Geneviève Dubé, Chelsea Kramer, François Vachon, & Sébastien Tremblay. (2011). Measuring the impact of a collaborative planning support system on crisis management. 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 management (CM) is an aspect of command and control characterized by complexity, uncertainty, and severe time pressure. To address these challenges, CM teams can use collaborative work support systems (CWSS) to help plan their intervention and coordination activities. However, the use of CWSS is not necessarily beneficial and in some cases, can impede more than augment performance. Hence, it is essential to understand the impact of a CWSS on team performance and CM teamwork. We have developed a methodology to assess the effectiveness of CWSS by comparing the use of an interactive Smartboard with that of a traditional topographic map during team planning activities. To do so, a dynamic CM situation is simulated using a forest firefighting functional simulation – the C3Fire microworld. We compared two groups of participants on the basis of performance, communication, coordination efficiency, and planning quality. Based on a preliminary analysis, in comparison to maps, the use of a CWSS seems to be beneficial to planning activities and CM coordination. At this point the main contribution of the current on-going project is to provide a method and metrics for the objective assessment of new technology in the context of CM.
|
Tom Duffy, Chris Baber, & Neville Stanton. (2013). Measuring collaborative sensemaking. 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. 561–565). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Problems of collaborative sensemaking are evident in major incident response where sharing salient information is key to the shared understanding of the situation. In this paper we propose that differences in sensemaking performance can be captured through quantitative methods derived from consideration of network structure and information diffusion as the group collaborates to achieve consensus in a problem-solving task. We present analysis from a large international study in which groups of people collaborate to solve an intelligence analysis problem. Our initial analysis suggests that 'edge' groups are able to collaborate more efficiently and perform better than those which have a hierarchical control structure.
|
Tom Duffy, Richard McMaster, Chris Baber, & Robert Houghton. (2012). Towards an ontology broker to improve cross-agency sharing in emergency 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: Major incidents and disasters tend to be highly complex, contain high levels of uncertainty and may often force official responders to set aside their standard operating procedures and work collaboratively with a range of agencies and actors on the ground. Prior work has shown that establishing clear lines of communication and maintaining a shared understanding across organisational boundaries can be challenging to achieve, particularly in stressful and unusual circumstances. In the present paper we discuss ongoing work into specifying a meta-process for facilitating communication and collaboration based on the observation that common themes that emerge in communication within and across organisational boundaries can subsequently be tracked and built into an Ontology Broker. This work draws on experimental work in our laboratory, observations made in emergency control environments and, emphasised in this paper, lessons learned in the 2005 London bombings. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
Julie Dugdale, Bernard Pavard, Nico Pallamin, Mehdi El Jed, & Laurent Maugan. (2004). Emergency fire incident training in a virtual world. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 167–172). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The effectiveness of 'close to reality' training simulations is due to the fact that they provide a sense of immersion and allow several participants to interact naturally. However, they are expensive, time-consuming, difficult to organise and have a limited scope. We present a virtual reality training simulator which overcomes these disadvantages. We describe the approach and methodology and conclude with a discussion of the most crucial challenges when developing such a system. In this paper we would like to introduce the notion of cultural technologies which produce a sense of social as well as cultural immersion. We will discuss the main ingredients of such an immersion, in particular the notion of situated virtual interaction (how interactions in a virtual world can be comparable with human interactions in real situations). We also discuss on the role of interfaces (real time motion capture) and emotional expression in the design of such environments. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
|
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.
|
Sukumar Dwarkanath, & Michael Daconta. (2006). Emergency services enterprise framework: A service-oriented approach. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 298–304). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The current Emergency Services landscape is characterized by a number of systems and networks that are isolated in nature, thus making information sharing impractical, if not impossible. Such an environment does not promote ease of information sharing, and each incident highlights the need for efficient collaboration and coordination, and the need for a holistic internetwork-a series of virtual interconnected networks-approach. In other words, it requires an overall framework that looks at safety as an overall enterprise, (albeit one with thousands of independent agency owners), with the strategic goal to facilitate greater collaboration and effectiveness of operations, and to ensure a streamlined and efficient prevention of, response to, and recovery from all-hazards. 1 Adopting a Service-Oriented enterprise approach is extremely useful and has number of advantages in such an environment. This paper defines a framework-in the context of an enterprise-an envisioned Emergency Services Enterprise Framework, and identifies the key elements of this framework.
