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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2024

Deema Almaskati, Apurva Pamidimukkala, Sharareh Kermanshachi, Jay Rosenberger and Ann Foss

The purpose of this study is to address the significant impact AVs will have on public services and the ability of first responders to conduct their jobs safely and effectively…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the significant impact AVs will have on public services and the ability of first responders to conduct their jobs safely and effectively. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are expected to drastically change the transportation industry, and it is vital that first responders be equipped to integrate them into their occupational responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted, and following a multistep exclusion process, 161 articles were selected for detailed review. The impacts of AVs on first responders were identified, classified and categorized into lists of challenges and opportunities. Based on the findings of the literature review, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis was conducted, and stakeholder management strategies were designed.

Findings

Through the examination of the impacts of AVs on first responders, 17 identified challenges and opportunities were classified into the following categories: AV-related emergency response and training, perceptions and acceptance of AVs, technology development and laws and regulations. The study revealed that the optimal benefits of AVs would require stakeholders to focus more on how they interact with first responders; thus, 14 stakeholder management strategies were identified. First responders, AV manufacturers, legislators and future research paths will all benefit from this study, as it can facilitate smooth interactions between AVs and first responders.

Originality/value

A range of studies have been published on the safety of AVs and the public’s perceptions of this new technology; however, the integration of AVs and their interactions with first responders has been neglected. The goal of this study was to fill that research gap by providing a thorough synthesis of autonomous driving systems in the context of their interactions with first responders.

Details

Smart and Resilient Transportation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-0487

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2024

Fatema Zaghloul

In the past decade, financial austerity has brought significant pressure upon emergency services in the UK. For the British Government, one approach to alleviate this pressure was…

Abstract

Purpose

In the past decade, financial austerity has brought significant pressure upon emergency services in the UK. For the British Government, one approach to alleviate this pressure was to increase collaborative efforts in core functions (e.g. information systems and technology) between multiple organisations. Despite the consensus that collaborations are key in addressing complex problems, the majority fail or become discontinued. This research explores the development of collaborative information infrastructures between one Police Force and two Fire and Rescue Services in the UK, with a specific focus on how the difference in culture, identities and rules and norms, can work in a collaborative emergency service environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated an example of successful development of a collaborative information infrastructure within the context of public safety and, specifically, the technology-based structures that underpin information management. A case study approach was taken, combining semi-structured interviews, document analysis and site visits. The study used activity theory as a theoretical and analytical framework.

Findings

The research revealed that creating a shared identity is not essential in emergency services collaboration, and organisations may maintain their separate identity, given they address other elements of the activity system (e.g. leadership, motivated subjects). However, pursuing this strategy will create multiple tensions throughout the collaboration process.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the information systems literature concerning inter-organisational collaborations in the public sector providing a novel view to the implications of maintaining separate identities, and the significance of misalignment between interacting activity systems.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 September 2024

Michael Joseph Hosken and Sharon L. O'Sullivan

The a priori identification and development of army personnel competencies are necessary to enable effective and efficient responses to rapidly changing climate conditions…

Abstract

Purpose

The a priori identification and development of army personnel competencies are necessary to enable effective and efficient responses to rapidly changing climate conditions. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the performance requirements of a military flood responder and the competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities) required to perform it.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an abductive approach, the authors conducted both secondary and primary research to generate a validated framework of performance criteria and competencies for army personnel responding to floods. This literature review integrated both the peer-reviewed academic literature and public sector grey literature. Using the critical incident technique, the authors then conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who had previously been tasked with flood response operations. Participants were asked about the tasks required while conducting flood response operations. Interview transcripts were then content analysed to identify themes regarding those tasks, and the competencies needed to perform those tasks were then extracted and contrasted with the literature review findings. Inter-rater reliability for the analysis was established via iterative discussion between the two co-authors.

Findings

The primary data reinforced and expanded the list of performance expectations that the authors deductively identified from the integrated literature review, adding granularity to each. It also identified competencies (including both hard and soft skills) and highlighted previously neglected contextual antecedents of military flood response effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

though knowledge saturation was achieved from the 15 interviews conducted, further research with larger samples could more deeply ground the evidence discovered in this study. Nevertheless, the competencies identified in this paper could serve as a starting guide to staffing and/or training interventions targeted at improving these competencies for personnel responding to flood scenarios.

