ALBERT

Notes: Robust and bright light emitters, semiconductor nanocrystals [quantum dots (QDs)] have been adopted as a new class of fluorescent labels. Six years after the first experiments of their uses in biological applications, there have been dramatic improvements in understanding surface chemistry, biocompatibility, and targeting specificity. Many studies have shown the great potential of using quantum dots as new probes in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes the recent advances of quantum dot usage at the cellular level, including immunolabeling, cell tracking, in situ hybridization, FRET, in vivo imaging, and other related technologies. Limitations and potential future uses of quantum dot probes are also discussed.

Notes: Biological research has been accelerated by the development of noninvasive imaging techniques and by use of genetically engineered mice to model human diseases and normal development. Because these mice can be expensive, noninvasive imaging techniques, such as high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET), that permit longitudinal studies of the same animals are very attractive. Such studies reduce the number of animals used, reduce intersubject variability, and improve the accuracy of biological models. PET provides quantitative measurements of the spatiotemporal distribution of radiotracers and is an extremely powerful tool in using molecular imaging to study biology, to monitor disease intervention, and to establish pharmacokinetics for new drugs. The design of animal PET scanners has improved significantly in the past decade and can provide adequate image resolution and sensitivity to study transgenic mice. This article reviews the fundamental and technical challenges of small-animal PET imaging, with a particular focus on the latest developments and future directions of detector technologies and system design.

Notes: An enormous literature has been developed on investigations of the growth and guidance of axons during development and after injury. In this review, we provide a guide to this literature as a resource for biomedical investigators. We first review briefly the molecular biology that is known to regulate migration of the growth cone and branching of axonal arbors. We then outline some important fundamental considerations that are important to the modeling of the phenomenology of these guidance effects and of what is known of their underlying internal mechanisms. We conclude by providing some thoughts on the outlook for future biomedical modeling in the field.

Notes: Cell motility is an essential cellular process for a variety of biological events. The process of cell migration requires the integration and coordination of complex biochemical and biomechanical signals. The protrusion force at the leading edge of a cell is generated by the cytoskeleton, and this force generation is controlled by multiple signaling cascades. The formation of new adhesions at the front and the release of adhesions at the rear involve the outside-in and inside-out signaling mediated by integrins and other adhesion receptors. The traction force generated by the cell on the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell-ECM adhesions, and the counter force exerted by ECM on the cell drives the migration. The polarity of cell migration can be amplified and maintained by the feedback loop between the cytoskeleton and cell-ECM adhesions. Cell migration in three-dimensional ECM has characteristics distinct from that on two-dimensional ECM. The migration of cells is initiated and modulated by external chemical and mechanical factors, such as chemoattractants and the mechanical forces acting on the cells and ECM, as well as the surface density, distribution, topography, and rigidity of the ECM.

Notes: Paralyzed or paretic muscles can be made to contract by applying electrical currents to the intact peripheral motor nerves innervating them. When electrically elicited muscle contractions are coordinated in a manner that provides function, the technique is termed functional electrical stimulation (FES). In more than 40 years of FES research, principles for safe stimulation of neuromuscular tissue have been established, and methods for modulating the strength of electrically induced muscle contractions have been discovered. FES systems have been developed for restoring function in the upper extremity, lower extremity, bladder and bowel, and respiratory system. Some of these neuroprostheses have become commercialized products, and others are available in clinical research settings. Technological developments are expected to produce new systems that have no external components, are expandable to multiple applications, are upgradable to new advances, and are controlled by a combination of signals, including biopotential signals from nerve, muscle, and the brain.

Notes: Retinal prostheses represent the best near-term hope for individuals with incurable, blinding diseases of the outer retina. On the basis of the electrical activation of nerves, prototype retinal prostheses have been tested in blind humans and have demonstrated the capability to elicit the sensation of light and to give test subjects the ability to detect motion. To improve the visual function in implant recipients, a more sophisticated device is required. Simulations suggest that 600Đ??1000 pixels will be required to provide visual function such as face recognition and reading. State-of-the-art implantable stimulator technology cannot produce such a device, which mandates the advancement of the state of the art in areas such as analog microelectronics, wireless power and data transfer, packaging, and stimulating electrodes.

