Naveen Ashish, & Sharad Mehrotra. (2010). Community driven data integration for emergency response. 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 describes our work in progress on an approach and technology for providing integrated data access in situational awareness applications – particularly for disaster and emergency response. The key new aspect of our work is an approach where information aggregation, processing, and integration capabilities are offered as a service to any new application builder. Further, we provide a framework for possibly reusing prior information integration knowledge, the development of which demands the major fraction of time and complexity in a new application, in a customized fashion for new application. Our overall goal is to provide a framework where integrated access to critical data in an emergency response situation can be enabled very rapidly and by personnel with basic IT and data handling expertise. Our approach, while general purpose, is currently motivated by and grounded in the context of situational awareness systems for incident commander decision support in the fire response domain.
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Boris Petrenj, & Paolo Trucco. (2021). Blockchain-based Solutions to support inter-organisational Critical Infrastructure Resilience. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 982–993). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This conceptual paper critically discusses opportunities for and challenges to the development and exploitation of blockchain-based solutions for resilience management at inter-organizational level of interdependent Critical Infrastructure (CI) systems. The main premise behind this idea is that trustful information-sharing and inter-institutional collaboration are the key elements of government and private sector efforts to build CI resilience (CIR). The discussion presents a vision that the adoption and adaptation of Blockchain Technology (BCT) could significantly improve the way a network of stakeholders prepares for and performs in face of inevitable CI disruptions. Even though BCT is regarded as technological innovation, the impacts go far beyond information systems. BCT application in this domain would entail significant benefits to organizational, managerial, legal and social issues, but would require adequate operational and organizational changes. We discuss how interdisciplinary approach (BCT and CIR) could address existing challenges, how it could introduce new challenges and how it could support other approaches and paradigms currently being regarded as the future of risk and resilience management. Even though the discussion in this paper is focused on Critical Infrastructure resilience, each point also applies to Crisis/Disaster management domain in general. This is a preliminary overview with the aim to stimulate further discussions and point to possible new, disruptive and interdisciplinary research avenues. To this end, a possible research agenda is eventually proposed.
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Steven R. Haynes, Mark J. Jermusyk, & Frank E. Ritter. (2014). Utility-theoretic training for mass casualty incidents. 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. 473–482). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper describes an approach to training emergency responders for mass casualty incidents. The approach is derived from a methodology and supporting software system called Summit. The Summit approach uses an integration of scenarios, hierarchical task analysis, interaction modeling, and expected utility theory to represent how actors engage in complex tasks; here we model mass casualty incident (MCI) activities supported by interactive technologies. Our goal is to ground MCI training in realistic scenarios and to demonstrate required response capabilities through associated hierarchical task analyses (HTA). The terminal nodes in an HTA are interactions, that provide a fine-grained model of the actors, technologies, data, and methods involved in realizing the required capability. The components of an interaction may have associated utility factors (benefits, costs, and risks) that provide learners with a rationale-based resource for understanding how different technologies are used to support MCI response efforts. Assessment of the approach is underway within a local EMS organization.
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Theresa I. Jefferson, & John R. Harrald. (2014). Estimating the impacts associated with the detonation of an improvised nuclear device. 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. 80–84). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: The explosion of an improvised nuclear device (IND), in any American city, would cause devastating physical and social impacts. These impacts would exceed the response capabilities of any city, state or region. The potential loss and suffering caused by an IND detonation can be dramatically reduced through informed planning and preparedness. By incorporating estimates of the impacts associated with the detonation of an IND into the planning process, jurisdictions can estimate the scale and scope of their response requirements. A prototype, computer-based tool was developed to quantify the human impacts associated with an IND detonation. Using various types of information such as the approximation of the prompt radiation footprint, blast footprint, and thermal footprint of the detonation, along with an estimation of the level of protection provided by building structures the system calculates the number and type of injuries that can be expected in a monocentric urban area.
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Magdalena Granåsen, Mari Olsén, & Per-Anders Oskarsson. (2018). Assessing Interorganizational Crisis Response Capability – Initial Results of a Systematic Literature Review. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 190–202). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The ability to learn from crises is vital in order to strengthen the capability of societies to manage severe events. This paper presents the initial analysis of a systematic literature review regarding capability assessment of inter-organizational crisis management systems. Inter-organizational crisis management capability is a diverse concept, touching on several related concepts such as resilience, situation awareness and operational performance. During a systematic review process 73 publications were identified. The different aspects of crisis management capability found in the publications were clustered, using an exploratory approach. Nine thematic clusters were identified: interaction, relationships, coordination/C2, system performance, preparedness, situation awareness, resilience, decision making and information infrastructure. A conclusion is that crisis response capability encompasses a multitude of aspects associated with a wide range of assessment methods. The identified publications to a large extent explored aspects of collaboration and coordination, while the actual outcome (system performance) was less explored.
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Mari Olsén, Niklas Hallberg, Per-Anders Oskarsson, & Magdalena Granåsen. (2020). Exploring Capabilities that Constitute Inter-Organizational Crisis Management. 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. 417–426). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Crises are infrequent, unpredictable and complex events. Managing such events requires well-prepared and well-coordinated efforts by several response organizations. Hence, a sufficient inter-organizational crisis management (ICM) capability is critical for sustainable societies. To ensure the ICM capability, approaches for enhancing and evaluating it are needed. The objective of this study was to identify and elaborate a clearly defined set of capabilities that constitutes ICM capability. The study was performed by an explorative literature study, where identified capabilities related to ICM were clustered. The cluster of capabilities was iteratively evaluated and refined. The study resulted in 14 capabilities that constitute ICM capability, which were divided into core, supportive, and enabling capabilities. The set of capabilities may provide a foundation for a framework of ICM capability with the ability to support assessment of ICM performance both in exercises and in real ICM operations, as well as in the design of ICM exercises.
