Title: Decision support in nuclear and radiological emergency situations: Are we too focused on models and technology?

Authors: Simon French, Emma Carter, Carmen Niculae

Addresses: Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Booth Street West, Manchester M15 6PB, UK. ' Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Booth Street West, Manchester M15 6PB, UK. ' Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Booth Street West, Manchester M15 6PB, UK

Abstract: The last 20 years has seen enormous advances in mathematical modelling and computing techniques. In the aftermath of the Chernobyl Accident, many of these have been incorporated in Decision Support Systems (DSS) to aid nuclear emergency management. This paper reviews what has been achieved; but it also reflects on how the tools fit into emergency management processes and discusses whether too much emphasis is being placed on the technological aspects of what is a complex, socio-technical issue.

Keywords: Cynefin; decision support systems; DSS; knowledge management; nuclear emergency; radiological emergency; emergency management; emergency preparedness; technology; sociotechnical issues; mathematical modelling; computing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2007.014295

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2007 Vol.4 No.3, pp.421 - 441

Published online: 30 Jun 2007 *

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