Evaluating the role of information technology in crisis and emergency management
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720610703542 |
| Pages | 261-264 |
| Date | 01 July 2006 |
| Published date | 01 July 2006 |
| Author | Theresa L. Jefferson |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
Evaluating the role of information
technology in crisis and
emergency management
Theresa L. Jefferson
Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering,
George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The paper seeks to discuss the recommendations for handling future extreme events
based on the response and mitigation effort to Hurricane Katrina. It discusses how information
technology (IT) relates to these recommendations.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews recent recommendations for handling future
extreme events and pinpoints the role of information systems in supporting these recommendations.
Findings – The study provides areas for IT researchers and practitioners to focus on to support the
crisis and emergency management community.
Orginality/value – The paper provides ue for IT researchers and practitioners to focus on to support
the Crisis and Emergency Management Community.
Keywords Information systems, Informationmanagement, Disasters
Paper type General review
There is no doubt that recent events such as the December 2005 Tsunami and
Hurricane Katrina have illustrated the need for improvements in crisis response and
management systems. It is evident that these systems were overwhelmed and
inadequate to respond to the magnitude of the events. In order for crisis and disaster
management efforts to succeed it is necessary for data and information collection and
analysis be inherently linked to decision making and action. When an extreme event
occurs the process becomes one of accessing needs, matching those needs with
available resources, and taking preventive actions against further losses. This is an
iterative process, which can proceed through numerous cycles. Once the event is
controlled it then becomes necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken
and improve the plans and strategies in preparation of future disasters.
In the past year, the Federal government has produced a number of reports based on
the response and mitigation effort to Hurricane Katrina that detailed recommendations
for handling future extreme events, key findings and lessons learned. A subset of these
reports is listed below:
.The White House after action review (Townsend, 2006) 2125 recommendations.
.The Department of Homeland Security, Inspector General Report – 38
recommendations (Department of Homeland Security, office of the Inspector
General, 2006).
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0305-5728.htm
IT in crisis and
emergency
management
261
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 36 No. 3, 2006
pp. 261-264
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055720610703542
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