Evaluating Support for Improvisation in Simulated Emergency Scenarios

Technological systems involving hazards are typically managed by experienced personnel guided by wellformulated, pre-determined procedures. These procedures are designed to ensure that operations proceed in a safe and cost-effective manner. Yet normal operations in these systems are exposed to unexpected contingencies that can require personnel to develop and deploy new procedures in real-time. Creative thinking in such situations is therefore necessary in order to prevent degradation of operations, particularly when there is potential for personal injury, economic loss or environmental damage. One approach to addressing these situations is improvisation. The research described here discusses a series of studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a computer-based system for supporting improvisation in simulated crisis situations. The design and implementation of the system are first discussed, drawing upon prior work in blackboard-based systems. The experimental design is then revi...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: HICSS
• Authors: David Mendonça, Giampiero E. G. Beroggi, William A. Wallace
• Keywords: Biometrics, Group Decision, HICSS 2003, System Sciences, Systems Involving Hazards, Unexpected Contingencies