A framework for evaluating the effectiveness of flood emergency management systems in Europe

Calls for enhancing societal resilience to flooding are echoed across Europe alongside mounting evidence that flood risk will increase in response to climate change amongst other risk-enhancing factors. At a time where it is now widely accepted that flooding cannot be fully prevented, resilience discourse in public policy stresses the importance of improving societal capacities to absorb and recover from flood events. Flood emergency management has thus emerged as a crucial strategy in flood risk management. However, the extent to which emergency management supports societal resilience is dependent on the effectiveness of governance and performance in practice. Drawing from the extensive body of literature documenting the success conditions of so-called effective emergency management more broadly, this study formulates an evaluation framework specifically tailored to the study of Flood Emergency Management Systems (FEMS) in Europe. Applying this framework, this research performs a cross-country comparison of FEMS in the Netherlands, England, Poland, France, and Sweden. Important differences are observed in how FEMS have evolved in relation to differing contextual backgrounds (political, cultural, administrative and socio-economic) and exposures to flood hazard. Whereas the organization and coordination of actors are functioning effectively, other aspects of effective FEMS are relatively under-developed in several countries, such as provisions for institutional learning, recovery-based activities and community preparedness. Drawing from examples of good practice, this paper provides a critical reflection on the opportunities and constraints to enhancing the effectiveness of FEMS in Europe

An Analysis of the Relationship Between Military Leaders\u27 Operational Adaptability and Knowledge Transfer

A variety of research underlines the increasing need for adaptable leaders in the military and enhancing operational adaptability is accepted as one of the crucial factors for achieving success in future military operations. In general terms, operational adaptability is the ability to successfully respond to unforeseen changing situations during military operations. However, this study reveals that operational adaptability is not clearly conceptualized and supporting factors are not investigated in detail in the literature. Among possible factors, knowledge transfer is claimed to be an important practice that increases personal performance and effectiveness. This research conceptualized operational adaptability and investigated the relationship between military leaders\u27 operational adaptability and knowledge transfer. The concept of operational adaptability was developed by using current literature and researcher\u27s experience in military professionalism. The operational adaptability is constructed to include three main dimensions: handling emergency or crisis situations, dealing effectively with unpredictable or changing operational situations and solving problems creatively. The literature review reveals inter-knowledge transfer and intra-knowledge transfer as the main practices whereas lessons learned and best practices as the main forms. The primary research question is Does knowledge transfer have a positive impact on military leaders\u27 operational adaptability? A research conceptual model was developed and five hypotheses were identified and statistically tested. A data collection instrument was developed, improved through peer review, and distributed using the Internet. Seventy one complete responses provided raw data to statistically test the validity of the measures and the hypotheses. The results do not support the general hypothesis that an increase in knowledge transfer will have a positive impact on military leaders\u27 operational adaptability. However, the results also confirm that the measures developed in the investigation are reliable and possess construct validity. Although no direct cause and effect relationship could be determined between knowledge transfer and operational adaptability, the research enhanced our understanding on both phenomena. This research confirms that knowledge transfer practices are not dominant drivers of operational adaptability; nevertheless, they still have a significant statistical association with operational adaptability. Furthermore, inter- and intra-knowledge transfer practices carry almost an equal weight for their association with operational adaptability. The research also confirms the crucial role of encountering more dangerous, challenging operational situations on operational adaptability especially in the problem solving dimension. This research concludes that knowledge transfer practices have more statistical association with handling crisis and dealing with change dimensions whereas encountering more dangerous, challenging operational situations has more positive impact on problem solving dimension of operational adaptability. The results of this investigation can be used as foundation for further research and development in the area of operational adaptability and knowledge transfer

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology in Systematic Inter-Professional Crisis Management Training

