Information Management in Disaster and Humanitarian Response: A Case in United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

To guarantee a unified response to disasters, humanitarian organizations work together via the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Although the OCHA has made great strides to improve its information management and increase the availability of accurate, real-time data for disaster and humanitarian response teams, significant gaps persist. There are inefficiencies in the emergency management of data at every stage of its lifecycle: collection, processing, analysis, distribution, storage, and retrieval. Disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management are the two main tenets of the United Nations’ worldwide plan for disaster management. Information systems are crucial because of the crucial roles they play in capturing, processing, and transmitting data. The management of information is seldom discussed in published works. The goal of this study is to employ qualitative research methods to provide insight by facilitating an expanded comprehension of relevant contexts, phenomena, and individual experiences. Humanitarian workers and OCHA staffers will take part in the research. The study subjects will be chosen using a random selection procedure. Online surveys with both closed- and open-ended questions will be used to compile the data. UN OCHA offers a structure for the handling of information via which all humanitarian actors may contribute to the overall response. This research will enable the UN Office for OCHA better gather, process, analyze, disseminate, store, and retrieve data in the event of a catastrophe or humanitarian crisis.

Contribution of Geographic Information Systems for the Management of Water Resources： Case of Groundwater Resources of the Plain of Mascara （Algeria）

The plain of Mascara includes groundwater resources, heavily exploited for the needs of the population, industry and agriculture. However, this resource is under threat from the point of view of quality and quantity. The degradation of water quality comes from water discharges untreated （domestic and/or industrial） and from the irrational use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture. The decrease in reserves is due to the effects of intensive exploitation. Several studies on the water resources of the plain generated a mass of very important data. In most cases, these data are disparate at different institutions managers （water resources, environment, etc.）, and are found recorded in paper documents, difficult to exploit. For this reason, it would be essential to use reliable new techniques, namely the GIS （geographic information systems）. The implementation of the GIS of the plain of Mascara （with extension to all the sub-basin of Wadi Fekan） must permit to organize the data and transform it into information. Integration, crossing and superposition of the data with other variables may contribute to spatial analysis and generate very important thematic maps. The GIS constitutes a very effective decision aid tool for the management, exploitation, preservation and protection of water resources. The exploitation possibilities of GIS are multiple, direct or indirect. We give an example as the coupling with a groundwater flow model that may be the subject of additional work.

THE MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

Based on the combination of Geographical information system(GIS)with the research ofToponymy,some foundational problems of the Geographical Name Information System(GINS)are discussed in this paper.The present situation of Toponymical research is anal-ysed and the necessity of introducing the GIS tools to the research of Toponymy is demon-strated.The conceptual model of the GNIS and the structure of Geographical name Database(GND)are discussed.The basic functions of the GNIS software for management and re-search of geographical name are suggested.Some issues are stated such as the applicationand potential of the combination of GIS with CAD in the management and research of To-ponymy,the combination of GNIS with other spatial information system and sharing the in-formation with each other,the research and development of GNIS, etc.

Constrction of watershed flood disastermanagement information system and its application to the catastrophic flood of theYangtze River in 1998

This paper introduces a general method of establishing Watershed Flooding Disaster Management Information System (WFDMIS). The functions, database, models, user interface, software and hardware are considered. An application example in Poyang Lake Basin was given.

Rationality of escalating commitment in information systems project management： An inter-disciplinary perspective

Escalation of commitment has been linked to losses in information systems （IS） projects. Understanding the nature and the rationality of escalation allows the firm to promote optimal project management practices. This study takes an inter-disciplinary approach and draws on research from economics and management to create a model of irrational escalation and a model of rational escalation. The forces that contribute to irrational escalation include the responsibility of the same manager for both the project selection and project continuation decisions that create proneness to self-justification, the potential for negative framing of decision options due to large sunk costs, the proximity of project completion and the presence of organizational inertia. Identifying these irrational escalation factors helps design appropriate de-escalation techniques. The rational escalation model draws on the real option theory and the bandit process theory to identify conditions when project continuation is justified by the value of information and the value of flexibility that the firm receives from continuing the project.