|
Sukumar Dwarkanath, & Denis Gusty. (2010). Information sharing: A strategic approach. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide and recommend a strategic approach for implementation of information sharing initiatives. While such an approach offers a number of benefits, as a primary benefit, it provides a way to measure and monitor the performance of such initiatives, irrespective of their scope, whether they are regional, state, or federal efforts. The first section of the paper presents a framework for alignment among information sharing initiatives; the second section builds on this framework and outlines a roadmap for an assessment methodology for such initiatives.
|
E. Martina Granholm. (2017). What about IT? Crisis Exercises for Multiple Skills. 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. 341–352). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Cooperation and interaction demands digital skills. In an agile context, there is no time for learning while doing, implicating that many of the skills need to be practiced beforehand. Since exercises are one way of enhancing skills needed in crisis situations, it is important to know what skills are practiced during the exercises. This review aims to understand what skills have been practiced during exercises conducted in Sweden between 2010 and 2014. Data was obtained from 15 evaluations of exercises including multiple actors. Most exercises practiced collaboration, communication, information and shared situation awareness skills. Results showed that 4 out of 15 had a specific goal in terms of technology use. Exercises with explicit technology goals are effective as a way to change opinions about the tool in question. The participants requests additional exercises specifically targeting routines and the use of technological tools.
|
Paul S. Earle, & David J. Wald. (2006). Rapid post-earthquake information and assessment tools from the U.S. geological survey national earthquake information center. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 402–408). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: A suite of post-earthquake information products and assessment tools are produced and distributed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC). These products range from the rapid determination of earthquake magnitude and location to tools that provide situational awareness following earthquake catastrophes. The NEIC distributes earthquake location, magnitude, and supporting information through many sources including, text message, pager, and the Internet (e-mail, web-pages and RSS feeds). To aid in the rapid determination of an earthquake's impact, the NEIC has developed tools to 1) map the observed shaking intensity reported from the region affected by the earthquake (Community Internet Intensity Maps), and 2) quantify the number of people exposed to severe shaking (Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response).
|
Catherine Easton. (2014). The digital divide, inclusion and access for disabled people in IT supported emergency response systems: A UK and EU-based analysis. 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. 275–278). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This short insights paper examines IT Supported Emergency Response systems from the perspective of the digital divide and access for disabled people. It is argued that inclusive design is often overlooked in the development of emergency systems and this can lead to increased marginalisation of certain societal groups, such as disabled people and older people. Given the importance of equality of provision in relation to emergency responses there is a need to examine accessibility policy in this area to determine whether it enables the equal participation of all. This is important both in relation to the ability to access key information in an emergency situation and to participate in crowdsourced data generation to help in the targeting of resources, both at the time of an emergency and in subsequent planning. This insights paper takes both a practical and theoretical approach and focuses upon key policies emanating from the EU and UK.
|
John Edmonds, Louiqa Raschid, Hassan Sayyadi, & Shanchan Wu. (2010). Exploiting social media to provide humanitarian users with event search and recommendations. 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: Humanitarian decision makers rely on timely and accurate information for decision-making. Since satisfactory disaster response is key to building public trust and confidence, they need to monitor and track disaster related discourse to gauge public perception and to avert public relations disasters. Social media, e.g., the blogosphere, has empowered citizens to provide content and has increased information diversity. The challenge is to make sense of this diverse and noisy data and interpret results in context. For example, search results can be clustered around an event or occurrence at some geo-location and time. Personalization and recommendations can further filter content and focus on the most relevant and important data. We apply our research on event detection and recommendation to support event based search and apply it to a large blog collection (blog.spinn3r.com).
|
Wendy A. Edwards, Awais Vaid, & Ian S. Brooks. (2010). INDICATOR: An open-source cyberenvironment for biosurveillance. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper, we discuss the architecture and implementation of INDICATOR, a free open source cyberenvironment for disease surveillance. Biosurveillance entails numerous tasks, including data acquisition and preparation, analysis, and reporting. These tasks can be modeled and executed as a workflow. Workflows encapsulate data, tools, and metadata. Cyberenvironments provide integrated, user-friendly sets of tools and services to marshal resources and help researchers analyze, visualize, and model their data. INDICATOR uses an Eclipse-based cyberenvironment that supports interactive workflow creation, connection to data and event streams, provenance tracking, and reuse of workflows and fragments to acquire, analyze, and visualize public health data.
