Search results

The purpose of this study is to explore the applicability of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to collective decision-making of local and state disaster managers for their efficient and effective allocation of limited financial resources.

For the implementation of AHP, this study conducted an AHP survey with state and local disaster managers in post-Katrina Louisiana, the USA.

The AHP analysis disclosed a preference gap between local and state managers. It also identified frequent interaction with partners, leadership and communication, as the most critical capabilities to develop for effective emergency management.

This study discussed the value of consistent and careful management of the collaborative relationship. This study is context-specific in disaster type (Hurricane) and locality (Louisiana). Other AHP studies or similar multi-criteria decision-making models should be implemented in different contexts.

Even with clear advantages of collective decision-making in the emergency management field, a model for collective decision-making has been rare. This study explored the applicability of AHP to the collective decision-making for the efficient and effective allocation of limited financial resources.

The purpose of this paper is to define immigrant knowledge workers (IKWs) as a vulnerable population in the urban emergency management context, and explored how to provide public safety services to IKWs. Due to nomadic features such as high mobility, spatio-temporality, and preferred autonomy, IKWs have difficulties in building required social ties with long-term residents in the urban emergency management system (UEMS). As such, IKWs are easily isolated and become vulnerable to disasters.

This study introduced possible types of network structure, compared each structure’s weaknesses and strengths in terms of risk communication, and suggested the strategic use of brokers for effective risk communication with application of network analysis perspective.

This study argued that the current space-based model causes tension in protecting NKWs and suggested the strategic use of brokers for the facilitated risk communication and for the protection of UKWs in more effective ways. The brokers in UEMS should pursue the core values of partnership, participation, and consultation in building mutual supportive channels within UEMS and the brokers should have sufficient cognitive capacity to avoid system fragmentation and collapse.

Due to the limitations as conceptual paper, sometimes it lacks empirical data to support the main arguments of this paper. To address this, the authors put that part as a suggestion for future studies.

With the strategic use of brokers, UEMS would be more resilient and accountable in providing public safety services to its citizens.