Identifying requirements for a disaster‐monitoring system

Abstract

Purpose – The main objective of this study is to identify and define three sets of factors that might be useful for designing a disaster monitoring and response system. Design/methodology/approach – First, a literature (meta) analysis is presented using academic research. The method was mainly based on a review of the scientific literature. The paper then identifies three sets of factors that may be employed when designing disaster monitoring and response systems. Findings – The paper finds that successful operation of an organization that hosts a disaster monitoring system requires that operators and computers work together. Research limitations/implications – The model itself in this study is not all-inclusive. An issue that deserves to be looked into is what role other technical, human, and organizational factors play in system performance. Practical implications – The importance of disaster monitoring and response systems increased in recent years because of an increase in the numbers of deaths, the numbers of people affected by disasters and their devastating impacts on human life, economy and environment. These systems have the potential to significantly reduce losses from natural disasters. Originality/value – This study proposes a model which may be valuable to state and federal agencies, public sector managers and administrators, system analysts, trainers in disaster management, researchers and practitioners involved in disaster and emergency response studies, managers of police, fire, and ambulance systems, and mayors and governors.