Notes: Accurate, fast, and affordable analysis of the cellular component of blood is of prime interest for medicine and research. Yet, most often sample preparation procedures for blood analysis involve handling steps prone to introducing artifacts, whereas analysis methods commonly require skilled technicians and well-equipped, expensive laboratories. Developing more gentle protocols and affordable instruments for specific blood analysis tasks is becoming possible through the recent progress in the area of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip-type devices. Precise control over the cell microenvironment during separation procedures and the ability to scale down the analysis to very small volumes of blood are among the most attractive capabilities of the new approaches. Here we review some of the emerging principles for manipulating blood cells at microscale and promising high-throughput approaches to blood cell separation using microdevices. Examples of specific single-purpose devices are described together with integration strategies for blood cell separation and analysis modules.

Notes: We review the history of DNA mechanics and its analysis. We evaluate several methods to analyze the structures of superhelical DNA molecules, each predicated on the assumption that DNA can be modeled with reasonable accuracy as an extended, linearly elastic polymer. Three main approaches are considered: mechanical equilibrium methods, which seek to compute minimum energy conformations of topologically constrained molecules; statistical mechanical methods, which seek to compute the Boltzmann distribution of equilibrium conformations that arise in a finite temperature environment; and dynamic methods, which seek to compute deterministic trajectories of the helix axis by solving equations of motion. When these methods include forces of self-contact, which prevent strand passage and preserve the topological constraint, each predicts plectonemically interwound structures. On the other hand, the extent to which these mechanical methods reliably predict energetic and thermodynamic properties of superhelical molecules is limited, in part because of their inability to account explicitly for interactions involving solvent. Monte Carlo methods predict the entropy associated with supercoiling to be negative, in conflict with a body of experimental evidence that finds it is large and positive, as would be the case if superhelical deformations significantly disrupt the ordering of ambient solvent molecules. This suggests that the large-scale conformational properties predicted by elastomechanical models are not the only ones determining the energetics and thermodynamics of supercoiling. Moreover, because all such models that preserve the topological constraint correctly predict plectonemic interwinding, despite these and other limitations, this constraint evidently dominates energetic and thermodynamic factors in determining supercoil geometry. Therefore, agreement between predicted structures and structures obtained experimentally, for example, by electron microscopy, does not in itself provide evidence for the correctness or completeness of any given model of DNA mechanics.

Notes: Discovery of new genes and proteins directly supporting leukocyte adhesion is waning, whereas there is heightened interest in the cell mechanics and receptor dynamics that lead from transient tethering via selectins to affinity shifts and adhesion strengthening through integrins. New optical tools enable real-time imaging of leukocyte rolling and arrest in parallel plate flow channels (PPFCs), and detection of single-molecule force spectroscopy provides an inner view of the intercellular adhesive contact region. Leukocyte recruitment during acute inflammation is triggered by ligation of G proteinĐ??coupled chemotactic receptors (GPCRs) and clustering of selectins. This, in turn, activates ?‚2-integrin (CD18), which facilitates cell capture and arrest in shear flow. This review provides a conceptual model for the molecular events supporting leukocyte recruitment.

Notes: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been used for more than two decades to interrogate metabolite distributions in living cells and tissues. Techniques have been developed that allow multiple spectra to be obtained simultaneously with individual volume elements as small as 1 uL of tissue (i.e., 1 ?? 1 ?? 1 mm3). The most common modern applications of in vivo MRS use endogenous signals from 1H, 31P, or 23Na. Important contributions have also been made using exogenous compounds containing 19F, 13C, or 17O. MRS has been used to investigate cardiac and skeletal muscle energetics, neurobiology, and cancer. This review focuses on the latter applications, with specific reference to the measurement of tissue choline, which has proven to be a tumor biomarker that is significantly affected by anticancer therapies.

