| The disaster response efforts by multiple organizations during catastrophic events such as the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Hurricane Hugo, Hurricane Andrew and California's Loma Prieta earthquake have demonstrated problems with agencies' coordination efforts that resulted in an inadequate response. Therefore, to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster relief efforts, organizations must start considering alternatives methods for disaster preparedness and planning.A key to effective planning is the ability to extract and integrate the opinions of multiple experts. This study focused on expert groups engaged in disaster planning. The study was aimed at comparing groups using Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS), one of the proposed methods to enhance disaster planning, with non-GDSS (human facilitator) group, and a baseline group which has no support. Subjects in this study were from the American Red Cross, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Marine Spill Response cooperation. Participants were given disaster scenarios and were asked to evaluate the events and make recommendations to make response and relief efforts successful.The planning process and outcomes were measured among the three different groups. The planning process measurements included consensus, commitment, anonymity, and satisfaction. The planning outcomes, on the other hand, consisted of the number of comments generated by each group. Major findings of this study show that there was no difference between the GDSS and non-GDSS groups in the number of comments generated and level of consensus. In addition, the anonymity feature did not aid the GDSS groups to generate more comments. However, GDSS groups were more comfortable using the anonymity factor in their meetings, indicating a potential for more open and honest comments. Both GDSS and non-GDSS groups outperformed the baseline group in the area of comments generated.Based upon the findings from this study, it is recommended that organizations in the disaster management domain introduce a facilitator and structure to their preparedness process and planning meetings. This structuring of the planning process could be carried out using technology such as Group Decision Support Systems or with a human facilitator either method will enhance disaster management and planning. |