Towards an Efficient Information Systems Development Process and Management: A Review of Challenges and Proposed Strategies

Before Information Systems are developed, they must have undergone a process called Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) using appropriate methodology. The SDLC consists of phases varying from author to author. However, an information systems project can only be successful with intense interaction amongst project manager, systems analyst, system designers and the end users. Viewed from the project manager’s perspective, the SDLC lacks the essence of project management activities. Similarly, end users involvement is not clearly specified. The main aim of this paper is to propose a framework for information systems management and development process which accommodates the views of the different participants. Furthermore, the paper sharpens the concept of conventional SDLC, on the basis of the proposed framework. In addition, tools and methods that are appropriate for the implementation of the framework are herein discussed.

The Effectiveness of Blackboard System, Uses and Limitations in Information Management

This paper presents a review of the literature on the effectiveness of Blackboard system, its uses and limitations in information management and highlights the ongoing debate of it. A critical evaluation of Blackboard system literature reveals a good number of academic views, studies, theories, models and experiences regarding the virtual learning environment. The extant literature shows that the world of information management is always in flux as it is being impacted on by the learning technology such as blackboard system. Blackboard system now has a recognised presence in the information management of the education system. Now the question is: how effective is this Blackboard system? The article will explore, in part, how blackboard is designed as suitable learning models in terms of learner cognitive engagement and constructivist perspective, resulting in the effective Blackboard system. It will further cover to review the effectiveness of Blackboard as an aid to pedagogy. Finally, the article will also present a comparison between Blackboard and other LMS such as Moodle to explore the effectiveness and limitations of the Blackboard for better academic information management.

Researching on the Digital Information Systems of Mine and its Applications

The article introduces several digital information systems of mine which established on PC platform by the author using the software package of mathematical economic modal of deposit, GIS software, and furthermore putting them into solving the dynamic management of mine produce, produce programming, produce scheme and decision optimization of systems, rational utilization of the resource, searching ore and increasing reserves on the margin or in the deep part of those old mines .etc, so improving the socialize economic efficiency of mining exploiture.

Review of state-of-the-art decision support systems (DSSs) for prevention and suppression of forest fires

Forest ecosystems are our priceless natural resource and are a key component of the global carbon budget. Forest fires can be a hazard to the viability and sustainable management of forests with consequences for natural and cultural environments, economies, and the life quality of local and regional populations. Thus, the selection of strategies to manage forest fires, while considering both functional and economic efficiency, is of primary importance. The use of decision support systems(DSSs) by managers of forest fires has rapidly increased. This has strengthened capacity to prevent and suppress forest fires while protecting human lives and property. DSSs are a tool that can benefit incident management and decision making and policy, especially for emergencies such as natural disasters. In this study we reviewed state-of-the-art DSSs that use: database management systems and mathematical/economic algorithms for spatial optimization of firefighting forces; forest fire simulators and satellite technology for immediate detection and prediction of evolution of forest fires; GIS platforms that incorporate several tools to manipulate, process and analyze geographic data and develop strategic and operational plans.

Intelligent Multi-Agent Based Information Management Methods to Direct Complex Industrial Systems

In recent years, the increasingly complexity of the logistic and technical aspects of the novel manufacturing environments, as well as the need to increase the performance and safety characteristics of the related cooperation, coordi-nation and control mechanisms is encouraging the development of new information management strategies to direct and man- age the automated systems involved in the manufacturing processes. The Computational Intelligent (CI) approaches seem to provide an effective support to the challenges posed by the next generation industrial systems. In particular, the Intelligent Agents (IAs) and the Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) paradigms seem to provide the best suitable solutions. Autonomy, flexibility and adaptability of the agent-based technology are the key points to manage both automated and information processes of any industrial system. The paper describes the main features of the IAs and MASs and how their technology can be adapted to support the current and next generation advanced industrial systems. Moreover, a study of how a MAS is utilized within a productive process is depicted.

