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Article
Publication date: 7 September 2010

Ruth Banomyong and Apichat Sopadang

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for the development of emergency logistics response models. The proposition of a conceptual framework is in itself not…

3271

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for the development of emergency logistics response models. The proposition of a conceptual framework is in itself not sufficient and simulation models are further needed in order to help emergency logistics decision makers in refining their preparedness planning process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a framework proposition with illustrative case study.

Findings

The use of simulation modelling can help enhance the reliability and validity of developed emergency response model.

Research limitations/implications

The emergency response model outcomes are still based on simulated outputs and would still need to be validated in a real‐life environment. Proposing a new or revised emergency logistics response model is not sufficient. Developed logistics response models need to be further validated and simulation modelling can help enhance validity.

Practical implications

Emergency logistics decision makers can make better informed decisions based on simulation model output and can further refine their decision‐making capability.

Originality/value

The paper posits the contribution of simulation modelling as part of the framework for developing and refining emergency logistics response.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 40 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2023

Abdullah Ehtesham Akbar and Mohammad A. Hassanain

This paper aims to present a systematic review of the published literature on building information model (BIM)-based simulation tools used for occupant evacuation over the past…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a systematic review of the published literature on building information model (BIM)-based simulation tools used for occupant evacuation over the past 23 years.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted on BIM-based simulation tools used for occupant evacuation over the past 23 years. The search identified a total of 37 relevant papers, which were reviewed. The paper describes the use of BIM-based simulation tools over the years and identifies the research gaps.

Findings

BIM-based simulation tools have undergone progressive development, with constant improvements through the integration of advanced tools and collection of more data. These tools can assist in identifying faults in the building design. The outcomes of the simulation were not entirely accurate, as real-life scenarios vary depending on the various building types and the behavior of their occupants.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature through reviewing the capabilities of BIM-based simulation tools and the different simulation methods along with their limitations.

Practical implications

Fire safety engineers and architects can comprehend the utilization of BIM-based simulation tools to enhance the fire evacuation in light of their shortcomings and flaws.

Originality/value

BIM-based simulation tools are becoming more advanced and widely used. There has not been a comprehensive evaluation of the capabilities of the integration of BIM tools and simulation modeling for occupant evacuation. This study guides researchers on the capabilities and efficiencies of integrated solutions for occupant evacuations and their inherent shortcomings. The study identifies future research areas in BIM-based tools for occupant evacuation.

Details

Facilities , vol. 41 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 November 2014

Hubo Cai, Asadur Rahman, Xing Su and Hongtao Zhang

The purpose of this study is to create a framework that integrates GIS and microscopic simulation to optimize the placement of road barriers in emergency evacuation and assess the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to create a framework that integrates GIS and microscopic simulation to optimize the placement of road barriers in emergency evacuation and assess the effectiveness via simulation. Human populations are at risk from many hazards including man-made and natural disasters, sudden events that are difficult to predict and prevent, but have catastrophic consequences. A critical issue in disaster management is timely evacuation that considers the dynamic traffic demand and congestions under dynamic hazard conditions. University campuses face a unique challenge in developing effective emergency evacuation plans due to their complex site configurations, high-dense buildings and dynamic spatial-temporal distribution of population.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was implemented and tested on the main campus of the Western Michigan University to optimize the placement and configuration of road barriers to achieve an effective utilization of road network when the demand way exceeds the capacity. The resulting system was also used to test the effectiveness of the phased evacuation notification strategy, both with and without the optimal road barrier strategy.

Findings

It concluded that the newly created framework and its implementation could assist emergency evacuation planning for university campuses. It also concluded that placing road barriers at appropriate locations could reduce the evacuation time by 20 per cent or more under a variety of evacuation scenarios.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in three aspects of: a university campus context, the integration of GIS and microscopic simulation in emergency evacuation and the simulation based turn restriction strategy.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 April 2015

Erica Gralla, Jarrod Goentzel and Bernard Chomilier

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze a successful training exercise in detail, through both a practical and a theoretical lens, in order to identify critical…

1121

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze a successful training exercise in detail, through both a practical and a theoretical lens, in order to identify critical aspects of its success and enable others to build upon it; and to capture insights and lessons learned in a framework that will facilitate the design of future trainings for a variety of goals and audiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors document and analyze the case study of a successful humanitarian logistics training exercise: the World Food Programme’s Logistics Response Team (WFP’s LRT) training. The LRT is described in detail in order to capture the extensive knowledge and experience that went into developing the full-scale, immersive exercise.

Findings

The authors evaluate the LRT training through a theoretical lens, considering how it teaches the diverse set of skills required and identifying reasons for its success. The authors contrast the LRT with a light version developed for classroom use, and capture insights in a framework that highlights critical aspects of training design.

Research limitations/implications

The requirements and design aspects highlighted in the framework are very high level, but they focus attention on key aspects that should be considered. Future research should develop more targeted metrics for evaluating what people learn from training exercises. More generally, a systematic approach to capturing knowledge and codifying good practices should be developed.

