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Article
Publication date: 28 May 2020

Ihab Hanna Sawalha

This study aims to examine the traditional disaster management cycle; discussing the significance of incorporating contemporary management concepts into the disaster management…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the traditional disaster management cycle; discussing the significance of incorporating contemporary management concepts into the disaster management cycle; and proposing a conceptual model that reflects contemporary management insight for the disaster management cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was made to discuss the significance of moving towards a more contemporary view to the disaster management cycle that brings more value to the final outcomes of the disaster management process. A conceptual model was then proposed to reflect a more contemporary view to the disaster management cycle. The current COVID-19 pandemic has also been addressed explicitly throughout the paper as a case that reflects the necessity of embracing contemporary insight and practise in the traditional disaster management cycle.

Findings

The literature indicates that people worldwide, as well as academics still rely heavily on the traditional disaster management lifecycle to manage disasters and major incidents which consists of four main stages; preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery unrecognizing that each and every disaster is a unique incident itself and that it should be treated differently. Contemporary management thought and insight is still lacking in the study of disaster and emergency management.

Practical implications

This research offers a contemporary view to the traditional disaster management cycle in which recent concepts of management are used to better cope with the uniqueness of the different major incidents. This view fosters wider involvement of individuals and the general public in the disaster management process and highlights elements of creativity and modernity. The current COVID-19 pandemic, despite the many adverse consequences associated with it, has contributed constructively to the ways the traditional disaster management cycle is being implemented and practised worldwide.

Originality/value

This research is expected to be of a substantial value for those interested in improving performance during the various stages of the disaster management process, as well as those interested in improving organizational, social and national resilience. The traditional disaster management cycle tends to be procedural and therefore needs to embrace contemporary management thought and more value-based approaches.

Details

foresight, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2021

Lee Bosher, Ksenia Chmutina and Dewald van Niekerk

The way that disasters are managed, or indeed mis-managed, is often represented diagrammatically as a “disaster cycle”. The cyclical aspects of the disaster (risk) management…

1971

Abstract

Purpose

The way that disasters are managed, or indeed mis-managed, is often represented diagrammatically as a “disaster cycle”. The cyclical aspects of the disaster (risk) management concept, comprised of numerous operational phases, have, in recent years, been criticised for conceptualising and representing disasters in an overly simplistic way that typically starts with a disaster “event” – and subsequently leads onto yet another disaster. Such cyclical thinking has been proven to not be very useful for the complexities associated with understanding disasters and their risks. This paper aims to present an alternative conceptualisation of the Disaster Risk Management phases, in a way that can better factor in the underlying root causes that create differential levels of vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper developed, through a review of the literature and discussions between the authors, as a counterpoint to the pervasive “disaster cycle”.

Findings

The “Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Helix” is presented as an alternative way of conceptualising the DRM phases. The helictical conceptualisation of DRM phases presented in this paper is intentionally presented to start a discussion (rather than as an end point) on how best to move away from the constraints of the “disaster cycle”.

Originality/value

It is envisaged that the helictical conceptualisation of DRM can be suitably malleable to include important factors such as temporal considerations and the underlying root causes that create differential levels of vulnerability. It is, thus, the intention that the DRM Helix can provide a catalyst for exciting discussions and future adaptations of the diagram that can better capture the dynamic (non-cyclical) nature of disasters and their root causes.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2012

Chaminda Pathirage, Krisanthi Seneviratne, Dilanthi Amaratunga and Richard Haigh

Knowledge management can play a vital role through ensuring the availability and accessibility of accurate and reliable disaster risk information when required and through…

1923

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge management can play a vital role through ensuring the availability and accessibility of accurate and reliable disaster risk information when required and through effective lesson learning. Identification of key disaster knowledge factors will be an enabler to manage disasters successfully. The purpose of this paper is to present key knowledge factors relating to disaster management cycle, and explore a few challenges relating to identified disaster knowledge factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of disaster knowledge factors was first identified through a comprehensive literature review and later semi‐structured interviews were conducted among few disaster management practitioners to explore the influence and challenges relating to identified knowledge factors.

Findings

Technological, operational/managerial, economic, social, legal and environmental factors seem to have direct influence over the disaster management cycle, while the influence of institutional and political factors seemed indirect and it is through other factors identified. Among key challenges, the lack of detection and warning systems, the need for effective education, training and awareness raising programmes, the need for regular updating of disaster related laws, lack of funds for economic planning measures, poor planning, poor communication, poor leadership, and poor institutional arrangement were highlighted.