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Patricia Quiroz-Palma, Ma Carmen Penadés, & Ana-Gabriela Núñez. (2019). Towards a Capability Model for Emergency Training Improvement. 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: Giving adequate attention to training personnel within an organization to perform an activity of any kind
determines its success or failure. Training in emergency management is a key point and the participants must have
adequate preparation for each activity they carry out. The different activities in each emergency management
phase generate the appropriate training according to the role performed by stakeholders. The training is provided
through techniques and IT support tools that consolidate the knowledge imparted by the trainer. This paper
describes the initial steps in creating a capability model to support the training of stakeholders and ensure the
effectiveness of the response teams, as well as the appropriate actions of workers and citizens in an emergency.
Knowledge is consolidated through training, evaluation and feedback from practice. The proposed model is being
integrated in the QuEP framework to guide organizations in assessing and improving the management of their
emergency plans.
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Per-Anders Oskarsson, Niklas Hallberg, Johan Nordström, Magdalena Granåsen, & Mari Olsén. (2022). Assessment of Collaborative Crisis Management Capability by Generic Questions. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 385–391). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Societies need the ability to respond to crises such as terrorism, pandemics and natural disasters. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the capability of crisis management is attained, maintained, and developed. Since large crises cannot be handled by single organizations, collaborative crisis management capability is needed. The objective of this work was to provide support by an instrument for assessment of collaborative crisis management capability. The work was iteratively performed in a workgroup. The outcome was two templates with sets of generic questions, one for assessment of the actual capabilities and one for assessment of the preconditions of the capabilities. The templates mainly focus on assessment of collaborative crisis management capability. However, since the questions are generically formulated, they should be usable for assessments of any type of crisis management capability.
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Eduard Santamaria, Florian Segor, & Igor Tchouchenkov. (2013). Rapid aerial mapping with multiple heterogeneous unmanned vehicles. 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. 592–596). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In this article, work in progress on a system for rapid aerial mapping is presented. We believe that a tool able to quickly generate an up-to-date high resolution aerial view, e.g. shortly after a natural disaster or a big incident occurs, can be a highly valuable asset to help first responders in the decision making. The presented work focuses on the path planning capabilities of the system, together with the area partitioning and workload distribution among a team of multi-rotor unmanned aircraft. Sensor footprint and range of the involved aircraft may differ. The presented approach is based on an approximate cellular decomposition of the area of interest. The results of this work will be integrated into an existing system which already provides a mobile ground control station able to supervise and control multiple sensor carriers.
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Steve Peterson. (2016). More Research Needed on the Concurrent Usage of Information Systems during Emergencies. 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: This abstract highlights research challenges to improving effectiveness of integrating information and communication technologies during emergencies. Proposed as a research focus is the integration of proven virtual activation processes with an unobtrusive research presence. This positions the research presence during a real-time emergency to glean previously unknown information/rationales on how decision-makers decide and take action. Establishing a collaborative partnership by combining a ?research presence? with the ?virtual operation capability,? is essential. Mutual understanding must embrace the precept of no disruption to first responders in actual response and recovery efforts. Consensus should be reached in identifying measurable outcomes for the research. The collaborative effort opens a groundbreaking area for consideration of study in crisis response and management. It would shed new light on an underexplored, critical area of emergency management and has the potential to further enhance the value of information and communication systems in preparing, responding, and recovering from emergencies.
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Gerd Van Den Eede, Willem J. Muhren, Raphaël Smals, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2006). IS capability for incident management and the DERMIS design premises. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 251–261). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In this paper we present a dynamic model of the performance of an organization's Incident Management process as determined by the capability of its supporting emergency response information system. Our work is based on the Capability Trap model by Repenning & Sterman (2001) and draws from the many insights on emergency response information systems design as described in the DERMIS (Dynamic Emergency Response Management Information System) framework established by Turoff et al. 2004. Whereas the latter describes the premises that underlie an Information System (IS) that is capable of ensuring a reliable and flexible emergency response, the present paper contributes to the research field by looking at the interrelations of the aforementioned premises. We take a System Dynamics approach and gain insights in the key determinants of IS Capability by highlighting the mutual interdependences grouped around the concepts of adaptability, control, implicit knowledge and explicit knowledge.
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Yangyang Meng, Xiangliang Tian, Chang Liu, Zhongwen Li, Zhijie Zhou, & Maohua Zhong. (2020). Research on Emergency Capability Evaluation of Network Operation-Based Urban Rail Transit. 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. 530–544). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In the process of network operation, it is of great significance to evaluate the emergency capability for the safety and resilience of urban rail transit. In this work, we proposed an emergency capability evaluation model of network operation-based urban rail transit by building a four-level index system. AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method demonstrated the effectiveness of the evaluation index system. The ranking of index importance Wi characterizes the emergency capability of network operation-based urban rail transit. Taking Shenzhen Metro as an example, this study analyzed the risk in the actual network operation, evaluated the emergency capability of network operation and calculated the comprehensive score of emergency capability. Furthermore, based on the correlation analysis results from the emergency capability indexes, we put forward some measures to improve the weaker indexes in the evaluation. The results indicate that the emergency capability evaluation method of network operation-based urban rail transit proposed in this study can better guide the emergency management of network operation-based urban rail transit.
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