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Volunteers play an increasingly important role in emergency response logistics. However, to make most use of their capabilities, they need to be dispatched to the emergency site in an effective manner and coordinated on-site. The purpose of this study is to present a requirements specification and initial design proposal for ICT-enabled dispatch of volunteers as first responders as part of emergency response digitalized co-production initiatives.

The study uses a case study approach inspired by action research and the theoretical lens of digitalized co-production. It includes a variety of methods for data collection, including interviews with volunteers, document analysis and participation in workshops.

The major themes identified are geofencing, dispatch coordination, dynamic resource allocation and communication and collaboration. First priority requirements include geofencing alert and positioning, a joint application programming interface, receipt of alert, receipt if arrival at incident site, withdrawal of resources, chat functionality and the ability to alert in descending order within the geofenced areas to avoid alarm fatigue. As to coordination and dynamic resource allocation, e.g. built-in alert restrictions, ability to pre-select profiles and to dispatch based on competence/training, capacity and equipment would enable a more optimized response.

While previous research on digital volunteerism mainly embraces spontaneous volunteers and social media, this study addresses long-time collaboration with professional response organizations – digitalized co-production – with a focus on the dispatch, coordination and task allocation of volunteers that are central to their integration with emergency response logistics.

The paper studies the relationship between central features of the capital structure and terminations of ESOP plans in the US.

The research methodology is primarily based on reviewing the existing literature and includes elements of original comparative analysis.

We find that externally imposed repurchase obligation, the stochastic element to repurchase obligation and the discontinuous vesting of ICA shares undermines the sustainability of employee ownership in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan model.

Strengthening employee-owned firm the structural architecture of employee-owned firms (EOF) can help to improve sustainability of the socially preferable alternative in the market economy.

In light of the increasing global interest in employee ownership, our research underscores the need for institutional learning to adapt EOFs to contemporary economic environments.

Strengthening employee-owned firm the structural architecture of employee-owned firms (EOF) can help to build the case for the socially preferrable business ownership model for the market economy.

This paper contributes to the employee ownership literature by providing understanding of the role of capital structure in the US ESOP model and terminations of ESOP plans and suggesting some novel ideas in addressing the challenges.

Good Samaritan laws were enacted to reduce overdose deaths by lowering the barriers to reporting for victims and witnesses and allowing law enforcement officers to carry and administer Narcan to those suspected of an opioid-related overdose The purpose of this study is to understand how officers perceive the impact of opioid overdose reduction initiatives in the United States and their role in the opioid epidemic.

Mixed methods were used in two phases to examine perceptions among law enforcement officers in a Massachusetts police department. First, qualitative methods were used to interview nine patrol officers during participant observations in the form of ride-alongs. Second, patrol officers and officers who volunteer with the department opioid outreach program were surveyed.

Officers generally held mixed feelings about the state’s Good Samaritan law. They saw the importance of saving the lives of those experiencing an overdose and keeping other first responders safe, but also in enforcing laws against possession of illegal drugs that presents a public safety threat, including the accidental exposure to fentanyl. Despite mixed feelings, officers still believed it to be important that they are trained and able to administer Narcan since they are often the first to arrive on scene.

This study adds to the research on officers’ perceptions of their role in the opioid epidemic, their ability to administer Narcan and the impact of Good Samaritan laws on their community.