The role of information systems to support disaster management

Abstract

Society is challenged by various catastrophes, requiring fast and accurate management of information and communication. Handling these challenges needs clearly-defined and well-accepted processes and -most critically -a huge quantity of data, which has to be collected, processed and submitted. In the context of natural catastrophes and public disaster management, governments are challenged. Beyond government involvement, private companies are also forced to react to disasters, establish appropriate procedures, define responsibilities, and make decisions. In such times of emergency, information systems (IS) are important instruments used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster-handling activities in companies. Furthermore, information systems support companies in their efforts to regain trust, reestablish reputation, and sustain their ability to operate. In this exploratory work, we have investigated how information systems support disaster management in two companies within the passenger transportation industry. Based on interviews, we identified different IS support for disaster management, especially for coordinating activities, processing information, and communicating with stakeholders. We validated the need for training, harmonisation and standardisation of information, as well as ways to manage false news about accidents that may be transmitted via social media.

Team Performance in Flood Emergency Response: A Conceptual Model and Scale Development

“…According to Kotlarsky, Scarbrough [29] coordination of effort within and among different expert groups and support for such coordination is seen as one of the most influential impacts that information systems can make to enhance organizational performance. In similar way, Krumay and Brandtweiner [24] described Coordinated and fast response are key to successful disaster management. In Chandrasekhar [30], Al-Dahash and Kulatunga [31] studies, it was mentioned that in order to save lives and property, disaster response efforts need that they need to be present is difficult, most especially amongst the NGOs [12].…”

“…Information system research on emergency response management regarded information and communication technology as an important tool that can be used in emergency management [23]. Similarly in IS research, disaster management have received some attention especially for activities coordination and effective information processing amongst all the stakeholders [24]. Collaboration is the best and right approach while working in these situations.…”

COVID-19, information management by local governments, and food consumption

“…Therefore, local governments should not only access relevant information but also curate and disseminate information to citizens. If local governments mobilize human and financial resources during the pandemic, their efforts will be more credible, and citizen’s confidence will be strengthened ( Krumay and Brandtweiner 2015 ).…”

Conceptual Model of Debris Flow Information System

“…Different types of information systems are described in the literature: knowledge information system, management information system (disaster management information system), decision support information system, hazard monitoring information system [4][5][6][7].…”