our field research on the philippines
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These pages are dedicated to our first field research trip to the Philippines. You will get some impressions, meet the team, and learn more about our research.
Currently, we are working on the data we collected. On these pages we will publish our results as we go. A dynamic map including pictures and some more impressions can be found in our research diary. The flickr slideshow gives you some impressions about our meetings in Manila and Cebu. |
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Decision Makers' Needs
Decision-Makers' Needs
What are the actual needs of decision-makers confronted with a disaster? To bridge the gap between developers of systems and tools and the reality of a disaster, this will be the question leading our work in the Philippines.
"It is a shame that I still draw maps with power point when we have access to all this technology", is just one voice from the field of logistics. And we can only agree that it is. We will investigate what the weaknesses of available tools and processes are, and which the most crucial challenges are in the later response phase.
The basis for our work will be a report from a UN-OCHA and ACAPS workshop focused on Field-Based Decision Makers’ Information Needs. This report will be our guideline and guidance to investigate sensemaking and decision making in the field.
We plan to visit several agencies, such as the OCHA, Unicef, or the Red Cross to collect information. At the same time, we will report about our experiences and findings so that researchers can work together with us remotely, help us analyse data, and collect relevant information. This information will be made available on this website.
What are the actual needs of decision-makers confronted with a disaster? To bridge the gap between developers of systems and tools and the reality of a disaster, this will be the question leading our work in the Philippines.
"It is a shame that I still draw maps with power point when we have access to all this technology", is just one voice from the field of logistics. And we can only agree that it is. We will investigate what the weaknesses of available tools and processes are, and which the most crucial challenges are in the later response phase.
The basis for our work will be a report from a UN-OCHA and ACAPS workshop focused on Field-Based Decision Makers’ Information Needs. This report will be our guideline and guidance to investigate sensemaking and decision making in the field.
We plan to visit several agencies, such as the OCHA, Unicef, or the Red Cross to collect information. At the same time, we will report about our experiences and findings so that researchers can work together with us remotely, help us analyse data, and collect relevant information. This information will be made available on this website.
the team
Information Management
Dr. Bartel Van de Walle is leading our field research trip. As a team leader he makes sure that the team gets to meet the relevant people for their research purposes.
The focus of Bartel's research during this trip will be information management - from standardising data to avoiding information overload. How do humanitarian responders cope with information about thousands and thousands of Barangay in the Philippines? How do they make sense of all the information they are receiving?
The focus of Bartel's research during this trip will be information management - from standardising data to avoiding information overload. How do humanitarian responders cope with information about thousands and thousands of Barangay in the Philippines? How do they make sense of all the information they are receiving?
Logistics and Decisions Support
Dr. Tina Comes is co-leading this mission. As such, she is responsible for streamlining the scientific work of all team members.
Tina's work will focus on Decision Support and Supply Chain Management. What information is required to support the different decisions that are made in field? Which tools are used to keep an overview on logistics processes - from setting up a warehouse to the actual distribution of food packages? How can we support the transition from early response to recovery?
Tina's work will focus on Decision Support and Supply Chain Management. What information is required to support the different decisions that are made in field? Which tools are used to keep an overview on logistics processes - from setting up a warehouse to the actual distribution of food packages? How can we support the transition from early response to recovery?
Data collection
Kenny Meesters is supporting the research in the field and focuses on gathering data by conducting interviews, analyzing processes, networks and systems.
The focus of Kenny’s own work in this field research is the selection process of information products, the design considerations for information systems and the processes by which information is obtained. How do organizations and decision makers choose what information products to use, how well are these integrated and how does that choice affect the available information to the organizations. How do we align these motivations with the design of new information systems to ensure an improved information supply.
The focus of Kenny’s own work in this field research is the selection process of information products, the design considerations for information systems and the processes by which information is obtained. How do organizations and decision makers choose what information products to use, how well are these integrated and how does that choice affect the available information to the organizations. How do we align these motivations with the design of new information systems to ensure an improved information supply.
Meeting beneficiaries (needs)
Dr Marc van den Homberg is part of the field research team on behalf of Cordaid, bringing in the Caritas International as well as the Caritas network to the Philippines. Marc's research interests have an additional focus on the NGO and beneficiary perspective.
The research will enable Cordaid to reflect on how they currently make decisions and meet their information needs. Furthermore, the research might lead to the identification of innovative ICT4E (ICT for emergency) tooling and inclusive early warning concepts.
The research will enable Cordaid to reflect on how they currently make decisions and meet their information needs. Furthermore, the research might lead to the identification of innovative ICT4E (ICT for emergency) tooling and inclusive early warning concepts.
Back Office Support
Dr. Jennifer Chan, will be the research back office support for the field team. With years of humanitarian field experience both as a first responder and researcher she has helped the team with the research design and methodologies. She will also provide a health lens to her colleagues research foci.
She will communicate regularly with the team to provide updated information products, real-time analysis and daily research support via mobile voice, SMS, email and Skype. By being in Chicago IL, USA, which is a 14 hour time difference. She will provide the back stopping and "standby" field and research support during the day in Chicago, while the team sleeps in the Philippines.
She will communicate regularly with the team to provide updated information products, real-time analysis and daily research support via mobile voice, SMS, email and Skype. By being in Chicago IL, USA, which is a 14 hour time difference. She will provide the back stopping and "standby" field and research support during the day in Chicago, while the team sleeps in the Philippines.