University of Canterbury. Civil and Natural Resources Engineering
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel method to analyse decision-making during extreme
events. The method is based on Decision-making Theory and aims at understanding how
emergency managers make decisions during disasters. A data collection framework and an
analysis method were conceptualized to capture participant’s behaviour, perception and
understanding throughout a game-board simulation exercise, which emulates an earthquake
disaster scenario affecting transport systems. The method evaluates the participant’s actions in
order to identify decision-making patterns, strengths and weaknesses. A set of case studies has
shown two typical patterns, namely: a) Support immediate rescue; b) Support lifelines
recovery. Good decision-making practices regard to objective-oriented decision making,
understanding of conflicting priorities and appropriate resource management. Weaknesses are
associated with comprehending relationships between community/environment and projecting
future scenarios. Overall, the case study’s results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of
the proposed method to analyse decision making during disasters