Roser Beneito-Montagut, Susan Anson, Duncan Shaw, & Christopher Brewster. (2013). Governmental social media use for emergency communication. 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. 828–833). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The possibility of crowdsourced information, multi-geographical and multi-organisational information flows during emergencies and crises provided by web 2.0 tools are providing emergency management centres with new communication challenges and opportunities. Building on the existing emergency management and social media literature, this article explores how institutions are using and adopting social media for emergency communication. By examining the drivers and barriers of social media adoption in two European governmental agencies dealing with emergencies, the paper aims to establish a framework to examine whether and how institutional resilience could be improved.
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Holger Fischer, & Florian Klompmaker. (2012). Enriching disaster control management based on human-centered design. 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: Hurricanes or earthquakes reveal the increasing importance of the research in disaster control management, which is essential to coordinate the amount of rescue activities. The German Federal Agency for Technical Relief is responsible for tasks like coordination, high capacity pumping and infrastructure. To support them in their management process and to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness in their workflow, we built an interactive table and established a human-centered design process to understand the context of use and to create a system out of the users' perspective. In this paper we present further scenarios as a result of the second iteration in performing human-centered design methods together with experts in the domain. We show that methods like ethnography studies, task analyses or workshops are suitable and essential in this context and arise in helpful tools that support the experts with additional information in case of decisions. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Nicklaus A. Giacobe, & Pamela J. Soule. (2014). Social media for the emergency manager in disaster planning and response. 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. 570–574). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This practitioner paper outlines some of the benefits for the use of social media, from the perspective of a local-level or county-level emergency manager (EM). As compared to state and national level emergency management, because local level EMs have limited manpower and resources, social media can positively or negatively impact the effectiveness of communication before, during and after disaster strikes. Outlined in this paper are six key points where local EMs have specific needs that could be addressed by the effective use of social media and, in the opinion of the authors, represent the top issues that EMs face when considering how to leverage Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other social media platforms. The six needs addressed in this paper include: 1) Best practices for general social media use by EMs, 2) Social media use for internal command and control within the EM group, 3) Developing situation awareness by monitoring social media, especially prior to predicable events, 4) Communicating disaster preparedness messages through social media, 5)Using social media for gathering damage assessment information during, or immediately following a crisis,and 6) Leveraging social media volunteer groups. This short paper picks up where the Federal Emergency Management Agency's social media training leaves off and attempts to represent these six needs as use cases for researchers and developers to address in future publications and products.
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Elizabeth Avery Gomez, & Murray Turoff. (2007). Interoperable communication: An analysis of SMS text-message exchange. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 45–50). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Achieving interoperable communication across governmental agencies and jurisdictions remains a challenge and is simply taking time to implement. Initiatives to support agency interoperability continue. However, community responders remain in need of two-way device quick response tactics. SMS text-messaging is one viable interoperable communication technology that provides a bottom-up approach while offering benefits for everyday use. This research in progress studies the use of a web-based SMS text-message training application, designed to simulate two-way SMS text-message exchange. Speech Act Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior are leveraged to carefully measure SMS text-message exchange. The overarching crisis scenario takes the role of the local community responder. Initial qualitative pilot results are presented and discussed, including next steps for this ongoing research.
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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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Nicolas LaLone, & Andrea Tapia. (2016). Three Lessons from Aurorasaurus about Public Facing Information System Design. 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: Response-focused information systems have the same data processing needs as citizen science initiatives. We present three lessons learned over a three-year period with a public facing information system devoted to early warning and event detection that will benefit designers of similar systems. First, we urge those creating information systems inside of crisis response to look for proxy events that will serve as an inexpensive means through which to pursue proof-of-concept or to explore pre-existing fully tested products. Second, we urge information system designers to engage the communities and gatekeepers of enthusiast communities surrounding the event that information system is meant to serve. It will not only help development, but also increase the chances of that system?s success. Finally, aiming for self-interest rather than event-interest will allow users to feel involved; ultimately aiding participation and retention.
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Reem Abbas, Tony Norris, & Dave Parry. (2018). Disaster Healthcare: An Attempt to Model Cross-Agency CommunicationIn Disasters. 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. 504–515). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: In disasters, several national, international, and non-governmental organisations such as police, health, ambulance, fire and civil defence services are usually involved in the response process. Therefore, it is crucial that responding agencies communicate effectively to avoid fragmentation and duplication in services, to harmonise separate activities, and to clarify roles and responsibilities. Central to communication is information exchange. Effective information exchange enhances not only the appropriateness and success of disaster response, it also ensures timeliness. However, cross-agency communication is extremely challenging especially at times when there are high stress levels, incomplete data, and minimum time to make critical decisions. This paper attempts to specify a 'best-practice' model for cross-agency communication built around the specific information requirements of disaster management and disaster medicine agencies, with the aim of improving the overall quality of healthcare services provided to disaster victims.
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Rustenberg, K., Radianti, J., & Gjøsæter, T. (2023). Exploring Demons for the Establishment of Team Situational Awareness. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 636–648). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Individual situational awareness (SA) is crucial for building team SA, which is necessary for achieving a shared understanding of a situation, making informed decisions, and taking appropriate actions. This article examines the communication barriers that emerge when transitioning from individual to team SA in emergency management scenarios. We observed two emergency exercises on “ongoing life-threatening violence” and dam failure causing hospital congestion. The study was complemented with interviews with participants of these exercises, aiming at identifying barriers called SA-demons in the team setting. We discovered barriers that hinder the establishment of team SA, including a vicious cycle of mistrust, a fragmented information trap, a false feeling of mastery trap, and a decaying memory trap. These barriers can stem from individual, organizational, or technological factors. To complement existing SA theories, we applied the Cynefin framework and found that standard operating procedures can be potential barriers when transitioning into chaotic or complex domains.
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Michael Tyworth, & Steve Sawyer. (2006). Integrated criminal justice system design: Designing an appropriate governance structure. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 444–449). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In this paper we discuss interim findings from an ongoing comparative case study of the Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS) in San Diego, CA. Significant attention had been given to the need to integrate information systems across organizational boundaries in the criminal justice domain. We employ a social informatics lens in this research that views the technological artifact as embedded in cultural and institutional context. In our examination of ARJIS we have found that the adoption of a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) as a governance structure has impacted system design and organizational practices significantly. Specifically, the JPA facilitates participation by member agencies and, allows the ARJIS management team autonomy and flexibility in developing and managing the ARJIS information system.
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Zhenke Yang, & Leon J.M. Rothkrantz. (2007). Emotion sensing for context sensitive interpretation of crisis reports. 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. 507–514). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The emotional qualities of a report play an important role in the evaluation of eye witness reports in crisis centers. Human operators in the crisis center can use the amount of anxiety and stress detected in a spoken report to rapidly estimate the possible impact and urgency of a report and the appropriate response to the reporter. This paper presents ongoing work in automated multi-modal emotion sensing of crisis reports in order to reduce the cognitive load on human operators. Our approach is based on the work procedures adopted by the crisis response center Rijnmond environmental agency (DCMR) and assumes a spoken dialogue between a reporter and a crisis control center. We use an emotion model based on conceptual graphs that is continually evaluated while the dialogue continues. We show how the model can be applied to interpret crisis report in a fictional toxic gas dispersion scenario.
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