Originality/value

Owing to paucity of literature and inadequate empirical research done, this paper provides the basis for more empirical research on disaster knowledge factors and sharing of lessons learned. In order to enhance the management of disasters in future, challenges identified need to be addressed.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2008

Ibrahim Mohamed Shaluf

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, governmental and independent agencies with an overview on the stages and management of technological disasters.

3844

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, governmental and independent agencies with an overview on the stages and management of technological disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The technological disasters are a subject of concern to the researchers, the academicians, the governmental and independent agencies. The disasters, which involve major hazard installations (MHIs), are known as technological disasters. The information has been collected from several sources such as the technical, and general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. The technological disaster definition and stages have been reviewed. This paper presents an overview on the technological disaster management cycle.

Findings

Technological disasters consist of three stages. The stages are classified into pre‐, during and post‐disaster stages. Disaster management is a collective term encompassing all aspects of planning for and responding to disasters, including both pre‐disaster and post‐disaster activities. Disaster management cycle is an open‐ended process. The four phases comprising the cycle begin and end with mitigation. The stages are not mutually exclusive – there is an overlap. The stages of disaster management can be operative concurrently, because those stages are interrelated; they are not independent entities with one stopping and the next following.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview on the technological disaster definition and stages. It provides the MHIs management and the related authority with a background on the technological disaster management cycle. It motivates the members of the MHIs, particularly managerial staff, and the emergency planners to continually improve the control of MHIs. It provides the background and basis for further research in disaster and disaster management.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2018

Bethany Lee Van Brown, Albert M. Kopak and Hannah Marie Hinkel

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to argue that substance use is a real risk for people who experience disaster, and especially so for socially vulnerable populations;…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to argue that substance use is a real risk for people who experience disaster, and especially so for socially vulnerable populations; second, to incorporate questions that help measure substance use during the disaster life cycle in pre-existing data sets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a critical review and discussion of what is missing from current drug use data sets, and how they could incorporate collection techniques for disaster stricken populations. The manuscript is not based on research but helps develop and test hypotheses. The authors are more discursive, and review philosophical discussions and comparative studies of other pre-existing data sets that collect substance use information.

Findings

Although it would take some effort to change these pre-existing national surveys, it could be done, which would allow researchers to collect much more extensive and informative data with regard to substance use during the disaster life cycle.

Research limitations/implications

This manuscript is a commentary/discussion piece that proposes ideas for improved data collection. Ideally, the authors would be able to test these updated surveys.

Practical implications

Improved data collection methods, and improved emergency response and recovery.

Social implications

Having the ability to collect these data will ultimately make communities more resilient.

Originality/value

The authors argue that the overlap of crime and disaster, in which substance use during the disaster life cycle falls, is an extremely understudied area. As the field of disaster studies continues to grow, the methodological and theoretical challenges of studying crime and disaster have prevented this sub-field from advancing. The authors wish to advance the discipline by pushing toward improved data collection during substance use during the disaster life cycle.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 August 2021

Carlo Vermiglio, Guido Noto, Manuel Pedro Rodríguez Bolívar and Vincenzo Zarone

This paper aims to analyse how emerging technologies (ETs) impact on improving performance in disaster management (DM) processes and, concretely, their impact on the performance…

7963

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse how emerging technologies (ETs) impact on improving performance in disaster management (DM) processes and, concretely, their impact on the performance according to the different phases of the DM cycle (preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on a systematic review of the literature. Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO and Web of Science were used as data sources, and an initial sample of 373 scientific articles was collected. After abstracts and full texts were read and refinements to the search were made, a final corpus of 69 publications was analysed using VOSviewer software for text mining and cluster visualisation.

Findings

The results highlight how ETs foster the preparedness and resilience of specific systems when dealing with different phases of the DM cycle. Simulation and disaster risk reduction are the fields of major relevance in the application of ETs to DM.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by adding the lenses of performance measurement, management and accountability in analysing the impact of ETs on DM. It thus represents a starting point for scholars to develop future research on a rapidly and continuously developing topic.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 April 2022

Murat Balamir

The purpose is to indicate that the conventional graphical expression of cyclic stages of stages of disaster activities is still irrelevantly used in communications.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose is to indicate that the conventional graphical expression of cyclic stages of stages of disaster activities is still irrelevantly used in communications.

Design/methodology/approach

Latent assumptions of the disaster cycle (DC) depiction are scrutinized. The nature of current organizational units responsible for carrying out related tasks and equipped with contemporary technology and know-how are clarified. It is indicated that the operations of these organizations today have no resemblance to any cyclic sequence.

