Towards a conceptual framework for early warning information systems (EWIS) for crisis preparedness

Abstract

This paper highlights the need of many organizations nowadays for early warning information systems (EWIS) that can predict the future and help prevent crises or reduce their negative effects. These EWIS should be based on a reliable and consistent framework. The frameworks currently available are mostly deterministic, simplified or inconsistent in application and assumption; thus making them unreliable and impractical. The goal of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it provides guidelines for system analysts, designers, engineers and experts seeking to deal with crisis or disaster information systems. Secondly, it aims to present a novel framework for EWIS that can be adapted to the dynamic needs of the field of crisis management, and that can also be used efficiently in crisis preparedness. Finally, the paper will describe a case study in the law enforcement sector as a proof-of-concept for the conceptual framework; to demonstrate both the theoretical and practical approaches. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.