Notes: Werner Goldsmith, one of the foremost authorities on the mechanics of impact and the biomechanics of head and neck injuries, died peacefully at home in Oakland, California, on August 23, 2003, at age 79 after a short, courageous battle with leukemia, ending a long and very distinguished career in mechanics, dynamics, and biomechanics, and an almost six-decades-long association with the University of California, Berkeley. He was one of the pioneering, eminent solid and fluid mechanicians who made an early transition to biomechanics, and in rising to equal distinction in their new fields, added great credibility to biomechanics as a discipline in its own right. He was also a distinguished and influential figure in bioengineering education at his own institution, and, more broadly, in the United States and abroad. An emeritus professor for over a decade, he continued to be active in research and teaching until the very last days of his life.

Notes: Therapies for myocardial infarction have historically been developed by trial and error, rather than from an understanding of the structure and function of the healing infarct. With exciting new bioengineering therapies for myocardial infarction on the horizon, we have reviewed the time course of structural and mechanical changes in the healing infarct in an attempt to identify key structural determinants of mechanics at several stages of healing. Based on temporal correlation, we hypothesize that normal passive material properties dominate the mechanics during acute ischemia, edema during the subsequent necrotic phase, large collagen fiber structure during the fibrotic phase, and cross-linking of collagen during the long-term remodeling phase. We hope these hypotheses will stimulate further research on infarct mechanics, particularly studies that integrate material testing, in vivo mechanics, and quantitative structural analysis.

Notes: Purpose - This article aims to show how communities with severe river flooding can develop sustainable flood plans that remediate environmental problems caused by previous river straightening and other structural flood controls. Design/methodology/approach - The article builds on a case study of the nationally recognized Napa River Flood Protection Project (USA), which incorporates an ecological living river strategy and builds on strong community participation to restore a river and its floodplain. After discussing the drawbacks of structural flood control measures, and especially of river straightening, reviews the contents of the Napa Flood Project and the public participation process necessary for its design, approval and implementation. Findings - The key lessons learned from Napa's flood project are that: undoing past structural works is difficult but feasible; ecological criteria can and should be used to design modern flood projects; involvement of a wide and diverse group of stakeholders is crucial to developing and implementing an environmentally sustainable flood management project; and the US Army Corps of Engineers can work with communities and depart from its typical, structural flood control approaches. Research limitations/implications - Information on straightened rivers is extremely limited. Furthermore, this study focuses on flood planning for US rivers, and may therefore be less useful elsewhere in the world where the frequency of river straightening may differ. Originality/value - This case study provides a critique on river straightening, which is a poorly documented but fairly frequent approach to flood control. This article helps to fill gaps in the knowledge of how communities can, and are, addressing environmental concerns associated with flood controls and river straightening.

Notes: Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the safety practices in some selected agro-allied industries in south-western Nigeria with a view to analysing the degree of safety awareness; adequacy of safety equipment; extent of enforcing safety rules; effectiveness of safety-related activities and economics of safety programme. Design/methodology/approach - A case study method of investigation, field study guidelines and binary variable were used and information gathered from 36 industries was documented. The data collected were analysed using mean, percentage and standard mathematical models. The analyses carried out on the data gathered are presented on the following: occurrence of accidents, causes of accidents, damages resulting from accidents, accident prevention activities and economic implications. Findings - Three classes of accidents are identified as fatal, serious, and minor. The results showed that minor accident has the highest frequency of occurrence of 304, while fatal accident has the least frequency of occurrence of 17. However, serious accident has the greatest economic implication, accounting for annual average loss of $4.97 millions. Also, nine causes of accidents are identified, out of which faulty equipment is common to all industries. And eight accident prevention activities are identified, amongst which standard operating procedure, good housekeeping and on-the-job training are commonly being practised, while provision of safety handbook and policy is least practised. Originality/value - This paper has described the safety practices in 15 agro-allied industries with an organised safety programme in South Western Nigeria. The study has investigated the extent of enforcement of safety rules; safety awareness; and economic implication of accidents from this sector for the national economy.