|
Aslak Wegner Eide, Ida Maria Haugstveit, Ragnhild Halvorsrud, & María Borén. (2013). Inter-organizational collaboration structures during emergency response: A case study. 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. 94–104). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper examines the problem of achieving efficient inter-organizational collaboration during emergency response. The authors interviewed 11 representatives from Norwegian emergency agencies and supporting organizations about a hypothetical scenario involving a large-scale chemical incident. The interviews resulted in the identification and categorization of more than 45 actors that would be involved in the response effort, clarification of the individual capabilities and knowledge those actors would possess, and descriptions of how they would interact and communicate with each other. The results illustrate the complexity and necessity of achieving inter-organizational collaboration by showing how capabilities and knowledge are distributed and communicated across different actors, and suggest that such communications are mainly verbal. Based on this, the paper discusses challenges and opportunities for improving inter-organizational collaboration in the future.
|
Gary Eifried. (2005). A model describing a response to a terrorism incident. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 125–127). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Understanding how the response to an incident of terrorism involving a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) transpires is essential to understanding the necessary flow of information within that response. A model describing incident response functions overlaid on a realistic timeline is presented.
|
Nour El Mawas, & Jean-Pierre Cahier. (2013). Towards a knowledge-intensive serious game for training emergency medical services. 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. 135–139). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In the preparedness activity for disasters and emergency management, serious games can help in training medical first responders by providing emergency simulations which are always available, safer and cheaper than real-world simulations. However, serious games for training emergency medical services (EMS) must take into account the presence of different actors in crisis situation like police and firefighters and the high volume of (medical as well as non-medical) expert knowledge. The aim of our approach is not only to acquire technical skills but also to develop the capability to act, to cooperate and coordinate in non-procedurally previewed emergency situations. This paper proposes both (i) a detailed prototype of a serious game's scenario that supports instructors in the training in EMS and (ii) an adaptive infrastructure A.R.G.I.L.E (Architecture for Representations, Games, Interactions, and Learning among Experts). We illustrate our ideas on an example of a complex road accident. This work is done with the collaboration of a Hospital Emergency Department implied with us in a R&D project.
|
Regis Elbez, & Tacis Alevantis. (2004). The role of CECIS – Common Emergency Communication and Information System. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 81–85). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: We present in this paper the motivation for the European Common Emergency Communication and Information System CECIS, its objectives and functionalities. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
|
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.
|
Christoph Endres, Andreas Wurz, Marcus Hoffmann, & Alexander Behring. (2010). A task-based messaging approach to facilitate staff work. 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: A central part of the work in Incident Commands (ICs) deals with handling messages that contain relevant information. Classification schemes for messages can be exploited by command staff and assisting tools to support this work, given that a common understanding of the scheme is shared among participants. We present user studies on two such classifications, which imply some disagreement among participants. Interpretations of the studies and a revised scheme are presented. All users in our studies are highly trained experts and represent the state of the art in german IC work.
|
Tristan Endsley, Yu Wu, & James Reep. (2014). The source of the story: Evaluating the credibility of crisis information sources. 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. 160–164). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: In a highly connected world, information coming from different media sources and social relationships are more quickly disseminated than ever before. Natural disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan capture attention globally. Investigations of how people respond to the credibility of different sources have implications for policy making and information systems design. In this paper, we studied how different factors (strength of social ties and sources of crisis information) affect perception of credibility of crisis information about natural disasters. Our analysis and findings indicate that for crisis information about natural disasters, people tend to trust traditional media channels, such as printed news, and televised news. The type of social tie also influences the perceived credibility of the crisis information.