Airport Information Systems—Airside Management Information Systems

Research on the intersection of the areas of aviation and management of information systems is scarce. Airports, more than ever before need to align their information systems to gain a competitive advantage and become more efficient in their operations. A proper classification is a prerequisite to systems alignment. The purpose of this paper is to provide descriptions of some of the airport management information systems, connections to or interoperability with other systems, and the key uses and users of each system. There are many types of management information systems and they can be organized or classified in a number of different ways. Furthermore, each system may or may not be necessary for a particular airport depending on the business goals and objectives and the certificate which the airport is operating under. Consequently, the system classification schema presented in this paper is neither all-inclusive nor exclusive;however, a number of leading aviation practitioners, business professionals, and educators in the industry were instrumental in both proposing and validating the schema. The study used interviews, documentation, and observation as the primary sources of data.

Use of GIS and Remote Sensing Technology as a Decision Support Tool in Flood Disaster Management: The Case of Southeast Louisiana, USA

The primary objective of this paper was to identify flood-prone areas in Southeast of Louisiana to help decision-makers to develop appropriate adaptation strategies and flood prediction, and mitigation of the effects on the community. In doing so, the paper uses satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) data for this purpose. Elevation data was obtained from the National Elevation Dataset (NED) produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) seamless data warehouse. Satellite data was also acquired from USGS Earth explorer website. Topographical information on runoff characteristics such as slope, aspect and the digital elevation model was generated. Grid interpolation TIN (triangulated irregular network) was carried from the digital elevation model (DEM) to create slope map. Image Drape was performed using ERDAS IMAGINE Virtual GIS. The output image was then draped over the NED elevation data for visualization purposes with vertical exaggeration of 16 feet. Results of the study revealed that majority of the study area lies in low-lying and very low-lying terrain below sea level. Policy recommendation in the form of the need to design and build a comprehensive Regional Information Systems (RIS) in the form of periodic inventorying, monitoring and evaluation with full support of the governments was made for the study area.

THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR SMALL TOWN (TOWNMIS)——A CASE STUDY AT XIAOLAN TOWN, SOUTH CHINA

Now, GISs are popular at most major cities along the coast in China. The lack of available digital geographic data is a serious bottleneck problem. This article first analyses the development characteristics of urban planning and management information system in China, and proposes a method for establishing a planning and management information system for small town. By using GIS as core and integrating with microcomputer network, office automation (OA), computer aided design (CAD), and multimedia technology, a microcomputer information system (TownMIS) is implemented after 3 year design and development. It may be a first comprehensive system for the planning and management of small towns. Since the January of 1996, TownMIS has been actually used in Xiaolan Town, a coastal rich town in South China. This has provided perfect technical, managerial, operational and institutional references for resolving the contradiction of the fast growing installation of GIS sites and fewer actually running system.

Design of User Interface for Tractor Cab Real-time Information Management System

In this paper,the user interface of tractor cab real-time information management system was designed. Based on the principle of "user friendly",it reasonably arranged spatial position of information management system according to spatial distribution of tractor cab. Then,it analyzed operation habits and thinking ways of drivers,and formulated design principle meeting demands of drivers. Besides,it used LabView software to design user interface,including interface layout and interface design. User interface includes basic information interface,job information interface,camera monitoring interface,and fault diagnosis interface. Finally,it made evaluation of the user interface from color,indicator lamp,dial,and pointer. Results indicate that the designed user interface layout conforms to cognition mentality and operation habits and easy to get familiar and grasp; graphical interface is vivid and easy to stimulate pleasure of drivers in operation; interface color matching is coordinated; the layout of controls is hierarchical and logic,and operating mode is consistent with Windows system.

Study on the System Design of Multiple Expert Systems Integrated Decision Support System

There has been an increasing interest in integrating decision support systems (DSS) and expert systems (ES) to provide decision makers a more accessible, productive and domain-independent information and computing environment. This paper is aimed at designing a multiple expert systems integrated decision support system (MESIDSS) to enhance decision makers' ability in more complex cases. The basic framework, management system of multiple ESs, and functions of MESIDSS are presented. The applications of MESIDSS in large-scale decision making processes are discussed from the following aspects of problem decomposing, dynamic combination of multiple ESs, link of multiple bases and decision coordinating. Finally, a summary and some ideas for the future are presented.