Practical implications

The detailed case study and framework provide a basis for the design and improvement of simulated emergency training exercises, which are common in the humanitarian practice community.

Originality/value

The case study of WFP’s LRT training formally documents valuable knowledge and experience that went into its development. The humanitarian community can use the proposed framework to more systematically evaluate, improve, and extend training exercises.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2021

Caleb Michealangelo Gian, Mohd Zahirasri Mohd Tohir, Mohamad Syazarudin Md Said, Ahmad Faiz Tharima, Nur Aliah Fatin Mohd Nizam Ong and Mohd Rashid Ramali

In recent years, the number of high-rise buildings in Malaysia has been increasing. Therefore, it is essential to take evacuation into consideration especially for emergency…

221

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, the number of high-rise buildings in Malaysia has been increasing. Therefore, it is essential to take evacuation into consideration especially for emergency conditions such as fire, explosion and natural disasters. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the escape time in typical Malaysian high-rise residential buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

This work comprises simulation on three buildings around the Selangor area in Malaysia. Quantitative methodology is adopted using Pathfinder software to simulate the evacuation process and time of the three typical Malaysian high-rise residential buildings. Four parameters were studied namely, the occupant load density, walking speed of first and last occupants, average of evacuation time per floor for the three buildings and effect of placement of emergency staircase on travel time.

Findings

Findings show that 12 m2 which is double the allowable occupants' density in Malaysia increases evacuation time by 67.9% while the placement of the emergency staircase on the left and middle section of a building significantly affects the evacuation time by 21.2%. In conclusion, from the simulation studies, it is recognized that a higher occupant's density affects the evacuation time.

Originality/value

This work could provide information on escape time for future construction of high-rise buildings in Malaysia. Hence, the specification and design of buildings could be reviewed based on the results obtained from this simulation. This information could be beneficial to the building regulators and developers thus enhancing the knowledge of building constructor and possible issues in the design of staircases, corridors and height of buildings.

Details

International Journal of Emergency Services, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2047-0894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Yuancheng Zhao, Qingjin Peng, Trevor Strome, Erin Weldon, Michael Zhang and Alecs Chochinov

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a method of the bottleneck detection for Emergency Department (ED) improvement using benchmarking and design of experiments (DOE) in…

1948

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a method of the bottleneck detection for Emergency Department (ED) improvement using benchmarking and design of experiments (DOE) in simulation model.

Design/methodology/approach

Four procedures of treatments are used to represent ED activities of the patient flow. Simulation modeling is applied as a cost-effective tool to analyze the ED operation. Benchmarking provides the achievable goal for the improvement. DOE speeds up the process of bottleneck search.

Findings

It is identified that the long waiting time is accumulated by previous arrival patients waiting for treatment in the ED. Comparing the processing time of each treatment procedure with the benchmark reveals that increasing the treatment time mainly happens in treatment in progress and emergency room holding (ERH) procedures. It also indicates that the to be admitted time caused by the transfer delay is a common case.

Research limitations/implications

The current research is conducted in the ED only. Activities in the ERH require a close cooperation of several medical teams to complete patients’ condition evaluations. The current model may be extended to the related medical units to improve the model detail.

Practical implications

ED overcrowding is an increasingly significant public healthcare problem. Bottlenecks that affect ED overcrowding have to be detected to improve the patient flow.

Originality/value

Integration of benchmarking and DOE in simulation modeling proposed in this research shows the promise in time-saving for bottleneck detection of ED operations.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Lean Yu, Ling Li, Ling Tang, Wei Dai and Chihab Hanachi

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-agent-based simulation model for the online opinion dissemination during hazardous chemical leakage emergencies into rivers in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-agent-based simulation model for the online opinion dissemination during hazardous chemical leakage emergencies into rivers in China, to explore an appropriate crisis information release policy of China’s government for controlling public panic.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed model, two fundamental attributes of crisis information, i.e., truthfulness (for true or false news) and attitude (for positive, neutral or negative opinion), are considered. Four major agents in the online community system, i.e., citizens, the government, media and opinion leaders, are included. Using four typical accidents of hazardous chemical leakage into rivers in China as case studies, insightful policy implications can be obtained for crisis management and panic control.

Findings

The news about the terrible potential damages from such a type of accidents will instantly arise wide-ranging public panic; therefore, the corresponding crisis information release policy should be carefully designed. It is strongly advised against publishing false news to temporarily conceal the accidents, which will seriously hurt the government’s reputation and agitate much larger-scale public panic in terms of degree and duration. To mitigate public panic, the true news especially about treatment measurements should be published immediately. If the government does nothing and releases no crisis information, the public panic will go out of control.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only focuses on the crisis information release policies from the perspectives of the government. Furthermore, this study especially focuses on the cases in China, and extending the proposed model study for general contexts is an important direction to improve this study. Finally, the proposed model should be extended to other types of emergencies to further justify its generalization and universality, especially various natural catastrophes like storms, floods, tsunamis, etc.

