Title: Multi-criteria decision support and stakeholder involvement in emergency management

Authors: Valentin Bertsch, Jutta Geldermann, Otto Rentz, Wolfgang Raskob

Addresses: Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), University of Karlsruhe (TH), Hertzstr. 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany. ' Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), University of Karlsruhe (TH), Hertzstr. 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany. ' Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), University of Karlsruhe (TH), Hertzstr. 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany. ' Institute for Nuclear and Energy Technologies (IKET), Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK), Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

Abstract: Decision-making in emergency management involves many parties with different views, responsibilities and interests for which a consensus must be found. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) can help to ensure transparency in such decision processes. This paper describes the application of MCDA in nuclear emergency and remediation management and the experiences gained from conducting moderated decision-making workshops. The workshops were based on a hypothetical nuclear accident scenario generated by the real-time online decision support system, RODOS, for nuclear emergency management. Focusing on the evaluation of long-term countermeasures, the multi-criteria decision support software, Web-HIPRE was used to guide and support the participating decision-makers, stakeholders and experts during the decision-making process in the moderated discussion. This software has been integrated into the RODOS system. In addition to identifying the factors driving decision-making in the context of nuclear emergency management, issues for further development of methodology and decision support tools were determined.

Keywords: decision support systems; multi-criteria evaluation; stakeholders; nuclear emergencies; remediation management; emergency management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2006.011163

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2006 Vol.3 No.2/3, pp.114 - 130

Published online: 19 Oct 2006 *

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