Development of an Integrated System to Enhance Spatial Data Processing & Management for Planning Authorities

In a world where there is constant data generation and processing, the need for an integrated system cannot be overemphasized. The systems that enable storage of large amounts of spatial data and must be made available to multiple users in real time. Studies have shown that standalone desktop spatial systems are often rigid and inflexible to support multiple data processing or demands from multiple users. The integrated spatial management system was designed to address the above highlighted challenges by bringing enhanced possibilities of utilization of spatial data though improving accessibility, visualization, and processing spatial information. The present work employed a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative techniques to obtain the desired result. Qualitative data collection tools were used to collect field data required to design the prototype. The research sought to establish whether the integrated systems are in use by the targeted institutions, the findings highlighted that 71.4% have no integrated spatial data systems while 28.6% have partial-integrated systems. An overview of the architecture of integrated spatial systems consists of a well distributed database linked to multiple tools and platforms to query both the spatial and non-spatial data. The WEB-GIS and Mobile GIS interfaces were developed to allow multiple users to access information through the web in real time and data collection, respectively.

An Interactive Expert System Based Decision Making Model for the Management of Transit System Alternate Fuel Vehicle Assets

Traditionally, the process used by public transportation entities to determine the acquisition strategy for new vehicle asset is based upon a broad range of criteria. Vehicle cost has been cited as one of the more critical factors which decision makers consider. It is currently a common practice to consider other factors (life-cycle cost, fuel efficiency, vehicle reliability, environmental effects, etc.) that contribute to a more comprehensive approach. This study investigates the next generation of advancements in decision making tools in the area of the application of methods to quantify and manage uncertainty. In particular, the uncertainty comes from the public policy arena where future policy and regulations are not always based upon logical and predictable processes. The fleet decision making process in most governmental agencies is a very complex and interdependent activity. There are always competing forces and agendas within the view of the decision maker. Rarely is the decision maker a single person although, within the transit environment, there is often one person charged with the responsibility of fleet management. The focus of this research examines the decision making of the general transit agency community via the development of an expert systems prototype tool. A computer-based prototype system is developed which provide an expert knowledge-based recommendation, based upon variable user inputs. The results shown in this study show that a decision making tool for the management of transit system alternate fuel vehicle assets can be modeled and tested. The direct users of this research are the transit agency administrations. The results can be used by the management teams as a reliable input to inform their urban transit buses expansion decision making process.

Construction of Network Management Information System of Agricultural Products Supply Chain Based on 3PLs

The necessity to construct the network management information system of 3PLs agricultural supply chain is analyzed,showing that 3PLs can improve the overall competitive advantage of agricultural supply chain.3PLs changes the homogeneity management into specialized management of logistics service and achieves the alliance of the subjects at different nodes of agricultural products supply chain.Network management information system structure of agricultural products supply chain based on 3PLs is constructed,including the four layers (the network communication layer,the hardware and software environment layer,the database layer,and the application layer) and 7 function modules (centralized control,transportation process management,material and vehicle scheduling,customer relationship,storage management,customer inquiry,and financial management).Framework for the network management information system of agricultural products supply chain based on 3PLs is put forward.The management of 3PLs mainly includes purchasing management,supplier relationship management,planning management,customer relationship management,storage management and distribution management.Thus,a management system of internal and external integrated agricultural enterprises is obtained.The network management information system of agricultural products supply chain based on 3PLs has realized the effective sharing of enterprise information of agricultural products supply chain at different nodes,establishing a long-term partnership revolving around the 3PLs core enterprise,as well as a supply chain with stable relationship based on the supply chain network system,so as to improve the circulation efficiency of agricultural products,and to explore the sales market for agricultural products.

Airport Management—Value of Customer Display Systems

By providing real-time updates of essential information, airports not only display and disseminate information but also help control the flow of traffic. In order to maximize available space, particularly in high traffic areas, Airport Display Information Systems should be integrated into the overall design of the airport and their positioning should be carefully planned to deliver optimal results. Airport Display Information Systems can help airports maximize space, increase customer satisfaction, and generate new revenue opportunities. The technology is designed not only to comply with environmental regulations, but also to help airports keep budgets in check. This paper discusses airport display systems, their connections and interoperability with other systems and who the key airport users of these airport display systems are.