Notes: Purpose - The following conceptual exposition is presented in light of the growing number of scholars who indicate need for a comprehensive and coherent approach to disaster reduction, while practitioners seem to be continually faced with dynamic and seemingly contradictory goals and strategies. Design/methodology/approach - This article reviews arguments from an assorted collection of literature in order to increase theoretical understanding of disasters and attempts to integrate various concepts, paradigms and policy proposals. Findings - The discussion points out the strengths and weaknesses of alternative viewpoints about disasters, and suggests that a broad conceptualization of vulnerability may be best suited to assimilate findings for academia and simplify policy guidance for professionals in the field. Research limitations/implications - Because this is a cursory exploration of the casting of vulnerability management in terms of liability reduction and capacity building, additional research on the matter will undoubtedly be needed. Nonetheless, it is hoped that this article may pull together diverse academic frameworks, in order to avert recurring mistakes among those designing and implementing policy. Originality/value - By updating the author's prior work in this area with additional considerations regarding the natural hazards, civil defense, risk management and homeland security schools, this article may be useful for scholars and practitioners interested in reversing the trend of more frequent and intense disasters.

Notes: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review research findings on the effects of a variety of disasters, including the events of 9/11, on the general public and members of organizations. Design/methodology/approach - A literature search was undertaken. Three areas were targeted: impact on public attitudes and morale, on organizations and human resource management, and on organizational resilience. Findings - Four conclusions were drawn. First, disasters such as 9/11 have immediate negative effects on emotions and behaviors. Second, with the passage of time these effects dissipate for most people. Third, organizations directly affected by 9/11 immediately stopped functioning. Fourth, fortunately many of these firms bounced back surprisingly quickly. Research limitations/implications - Relatively little research has been conducted on the effects of 9/11, limiting our understanding of it. Practical implications - The people in these resilient firms, those more directly affected by the terrorist attacks, made the difference. Human resource management practices and cultural values already in place were the key factors in bringing about a speedy recovery. These factors can also be developed in other organizations as a precaution. Originality/value - This paper explores important yet still under-researched areas of management and organizational responses to terrorism.

Notes: Assumes acceptance of the argument that, as the world has become amere village owing to modern communications systems, trading patternsand the like, it is no longer possible for any individual, community orstate to seek to pull down the blinds and ignore what is happening inother parts of the world. This is not merely an ethical issue –although believes that the morality of caring is much in need of anuplift, both in British society and elsewhere - it is a pragmaticand political necessity. Confines discussion to looking at conflicts atthe levels where they involve communities or whole states, rather thanindividuals alone.

Notes: Based on the experience of five years of work in the midst of theongoing civil war in Afghanistan, outlines a number of ideas aboutinvolving communities in measures to provide emergency relief or supportrehabilitation, in order to encourage and assist an indigenous processof social and physical recovery.

Notes: Reports on research carried out under the aegis of the EuropeanCommunity as part of the Step Programme. Researchers from the followinguniversities contributed: Berlin (Germany), Grenoble (France), Lancaster(Great Britain), Liège (Belgium), and The Catholic University(Milan, Italy). Aims to evaluate public perception of individuals andorganizations as informers in situations where there is a high levelindustrial risk. Discusses the following: the clarity of communication,the degree of professionalism of the information sources, the extent towhich the message attributed to each of the important informers wascredible. Treats this as a comparative study under the terms of Article8 of the Seveso Directive which invites public authorities, as well asso-called "risk" industries, to keep the population informedof the potential dangers to which they are exposed as a result ofindustrial activity.

Notes: Examines the relationship between sources and functions of supportin the context of an evolving stressful event - the Gulf War. Datawere obtained through questionnaires filled out by 261 parents sampledthroughout comprehensive schools located in two different areas ofIsrael (damaged and undamaged by missile attacks). Respondents assessedthe extent of support received from a list of sources, designated threepreferred sources, and rated the amount of informational, instrumentaland/or emotional support provided by these referred sources, at threedifferent periods of the event: waiting, impact and recovery. Findingsindicate that different sources of support, fulfilling differentfunctions, were utilized over the course of the event, and that changesin sources and functions were related to the changing circumstances ofthe war. Gives empirical validation to the concept of matching theevolution of a stressful event to specific uses of social support.Considers implications for social work practice.

