The paradox of information systems in crisis: Walking the tight rope between rigidity and flexibility

Kenny Meesters, Andreas Alexiou, Carol Ou

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

Crisis situations ask for relevant, accurate and complete information to support decision makers. Today there is a plethora of systems available to crisis responders to generate, accumulate and process information. These systems and (infra) structures are often developed, established, and implemented outside crisis situations as part of preparedness activities. At the same time, crisis situations are often characterized by their volatility and uncertainty. Both in terms of the effects of the disaster, but also in the response to the disaster, and often require a tailored approach. In this research we examine trade-offs between the preparedness of information systems, and the flexibility needed to adapt to operational and crisis specific circumstances. We conduct this research through case studies centered around two large-scale emergencies and discuss the challenges in managing the ‘rigidity-adaptability’ balance for emergency responders.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInformation Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction - 8th IFIP WG 5.15 International Conference, ITDRR 2023, Revised Selected Papers
EditorsJulie Dugdale, Terje Gjøsæter, Osamu Uchida
Pages167-184
Number of pages18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024
Event8th IFIP WG 5.15 International Conference on Information Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction - tokyo, Japan
Duration: 4 Dec 20236 Dec 2023

Publication series

NameIFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
Volume706 IFIPAICT
ISSN (Print)1868-4238
ISSN (Electronic)1868-422X

Conference

Conference8th IFIP WG 5.15 International Conference on Information Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction
Abbreviated titleITDRR 2023
Country/TerritoryJapan
Citytokyo
Period4/12/236/12/23

Keywords

  • Adaptability
  • Crisis Response
  • Information Systems
  • Organizational Capabilities
  • Preparedness

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