Originality/value

This paper develops a multi-agent-based model for online public opinion dissemination in emergency to explore an appropriate crisis information release policy for controlling public panic stemming from hazardous chemicals leakage accidents into rivers. The proposed model makes major contributions to the literature from two perspectives. First, the crisis information about emergency accidents are divided into true and false news based on the truthfulness attribute, and into neutral, positive and negative emotions based on the attitude attribute. Second, the proposed model covers the main agents in the online virtual community.

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2022

Nida Hanifah Nasir, Fatma Lestari and Abdul Kadir

The aim of this study is to develop and redesign the Mobile Panic Button UI (PB1) application as an emergency notification service, as well as conduct a simulation on the use of…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop and redesign the Mobile Panic Button UI (PB1) application as an emergency notification service, as well as conduct a simulation on the use of the new version of the application.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the operational research design with a theoretical research framework that followed input, process and output. Primary data were collected through observation, measurement and interview while the secondary data were obtained from literature review. The first step of the analysis was input analysis that included problem identification on the existing Panic Button as input, or PB 1 in this study. This was followed by the analysis of the planned second version of the Panic Button (PB2) development, starting from problem identification to trial and error testing and evaluation of the results of the simulation of seven types of emergency events that involved users, emergency response officers and experts.

Findings

The study shows that the first version of PB1, developed in and used since 2017 at Universitas Indonesia, still had several weaknesses, particularly in its inability to provide adequate information. Only 30% of the standards for a mobile emergency application were met by PB1, which affected the performance of emergency responses. This was one of the reasons why the new version of Panic Button UI (PB2) was developed. The new features in PB2 comprise the inclusion of features for collecting information on user's name and mobile phone number, emergency category options, victim information, photo/voice information, description on the nature of the emergency (text), location selection, emergency notification delivery, notification delivery popup and emergency notification delivery to the emergency response team (ERT) officer. The time needed for using the second version of the Panic Button UI mobile application is 20 s faster than the previous one. PB2 can accelerate response time and response action time; improve response accuracy; facilitate the emergency notification process; and facilitate emergency communication.

Originality/value

Various notification alert systems have been developed in many countries. However, there is a lack of information in Indonesia, especially in educational setting. This study is the first study on a notification alert system application applied in the university. Emergency response is critical due to the big impact of disasters. This study will inform the stakeholders or users, particularly those in educational institution on how to implement mobile app–based emergency response notification systems.

Details

International Journal of Emergency Services, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2047-0894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2014

John P. Wilson and Sarah Gosiewska

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it will trace, for the first time, the historical events which have progressively influenced emergency training. Second, it will…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it will trace, for the first time, the historical events which have progressively influenced emergency training. Second, it will evaluate the design considerations and delivery of strategic training to participants attending a multi-agency gold incident command programme. Finally, it will make recommendations about the suitability of training approaches for different aspects of emergency training.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a mixed methods study design involving a longitudinal literature review of disasters which influenced training; and a case study of multi-agency training.

Findings

Guidance for major incidents developed in a relatively ad hoc manner until consolidated by the Civil Contingencies Act (2004). In addition, health and safety considerations prevent on-the-job training during major incidents. Furthermore, different forms of training would appear to be more suited to training for the different stages of a major incident.

Research limitations/implications

The European Union delegates responsibility for emergency planning to individual nations. Although the findings relate to this UK case study the lessons learned would appear to be generic and may be applicable in other countries.

Practical implications

Emergency training is a statutory requirement and therefore needs to be systematically organised. Different types of training are suited to different stages of a major incident.

Social implications

Emergency training is a statutory requirement and therefore needs to be systematically organised. Different types of training are suited to different stages of a major incident.

Originality/value

This is the first paper charting the historical development of emergency training. There is a limited base of literature for emergency training.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management, vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2019

Milad Yousefi and Moslem Yousefi

The complexity and interdisciplinarity of healthcare industry problems make this industry one of the attention centers of computer-based simulation studies to provide a proper…

Abstract

Purpose

The complexity and interdisciplinarity of healthcare industry problems make this industry one of the attention centers of computer-based simulation studies to provide a proper tool for interaction between decision-makers and experts. The purpose of this study is to present a metamodel-based simulation optimization in an emergency department (ED) to allocate human resources in the best way to minimize door to doctor time subject to the problem constraints which are capacity and budget.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain the objective of this research, first the data are collected from a public hospital ED in Brazil, and then an agent-based simulation is designed and constructed. Afterwards, three machine-learning approaches, namely, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), feed forward neural network (FNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN), are used to build an ensemble metamodel through adaptive boosting. Finally, the results from the metamodel are applied in a discrete imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) for optimization.

Findings

Analyzing the results shows that the yellow zone section is considered as a potential bottleneck of the ED. After 100 executions of the algorithm, the results show a reduction of 24.82 per cent in the door to doctor time with a success rate of 59 per cent.

Originality/value

This study fulfils an identified need to optimize human resources in an ED with less computational time.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 49 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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