria optimization model to assist in the assignment of volunteers to tasks. We present an illustrative example and analyze a solution methodology where the decision maker exercises his/her preferences by trading-off conflicting objectives. Conclusions, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.
|
Shelly Farnham, Elin R. Pedersen, & Robert Kirkpatrick. (2006). Observation of katrina/rita groove deployment: Addressing social and communication challenges of ephemeral groups. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 39–49). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In order to better understand the challenges specific to the deployment of collaboration technologies in crisis situations, we conducted an informal observational study of the deployment of Groove Virtual Office to various civil and military groups at the heart of the disaster zone over the course of ten days. We summarize both general lessons learned from observations of social and communication challenges in crisis situations that impact technology adoption, and make specific recommendations for improving the deployment process of Groove to enable cross group collaboration. We generally found that dynamic, informal social networks and lightweight ephemeral work groups were essential social structures in the relief effort, and we discuss the need to innovate technologies to support these alternative types of organizations. We encourage that current technology centric innovation for ephemeral workgroups is complemented by a usage centric approach to help address emergent behaviors and opportunities.
|
Adam Flizikowski, Witold Holubowicz, Anna Stachowicz, Laura Hokkanen, Taina Kurki, Nina Päivinen, et al. (2014). Social media in crisis management – The iSAR+ project survey. 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. 707–711). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Social media together with still growing social media communities has become a powerful and promising solution in crisis and emergency management. Previous crisis events have proved that social media and mobile technologies used by citizens (widely) and public services (to some extent) have contributed to the post-crisis relief efforts. The iSAR+ EU FP7 project aims at providing solutions empowering citizens and PPDR (Public Protection and Disaster Relief) organizations in online and mobile communications for the purpose of crisis management especially in search and rescue operations. This paper presents the results of survey aiming at identification of preliminary end-user requirements in the close interworking with end-users across Europe.
|
John R. Harrald, Theresa I. Jefferson, Frank Fiedrich, Sebnem Sener, & Clinton Mixted-Freeman. (2007). A first step in decision support tools for humanitarian assistance during catastrophic disasters: Modeling hazard generated needs. 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. 51–56). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The US has not yet developed adequate models for estimating hazard generated needs, the necessary first step for developing useful decision support systems needed to estimate the capability and capacity of the response forces required. Modeling and technology required to support the decisions made by humanitarian relief organizations requires scenario driven catastrophic planning. This paper documents the lack of effective decision support tools and systems for humanitarian aid and describes the current state of models and methods used for determination of hazard generated needs. The paper discusses work performed on a catastrophic earthquake preparedness project. It outlines how the results of this project will be used to advance the modeling and decision support capabilities of federal, state and local disaster planners and emergency responders.
|
Bernd Hellingrath, & Adam Widera. (2011). Survey on major challenges in humanitarian logistics. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this work we present the results of a survey on major challenges in humanitarian logistics. The survey was conducted among logistics managers of relief organizations, logistic service providers, and universities investigating in humanitarian logistics. The following issue areas were consulted: (1) Information and Technology, (2) Processes, Organization, Coordination, (3) Infrastructure, (4) Politics, Government. The results in the first issue area focus mainly on needs for action in the context of the transparency, compatibility, and functionality of IT-systems for humanitarian logistics. The transferability of classical and the establishment of specific concepts of logistics and supply chain management were identified as an important challenge in the second issue area. The need for an improved information situation was noticed within the areas “Infrastructure” and “Politics, Government”. Additionally, it can be highlighted that the assessments of the three questioned groups differ in important points, although a common ground for further research was identified.
|
Ehren Hill, & Frank Hardisty. (2012). CR-Site: An infrastructure siting tool for crisis response. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: Many crisis response and recovery efforts require choosing locations in order to deliver needed materials and services. Automated methods can help choose optimal locations for relief camps, field hospitals, command centers, and other critical relief infrastructure. However, current information technology tools for siting relief infrastructure suffer from exposing too much complexity to the user. We are developing a tool, CR-Site, which we hope will serve as an exemplar of an emergency siting tool that eliminates unnecessary complexity, while exposing necessary parameters. In this paper, we describe the technical design and user workflow for CR-Site and provide a case study for the functionality provided by CR-Site. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
Gabriel Jakobson, Nandan Parameswaran, John Buford, Lundy Lewis, & Pradeep Ray. (2006). Situation-Aware multi-Agent system for disaster relief operations management. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 313–324). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Natural and human-made disasters create unparalleled challenges to Disaster Situation Management (DSM). One of the major weaknesses of the current DSM solutions is the lack of comprehensive understanding of the overall disaster operational situation, and very often making decisions based on a single event. Such weakness is clearly exhibited by the solutions based on the widely used Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) models for building the Muiti-Agent Systems (MAS). In this work we present the adaptation of the AESOP situation management architecture to address the requirements of disaster relief operations. In particular, we extend the existing BDI model with the capability of situation awareness. We describe how the key functions of event collection, situation identification, and situation assessment are implemented in MAS architecture suitable to the characteristics of large-scale disaster recovery. We present the details of a BDI agent in this architecture including a skeleton ontology, and the distributed service architecture of the AESOP platform.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Andreas Meissner, Zhou Wang, Wolfgang Putz, & Jan Grimmer. (2006). MIKoBOS-a mobile information and communication system for emergency response. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 92–101). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The role of communication and information provision in coping with natural and man-made disasters and emergency situations is becoming increasingly important. In this paper we present an integrated mobile information and communication system, MIKoBOS, for emergency response operations that enables reliable data communication within the emergency site as well as between the site and the headquarters. It provides the responsible personnel involved in the emergency operation at different levels with anytime-anywhere access to relevant information. Compared to traditional voice-dominated approaches, the proposed system can greatly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of communication and coordination during disaster relief operations. Promising experimental performance results are provided for use with a number of terrestrial and satellite networks.
