Toward adaptable communication and enhanced collaboration in global crisis management using process modeling

A disaster brings together a team of people often representing different organizations, resources, and roles. There are various parties involved and the situation requires close collaboration between different organizations and also the optimized, integrated use of management systems and resources. However, in practice the periodic sharing and dissemination of information is both critical and problematic. This research investigates the challenges in communication and collaboration between the participants involved, i.e. the authorities, during disaster events from a crisis management viewpoint. Different kinds of challenges (e.g. technological, social and organizational issues) typically arise when responding to these situations. This paper discusses a well-known approach - process modeling - that can be utilized for solving these issues and facilitating management of them. Its potential to support and enhance the collaboration of participants in emergency management is investigated and evaluated. The aim is to study an interaction-supporting process model and therefore reduce the problems in communication between the different organizations involved. In relation to the process modeling technologies themselves, there is also a discussion of their utilization - especially the demands and prerequisites for using them - from the viewpoint of various organization levels.