Learning How to Learn from Disasters through a Comparative Dichotomy Analysis: Grenfell Tower and Hurricane Katrina Case Studies

Abstract

We describe two well-established, practice-based Master’s programmes as examples of existing competence development opportunities for practitioners and how such links between theory and practice can be developed and taught within the Higher Education (HE) context. We hypothesise that learning from major failures is essential in linking theory with practice in both engineering and management education. We investigate how to train emergency response teams on coping with, and learning from, rare events; a major challenge to other practitioners in the fields of safety and risk management. Comparison is undertaken between two disasters—Hurricane Katrina in the USA and the relatively recent Grenfell Tower in the UK—using a balanced dual approach of paradoxes, a dichotomy. In this paper, we demonstrate the enhancement of both engineering and management education. This was achieved through using the two case studies to emphasize the relevance of incorporating advanced mental modelling approaches for root cause analysis in training and by comparing the two cases with respect to the black swan and black elephant concepts. It is recommended that future training has a balanced approach that encompasses the outlined features of dichotomies.

Development of a complementary framework for implementing asset register solutions

“…Wan et al 38 have stated that information systems should deliver a method for timely exchange of information and knowledge which allows users to reuse lessons that were previously learnt. 39 While these points highlight the importance of correctly set-up AIMS, there is much documented evidence on the associated challenges. A survey by O'Hanlon 40 showed that only 20% of respondents could describe their AIMS deployment as successful.…”

“…Kans 37 points out that data / information requirements of the AIMS should be ascertained concurrent to the functionality requirements. Wan et al 38 have stated that information systems should deliver a method for timely exchange of information and knowledge which allows users to reuse lessons that were previously learnt 39 . While these points highlight the importance of correctly set‐up AIMS, there is much documented evidence on the associated challenges.…”

Fire-Exposed Fly-Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete: Effects of Burning Temperature on Mechanical and Microstructural Properties

“…In the case of destructive fires, even high-quality designed concrete structures are severely affected, and eventually collapse. In 2017, the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in London, England caught fire, which was started by a malfunctioning fridge–freezer on the fourth floor; the event caused 72 deaths and severe structural damage [ 4 ].…”

Occupants’ Perspectives of the Use of Smartphones during Fire Evacuation from High-Rise Residential Buildings

“…Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which resulted in the death of more than 2000 people in the United States [6], the understanding of human behaviour under fire situations has changed. However, recent fire disasters, such as the Grenfell Tower disaster in London, present a bleak reminder that, despite the advancements in fire safety, there is still some room to learn from these occurrences and it remains necessary to reflect upon the adequacy of fire safety preparedness [8].…”