|
Karin Mertens, & Wim Mees. (2006). Communication and information system for disaster relief operations. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 461–464). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Disaster relief operations are very different from the traditional war operations. In disaster relief operations everything has to go very fast, the relief workers have to leave on very short notice and cooperation with other organizations is needed in order to save as many human lives as possible. The communication and information system of those operations has to be small, flexible, rapidly deployable and mobile. Above that, it has to ensure the information exchange between the coordination center in the home nation and the relief workers in the field in all kinds of situations with changing bandwidths and impermanent connections. In this document the structure and the data warehousing of such an information system are described.
|
Min Zhu, Ruxue Chen, Shi Chen, Shaobo Zhong, Cheng Liu, Tianye Lin, et al. (2018). A Conceptual Double Scenario Model for Predicting Medical Service Needs in the International Disaster Relief Action. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 409–418). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Man-made and natural disasters have affected people worldwide. Mass casualty incidents would create a surge in demand for medical services. Medical service needs are the basis of medical strategic readiness plan. In recent years, international actions have been criticized for being ill-adapted to dominating health needs of the affected region. The “Scenario-Response” modeling is an important method in disaster prediction. This research established a medical service needs scenario model with two different levels of ambition: a disaster scenario, in which casualty figure, composition of injuries are constrained by the types of the disaster as well as the degree of the damage, and a country scenario, in which the healthcare needs are constrained by the health coverage and the health condition of local people. Armed conflicts in Yemen and Syria Arab Republic were analyzed by this model. The results showed that the outcome of this model fit the reality.
|
Min Zhu, Ruxue Chen, Tianye Lin, Quanyi Huang, & Guang Tian. (2019). Describing and Forecasting the Medical Resources assignments for International Disaster Medical relief Forces Using an Injury-Driven Ontology Model. 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: Available medical resources are the basis of efficient disaster medical relief. The medical resources assignment for disaster medical relief forces is usually fixed. However, the injury condition distribution changes in different disaster and so does the demand for the medical resources. So the assignment of medical relief forces should be more flexible and based on the injury. We analyzed the component parts and rules of disaster medical relief, defining the related concepts and rules. Then, we constructed the describing rules of injury-treatment-medical-technique-resource-assignment process. Based on these, we established the ontology of disaster medical relief system and the injury-driven medical resources assignment ontology model (MRAOM). We used the model to describe the medical relief situation after earthquake to demonstrate the model could describe complicated situations. We also used the model to describe and forecast the medical resource assignment of treating batch wounded to demonstrate the model's validity.
|
Mohd Khairul Azmi Hassan, & Yun-Heh Chen-Burger. (2016). Communication and Tracking Ontology Development for Civilians Earthquake Disaster Assistance. 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: One of the most important components of recovery and speedy response during and immediately after an earthquake disaster is a communication and tracking which possibly capable of discovering affected peoples and connects them with their families, friends, and communities with first responders and/or to support computational systems. With the capabilities of current mobile technologies, we believed that it can be a smart earthquake disaster tools aid to help people in this situation. Ontologies are becoming crucial parts to facilitate an effective communication and coordination across different parties and domains in providing assistance during earthquake disasters, especially where affected locations are remote, affected population is large and centralized coordination is poor. Several existing competing methodologies give guidelines as how ontology may be built, there are no single right ways of building an ontology and no standard of Disaster Relief Ontology exist, although separated related ontologies may be combined to create an initial version. This article discusses the on-going development of an ontology for a Communication and Tracking System (CTS), based on existing related ontologies, that is aimed to be used by mobile phone applications to support earthquake disaster relief at the real-time.
|
Ralph A. Morelli, Heidi Ellis, Trishan R. De Lanerolle, Jonathan Damon, & Christopher Walti. (2007). Can student-written software help sustain humanitarian FOSS? 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. 41–44). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes a Humanitarian FOSS (free and open source software) project carried out by a team of students and faculty at Trinity College. The project outcome was a volunteer management module that has recently been incorporated into the Sahana Disaster Recovery IT System. The Humanitarian FOSS movement is based on two premises: (1) that quality humanitarian software can be built and given freely to governments and organizations in need of such software ; and (2) that the FOSS development model can successfully harness the contributions of humanitarian-minded IT and computing professionals. The Trinity Sahana project introduces a third premise: (3) that students and faculty whose main goals are educational and pedagogical can contribute successfully to the Humanitarian FOSS movement. This paper examines these three premises focusing on the question raised by the third.
|
Willem J. Muhren, Gerd Van Den Eede, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2008). Sensemaking as a methodology for ISCRAM research: Information processing in an ongoing crisis. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 315–323). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper attempts to reveal the “black box” of information processing activities by relying on Sensemaking as a methodology and as the object of research. In particular, this research aims at studying intuitive information processing activities in ongoing crisis situations, one of the most extreme contexts in which discontinuity is the rule and continuity the exception. The authors argue that this Sensemaking approach offers valuable insights for the design of information systems for crisis response and management (ISCRAM). This paper describes an interpretive case study methodology as it was applied to discover Sensemaking episodes in the daily work of humanitarian relief actors in the ongoing crisis of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
|