Practical implications

The theoretical findings also have immediate practical relevance to training for flood response operations. In particular, the subtle challenges in competency crossover from military operations to flood response operations may facilitate not only more efficient, targeted training (that could improve the effectiveness of army personnel involved in humanitarian roles), but could be applied to the selection of army personnel as well. This study may also help provincial/municipal operators and emergency planners by better communicating the strengths and limitations of army personnel in addressing civilian military cooperation for humanitarian operations. Thus, the findings of this research study represent an important first step in prompting attention to the strategic human resource planning studies required to make all responders more efficient and effective in their respective division of labour within the humanitarian domain.

Social implications

Peering a little beyond these research findings, human-induced climate change is expected to continue increasing the frequency of such events (IPCC, 2021), and a timely, national force is likely to be increasingly required for Canadians impacted by major disasters stemming from natural hazards when local resources become overwhelmed. Yet, there is some concern from the CAF that increasing responsiveness to disaster operations will affect their military readiness (Leuprecht and Kasurak, 2020). One can indeed envision a paradox whereby the CAF is both a “force of last resort” while increasingly becoming a “first choice for domestic disaster and emergency assistance”. The practical implications from this research also suggest that military personnel, while fully capable of successfully conducting flood response operations, may become overburdened and less able to adopt yet greater capacity and training for other additional humanitarian work. Nevertheless, the competencies highlighted by participants can help inform the next flood response operation in Canada.

Originality/value

Most literature in the field of emergency response focuses on cooperation between civilian and military resources and other strategic-level themes. The findings address critical granularity missing at the operational and tactical levels of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief research. The authors also draw implications beyond the military context, including for local/regional governmental players (operators and emergency planners) as well as for volunteers in flood response roles.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 June 2024

Michael Herburger, Andreas Wieland and Carina Hochstrasser

Disruptive events caused by cyber incidents, such as supply chain (SC) cyber incidents, can affect firms’ SC operations on a large scale, causing disruptions in material…

1224

Abstract

Purpose

Disruptive events caused by cyber incidents, such as supply chain (SC) cyber incidents, can affect firms’ SC operations on a large scale, causing disruptions in material, information and financial flows and impacting the availability, integrity and confidentiality of SC assets. While SC resilience (SCRES) research has received much attention in recent years, the purpose of this study is to investigate specific capabilities for building SCRES to cyber risks. Based on a nuanced understanding of SC cyber risk characteristics, this study explores how to build SC cyber resilience (SCCR) using the perspective of dynamic capability (DC) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 79 in-depth interviews, this qualitative study examines 28 firms representing 4 SCs in Central Europe. The researchers interpret data from semistructured interviews and secondary data using the DC perspective, which covers sensing, seizing and transforming.

Findings

The authors identify SCRES capabilities, in general, and SCCR-specific capabilities that form the basis for the realignment of DCs for addressing cyber risks in SCs. The authors argue that SCRES capabilities should, in general, be combined with specific capabilities for SCCR to deal with SC cyber risks. Based on these findings, 10 propositions for future research are provided.

Practical implications

Practitioners should collaborate specifically to address cyber threats and risks in SCs, integrate new SC partners and use new approaches. Furthermore, this study shows that cyber risks need to be treated differently from traditional SC risks.

Originality/value

This empirical study enriches the SC management literature by examining SCRES to cyber risks through the insightful lens of DCs. It identifies DCs for building SCCR, makes several managerial contributions and is among the few that apply the DC approach to address specific SC risks.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Saeed Rouhani, Saba Alsadat Bozorgi, Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji and Demetris Vrontis

This study addresses the gap in understanding text analytics within the service domain, focusing on new service development to provide insights into key research themes and trends…

Abstract

Purpose

This study addresses the gap in understanding text analytics within the service domain, focusing on new service development to provide insights into key research themes and trends in text analytics approaches to service development. It explores the benefits and challenges of implementing these approaches and identifies potential research opportunities for future service development. Importantly, this study offers insights to assist service providers to make data-driven decisions for developing new services and optimising existing ones.

Design/methodology/approach

This research introduces the hybrid thematic analysis with a systematic literature review (SLR-TA). It delves into the various aspects of text analytics in service development by analysing 124 research papers published from 2012 to 2023. This approach not only identifies key practical applications but also evaluates the benefits and difficulties of applying text analytics in this domain, thereby ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings.