Submitted manuscript version. Final version available at https://internationalc2institute.org/.The technological transformation has enabled innovative changes in operational processes and services. Immersive technologies, specifically Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) training has been used for many years with excellent results to train e.g. astronauts, pilots, paramedics, and military personnel. Emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), present even greater opportunities when it comes to making our crisis management systems more intelligent, secure, and effective. At present, the crisis management field is dominated by conventional exercise methods, for example when participants gather to discuss or simulate a full-scale scenario (such as table-top exercises). Consequently, exercises that present participants with realistic challenges under time pressure are rare, if they even exist. Other problems identified in earlier research are, for example: inadequate assessment of the effectiveness of training; difficulties in defining a suitable training context or content; providing timely and relevant feedback to participants; and transfer of “lessons learnt” to future incidents. With this study we aim to design an experimental testbed for the purpose of conducting systematic comparisons of various configurations of simulation exercises, using novel tools and procedures (such as AI, VR, AR). The baseline for comparison will be traditional time- and space-dependent (i.e., field) exercises. Measured variables fall into the categories of situational awareness (SA), decision-making, communication, inter- and intra-team dynamics, and leadership. The main dependent variable will be learning outcomes. Our main hypothesis is that using novel tools and technologies to support systematic crisis training and exercises on crisis management will have a positive effect on intermediary processes as well as learning outcomes

Developing Crisis Training Software for Local Governments – From User Needs to Generic Requirements

In this paper we analyze and present the generic requirements identified for a software aiming at supporting crisis management training in local governments. The generic requirements are divided into overall requirements, requirements connected to the trainer’s role and requirements connected to the trainee’s role. Moreover, the requirements are mapped to problems as well as opportunities. Finally, we present examples of elaborations of the addressed requirements based on software design considerations. In our work we applied a design science approach and the artifact presented in this paper is a list of generic requirement. The presented requirements and the systems development process used, provide guidelines for systems analysts and developers in future systems development projects aiming at constructing new software for crisis management training

Policing in pandemics: A systematic review and best practices for police response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a range of unforeseen and unprecedented challenges for police departments worldwide. In light of these challenges, the goal of this review is to understand the potential short- and long-term effects of disasters and public health emergencies on policing organisations and officers. A total of 72 studies were eligible for inclusion, based on their focus on policing and police work during and in the aftermath of natural disasters and public health emergencies. Through an extensive review, we compile and analyse the most common issues and best practices identified in the literature, and discuss ‘what works’ in the context of policing such emergencies. The literature reveals four categories of issues predominantly raised in this context, namely police-community relations, the mental health and wellbeing of officers, intra-organisational challenges, as well as inter-agency collaboration and cooperation. Based on our review and analysis, we offer a list of recommendations relevant for policing the current COVID-19 outbreak. The findings of this review have immediate implications for policing during COVID-19 but also cover long-term effects, providing valuable recommendations for after the crises has passed

Interventions to improve team effectiveness within health care

Background: A high variety of team interventions aims to improve team performance outcomes. In 2008, we conducted a systematic review to provide an overview of the scientific studies focused on these interventions. However, over the past decade, the literature on team interventions has rapidly evolved. An updated overview is therefore required, and it will focus on all possible team interventions without restrictions to a type of intervention, setting, or research design. Objectives: To review the literature from the past decade on interventions with the goal of improving team effectiveness within healthcare organizations and identify the "evidence base" levels of the research. Methods: Seven major databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published between 2008 and July 2018. Of the original search yield of 6025 studies, 297 studies met the inclusion criteria according to three independent authors and were subsequently included for analysis. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Scale was used to assess the level of empirical evidence. Results: Three types of interventions were distinguished: (1) Training, which is sub-divided into training that is based on predefined principles (i.e. CRM: crew resource management and TeamSTEPPS: Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety), on a specific method (i.e. simulation), or on general team training. (2) Tools covers tools that structure (i.e. SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation, (de)briefing checklists, and rounds), facilitate (through communication technology), or trigger (through monitoring and feedback) teamwork. (3) Organizational (re)design is about (re)designing structures to stimulate team processes and team functioning. (4) A programme is a combination of the previous types. The majority of studies evaluated a training focused on the (acute) hospital care setting. Most of the evaluated interventions focused on improving non-technical skills and provided evidence of improvements. Conclusion: Over the last decade, the number of studies on team interventions has increased exponentially. At the same time, research t

Emergency Management Capability under Task Complexity : The Role of Knowledge Transfer Mechanisms

Doctoral thesis (PhD) - Nord University, 2023publishedVersio