Findings

With all of its various mutations, DC does not only represent an outdated conceptualization of disaster-related activities but also conceals the globally adopted priority currently given to risk reduction policy. The contemporary organizational setup based on mitigation efforts depends on highly specialized units and teams simultaneously dedicated to the different aspects of risk management tasks.

Practical implications

DC is to be taken as a representative understanding of a past policy environment. It is no more an explanation of current disaster affairs and must be removed from circulation.

Originality/value

The argument serves to disregard past policy concepts, clarify the new organizational setup in disaster management and help adopt communications to current realities.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2021

Siti Aisyah Ahmad Basri, Sharifah Akmam Syed Zakaria, Taksiah A.Majid and Zulkifli Yusop

The disaster risk management cycle (DRMC) is a part of the important efforts designed to handle disaster risk. DRMC contains the following four phases: response, recovery…

Abstract

Purpose

The disaster risk management cycle (DRMC) is a part of the important efforts designed to handle disaster risk. DRMC contains the following four phases: response, recovery, mitigation and preparedness. This paper aims to determine the awareness of stakeholder on DRMC and to explore the application of DRMC from stakeholder’s perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Disaster is an extreme event that causes heavy loss of life, properties and livelihood. Every year, Malaysia has been affected by disasters, whether natural or manmade. DRM is the management of resources and the responsibility for dealing with all aspects of an emergency. An effective DRM requires a combination of knowledge and skills. Questionnaires were distributed to the construction industry players and flood victims.

Findings

Results obtained on the basis of the survey revealed that a majority of respondents are unaware of DRMC. In addition, combination of professional and non-professional respondent’s perspectives in each phase of DRMC and effects of disaster are presented by the hierarchy.

Originality/value

The study of DRMC is commonly about the explanation or comparison of the concept but infrequently in the application of the DRMC. This study will fill the gap between theory and application of DRMC. The study aimed to determine whether the construction industry player and community aware of DRMC and to explore DRMC of flood event from perspective of industry players and flood victims. From this comparison, the management can create a better cycle of disaster management to handle various type disaster and to anticipate disaster risks.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2016

Nadia Saad Noori and Christina Weber

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel approach to studying disaster management operations: the emergence of coordination-clusters in long-term rehabilitation projects…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel approach to studying disaster management operations: the emergence of coordination-clusters in long-term rehabilitation projects and innovation dynamics in coordination-clusters.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem addressed is examining the coordination dynamics in long-term rehabilitation operations. A mixed methods research approach was adopted where a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques was used for data collection and analysis to study the phenomenon of the coordination evolution in long-term rehabilitation projects.

Findings

The results indicate resilience in the behavior of involved actors from different organizations as they re-organize into coordination-clusters and collectively work to overcome the unfolding challenges of long-term rehabilitation projects in areas affected by major disaster.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide some answers to the question of how to map and analyze the phenomenon of coordination-clusters and their consequent coordination dynamics, and thereby steps to redesign the approach to execute long-term rehabilitation projects in places affected by major disasters.

Practical implications

The combination of Actor-network theory and critical incident technique with social network analysis and community detection provides an integrated network-based view of coordination dynamics in long-term recovery operations. Such perspective would broaden the empirical basis for the planning and management of complex disaster management operations.

Originality/value

The results of the research offer a new approach to study coordination dynamics in disaster management operations. The proposed method provides a tool to examine the evolution of processes involved with the recovery phase of a disaster management cycle.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2019

Ezri Hayat, Richard Haigh and Dilanthi Amaratunga

This paper aims to identify the main aspects requiring immediate attention in the post-disaster reconstruction of road infrastructure, thereby providing a major synthesis, which…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the main aspects requiring immediate attention in the post-disaster reconstruction of road infrastructure, thereby providing a major synthesis, which advances the understanding in this important area.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature and empirical evidence obtained from documents and semi-structured interviews with 28 respondents of three case study districts in Aceh, Indonesia was analysed using NVivo 10. The findings were validated through triangulation with the literature and consultation with the experts in the field of disaster management and road infrastructure.

Findings

The authors propose a framework for the reconstruction of road infrastructure, which respond to the peculiarities of road projects in a post-disaster setting. The framework comprises various components requiring detailed attention in the reconstruction process and describes their position in the road project and disaster management cycle.

Originality/value

The framework fills the gap in the body of knowledge with regard to road infrastructure reconstruction in a post-disaster context. For the first time, this paper recognises the importance of local government capacity in the Aceh Province with regard to the sustainability of the post-disaster reconstruction assets.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 10 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

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