Findings

The study highlights an increasing focus on text analytics within the service industry over the examined period. Using the SLR-TA approach, it identifies eight themes in previous studies and finds that “Service Quality” had the most research interest, comprising 42% of studies, while there was less emphasis on designing new services. The study categorises research into four types: Case, Concept, Tools and Implementation, with case studies comprising 68% of the total.

Originality/value

This study is groundbreaking in conducting a thorough and systematic analysis of a broad collection of articles. It provides a comprehensive view of text analytics approaches in the service sector, particularly in developing new services and service innovation. This study lays out distinct guidelines for future research and offers valuable insights to foster research recommendations.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2024

Mohd Ismail Abidin, K. Kiran and Samsul Farid Samsuddin

This study examines the preparedness and responsiveness of Malaysian academic librarians in handling disruptions in library services during a disaster.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the preparedness and responsiveness of Malaysian academic librarians in handling disruptions in library services during a disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative approach involved semi-structured interviews with decision-makers, chief librarians and library managers from five selected public universities.

Findings

Thematic and qualitative data analysis produced several key themes based on (1) disaster preparedness involving policies, plans, asset protection, risk management, coordination of disaster management and preparative measures; and (2) disaster response involving strategies for information and communication access, community engagement, emergency response teams and procedures, and resource availability.

Practical implications

The findings are expected to be useful for policymakers in formulating policies and guidelines for library disaster management plans.

Social implications

The interruptions of academic library services during a disaster may result in the disruption of the information sources and social information networks of students, academics and researchers alike. Effective disaster management is also the library’s responsibility to protect collections that belong to society at large.

Originality/value

This is one of the first attempts in disaster management research to focus on the preparedness and responses of academic libraries in Malaysia in the face of disasters. Therefore, the results of this study can be used as a baseline for policymakers to prepare policies, guidelines and manuals for management in the event of a disaster.

Details

Library Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Mehmet Kursat Oksuz and Sule Itir Satoglu

Disaster management and humanitarian logistics (HT) play crucial roles in large-scale events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tsunamis. Well-organized disaster response…

1352

Abstract

Purpose

Disaster management and humanitarian logistics (HT) play crucial roles in large-scale events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tsunamis. Well-organized disaster response is crucial for effectively managing medical centres, staff allocation and casualty distribution during emergencies. To address this issue, this study aims to introduce a multi-objective stochastic programming model to enhance disaster preparedness and response, focusing on the critical first 72 h after earthquakes. The purpose is to optimize the allocation of resources, temporary medical centres and medical staff to save lives effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses stochastic programming-based dynamic modelling and a discrete-time Markov Chain to address uncertainty. The model considers potential road and hospital damage and distance limits and introduces an a-reliability level for untreated casualties. It divides the initial 72 h into four periods to capture earthquake dynamics.

Findings

Using a real case study in Istanbul’s Kartal district, the model’s effectiveness is demonstrated for earthquake scenarios. Key insights include optimal medical centre locations, required capacities, necessary medical staff and casualty allocation strategies, all vital for efficient disaster response within the critical first 72 h.

Originality/value

This study innovates by integrating stochastic programming and dynamic modelling to tackle post-disaster medical response. The use of a Markov Chain for uncertain health conditions and focus on the immediate aftermath of earthquakes offer practical value. By optimizing resource allocation amid uncertainties, the study contributes significantly to disaster management and HT research.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 July 2022

Ntibaneng Hunadi Maleka and Walter Matli

The purpose of this study is to provide current state of knowledge on how the COVID-19 emergency situation necessitated the behaviour influencing use and acceptance of telehealth…

3382

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide current state of knowledge on how the COVID-19 emergency situation necessitated the behaviour influencing use and acceptance of telehealth. This study interlinks the health belief model (HBM) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to highlight the challenges and opportunities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the public health sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used three online databases (Emerald publishing, Science Direct and Taylor and Francis) that enabled the authors to access electronic journal articles. Search strategy was used to extract articles based on the relevance of this study.

Findings

The key findings from this study suggested that the COVID-19 emergency forced health-care workers and their patients to rapidly use and rely on telehealth to reduce the rate of COVID-19 transmissions. The key benefits of telehealth use highlighted an expansive cost effective and convenient access to health-care services irrespective of geographical local and levels of physical impairment. Moreover, telehealth inhibited in person human interaction, which was perceived as impersonal and not ideal for new patient consultations. The barriers outweighed the benefits; as a result, it is unlikely that there will be a wide use of telehealth beyond the COVID-19 emergency situation.