|
Hagen Engelmann, & Frank Fiedrich. (2009). DMT-EOC – A combined system for the decision support and training of EOC members. 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: The first hours after a disaster are essential to minimizing the loss of life. The chance for survival in the debris of a collapsed building for example decreases considerably after 72 hours. However the available information in the first hours after a disaster is limited, uncertain and dynamically changing. A goal in the development of the Disaster Management Tool (DMT) was to support the management of this situation. Its module DMT-EOC specifically deals with problems of the members in an emergency operation centre (EOC) by providing a training environment for computer based table top exercises and assistance during earthquake disasters. The system is based on a flexible and extendible architecture that integrates different concepts and programming interfaces. It contains a simulation for training exercises and the evaluation of decisions during disaster response. A decision support implemented as a multi-agent system (MAS) combines operation research approaches and rule-base evaluation for advice giving and criticising user decisions. The user interface is based on a workflow model which mixes naturalistic with analytic decision-making. The paper gives an overview of the models behind the system components, describes their implementation, and the testing of the resulting system.
|
Erica Gralla, Jarrod Goentzel, & Bartel Van de Walle. (2015). Understanding the information needs of field-based decision-makers in humanitarian response to sudden onset disasters. 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: The development and spread of new technology and the internet has opened a new world of possibilities to gather data and create information in a crisis. However, it is not clear which information field managers require to make the best possible decisions. As a result, it is difficult for volunteers, technology developers, and others, to collect and analyze data that results in information that is accessible and actionable for decision makers. To understand the information requirements of humanitarian responders, a workshop was conducted, bringing together eighteen experienced humanitarian responders. The results of the workshop include preliminary frameworks for decisions and information requirements that are common during the initial phases of a sudden onset disaster. These frameworks will help volunteer and technical communities to understand the information field decision-makers require to make the best possible decisions.
|
Daniel P. Eriksson. (2006). A region-specific prognostic model of post-earthquake international attention. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 418–425). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This project evaluates the feasibility of a prognostic model for international attention following earthquakes. The degree of international attention is defined as the number of situation reports issued by the United Nations. Ordinal regression is applied to a set of 58 case study events that occurred in Central Asia between 1992 and 2005. The context of the model is promising. Patterns were identified among the misclassified events. The patterns can prove helpful in understanding the irregular behavior of the international community and to improve future models by identifying subjects, such as bilateral relations and willingness to request external aid, for which additional indicators are needed.
|
Dirk Fahland, Timo Mika Gläßer, Bastian Quilitz, Stephan Weißleder, & Ulf Leser. (2007). HUODINI-flexible information integration for disaster management. 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. 255–262). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Fast and effective disaster management requires access to a multitude of heterogeneous, distributed, and quickly changing data sets, such as maps, satellite images, or governmental databases. In the last years, also the information created by affected persons on web sites such as flickr.com or blogger.com became an important and very quickly adapting source of information. We developed HUODINI, a prototype system for the flexible integration and visu-alization of heterogeneous data sources for disaster management. HUODINI is based on Semantic Web technologies, and in particular RDF, to offer maximal flexibility in the types of data sources it can integrate. It supports a hybrid push/pull approach to cater for the requirements of fast-changing sources, such as news feeds, and maximum performance for querying the integrated data set. In this paper, we describe the design goals underlying our approach, its architecture, and report on first experiences with the system.
|
S.H.M. Fakhruddin. (2006). Community based cost effective early warning dissemination network (EWDN). In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 50–51). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Natural disasters are frequent in Bengladesh. Because Bengladesh has a fragile economy that is mostly dependent on agriculture, these events can be disastrous to the economy and people of the country. Adequate warnings to the community and institutions can mitigate the deleterious effects. This paper presents a model for an effective disaster warning and dissemination system (EWDN) that can provide timely and accurate alerts of natural disasters thus reducing loss of life, property and other risks.
|
Mauro Falasca, Christopher W. Zobel, & Deborah Cook. (2008). A decision support framework to assess supply chain resilience. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 596–605). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Our research is aimed at developing a quantitative approach for assessing supply chain resilience to disasters, a topic that has been discussed primarily in a qualitative manner in the literature. For this purpose, we propose a simulation-based framework that incorporates concepts of resilience into the process of supply chain design. In this context, resilience is defined as the ability of a supply chain system to reduce the probabilities of disruptions, to reduce the consequences of those disruptions, and to reduce the time to recover normal performance. The decision framework incorporates three determinants of supply chain resilience (density, complexity, and node criticality) and discusses their relationship to the occurrence of disruptions, to the impacts of those disruptions on the performance of a supply chain system and to the time needed for recovery. Different preliminary strategies for evaluating supply chain resilience to disasters are identified, and directions for future research are discussed.
|