Practical implications

The research findings are limited to discussions drawn from available secondary data. The criteria within telehealth for policymakers to note the technology acceptance and use for both health-care and outpatient stakeholders and their health seeking behaviour. Health-care sectors (private and public) and government need to understand enablers of effective telehealth in policymaking to ease the barriers during an emergency situation like a pandemic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the emerging literature on how COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and accelerated telehealth by extending both the UTAUT and HBM theories. This study is expected to contribute and expand literature on telehealth during emergency situations, given the novice nature of COVID-19 and limited literature surrounding it.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Ahmed Ali Otoom, Issa Atoum, Heba Al-Harahsheh, Mahmoud Aljawarneh, Mohammed N. Al Refai and Mahmoud Baklizi

The purpose of this paper is to present the educational computer emergency response team (EduCERT) framework, an integrated response mechanism to bolster national cybersecurity…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the educational computer emergency response team (EduCERT) framework, an integrated response mechanism to bolster national cybersecurity through collaborative efforts in the higher education sector. The EduCERT framework addresses this gap by enhancing cyber security and mitigating cybercrime through collaborative incident management, knowledge sharing and university awareness campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose an EduCERT framework following the design science methodology. The framework is developed based on literature and input from focus group experts. Moreover, it is grounded in the principles of the technology-organization-environment framework, organizational learning and diffusion of innovations theory.

Findings

The EduCERT has eight components: infrastructure, governance, knowledge development, awareness, incident management, evaluation and continuous improvement. The framework reinforces national cybersecurity through cooperation between universities and the National Computer Emergency Response Team. The framework has been implemented in Jordan to generate a cybersecurity foundation for higher education. Evaluating the EduCERT framework’s influence on national cybersecurity highlights the importance of adopting comprehensive cyber-security policies and controls. The framework application shows its relevance, effectiveness, adaptability and alignment with best practices.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the impact of applying the framework in the Jordanian context, it is essential to acknowledge that the proposed EduCERT framework’s practical implementation may encounter challenges specific to diverse international educational environment sectors. However, framework customization for global applicability could address varied educational institutions in other countries.

Practical implications

Furthermore, the proposed EduCERT framework is designed with universal applicability that extends beyond the specific country’s context. The principles and components presented in the framework can serve as valuable design advice for establishing collaborative and resilient cybersecurity frameworks in educational settings worldwide. Therefore, the research enhances the proposed framework’s practical utility and positions it as an invaluable contribution to the broader discourse on global cybersecurity in academia.

Originality/value

This paper enhances national cybersecurity in the higher education sector, addressing the need for a more integrated response mechanism. The EduCERT framework demonstrates its effectiveness, adaptability and alignment with best practices, offering valuable guidance for global educational institutions.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2024

Laetitia Tosi and Justine Marty

This study aims to investigate the optimization of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action and focuses on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the optimization of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action and focuses on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducted as a case study in collaboration with an international humanitarian organization, this research examines the components and associated coordination mechanisms of humanitarian action phases.

Findings

The analysis reveals the complexities of managing humanitarian crises, emphasizing the need for adaptive coordination strategies. Four key crisis response coordination mechanisms are explored – structural configuration, outcome standardization, process standardization and mutual adjustment. The study particularly assesses the emergency-development phase.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a single humanitarian organization and the COVID-19 context. Future research could explore additional case studies and broader contexts to enhance understanding of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian crises.

Practical implications

This research has practical implications for humanitarian organizations, policymakers and practitioners involved in crisis response. Enhancing coordination mechanisms and strategies can improve the efficacy of response efforts and facilitate navigation of the complexities of humanitarian crises.

Social implications

Effective coordination is crucial in mitigating the impact of humanitarian crises and promoting social resilience. By optimizing coordination mechanisms, this research contributes to building more adaptive societies in the face of global challenges.

Originality/value

This study innovatively applies the activities-resources-actors (ARA) model to the humanitarian context and concentrates on the response to COVID-19 of one international humanitarian organization. By adapting the ARA model to a real-world scenario, this research provides insights into optimizing coordination mechanisms in crisis management.

Details

International Journal of Development Issues, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1446-8956

Keywords

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