Notes: The terms "sheltering" and "housing" areused in a variety of unclear and inconsistent ways in the disasterliterature. Proposes a differentiation among emergency sheltering,temporary sheltering, temporary housing and permanent housing. Indicateshow they are paid differential attention in American disaster planningand gives specific observations about the four patterns, notingespecially how they differ from one another. Suggests there will be afuture increase in problems in all the patterns, and that it is not yetfully established to what extent these patterns are applicable in alltypes of societies.

Notes: Discusses the results of evaluations of flood forecasting, warningand response systems in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.Reveals that in England and Wales flood warning systems oftenunderperform. Despite technical sophistication and their elevation tohigh priority in central government's flood defence strategy,arrangements for flood warnings are now under considerable stressbecause of lack of agreement over organizational roles andresponsibilities. Legal ambiguities, funding difficulties andideological positions lie behind these problems. Flood warning systemsare developing in Scotland, and there is now a "fledgling"system in Northern Ireland, but both lag behind England and Wales.Examines implications for the future.

Notes: Evacuation is commonly used to mitigate the ill effects of avariety of disaster agents. It is important that authorities gain anaccurate understanding of the circumstances under which citizens willevacuate. Tests the efficacy of evacuation message clarity andfrequency, authority type, the accuracy of past warnings, and the impactof the presence of children in the home as viable variables in effectingan evacuation response. Finds the evacuation response was more likely tooccur if the potential victim was ordered to do so, if the potentialvictim was contacted frequently (more than once) by the proper authority(as perceived by the potential victim), if past warnings were perceivedas being accurate, and dependent children were in the home. Interviewsrespondents from 83 households in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, USA, after amajor fire emergency threatened residents of three neighbourhoodscontiguous to the site.

Notes: Addresses the issue of the structure and function of the communityemergency operations centre (EOC). There is some confusion among someemergency responders and particularly among public officials regardingthe role and function of the EOC. In part this emerges because many EOCsat different levels operate in conjunction with any given disaster. Itis argued that the community EOC is best seen as an over-archingorganization into which information from more specialized EOCs –such as those operated by fire and police departments - flows, andfrom which the overall response to the disaster is directed. There isalso a tendency to define the functions of the community EOC narrowly.Such definitions typically understate the importance of such activitiesas damage assessment and public information, and consequently leave theresponsibility for these and related critical functions somewhatambiguous. Seeks to achieve an explicit definition of the range andcontent of disaster responsibilities associated with the community EOCand thereby to clarify and contribute more to effective community-widedisaster response.

Notes: Crises are hitting our industries with alarming regularity. Yet the word crisis is usually used with little thought to its meaning. Examines the various meanings which have been proposed by authors in the field of crisis management, and contends that for a situation to develop into a crisis three elements must be present: a triggering event causing significant change or having the potential to cause significant change; the perceived inability to cope with this change; and a threat to the existence of the foundation of the organization.

Notes: The recognition that disaster workers may be victimized as a consequence of fulfilling their disaster relief role has resulted in the development of several interventions to assist their recovery. Psychological debriefing is a prominent support resource. Uses recent concerns over the effectiveness of debriefing to frame a discussion of the nature of recovery and the longer-term determinants of its effectiveness. Focuses on the role of social, psychological, familial and organizational factors as determinants of the quality of recovery. Discusses the implications of these factors for the design and delivery of support resources for disaster workers.

Notes: The significance of operational human errors in shipping safety has widely been recognized. The accumulation of many shipboard operations on the bridge of the ship demands that a high level of efficiency must be ensured. Discusses the efficiency of the interface which depends on the success of incorporating the human factor in the engineering systems of ship control. At the time of diminishing crew quality, the bridge operator's confidence, competence and communication capability must be in co-ordination with the technology provided by these systems. Suggests that the areas of limitation in the bridge-operator interface must be identified and the course of action for optimizing this critical relationship for safety must be determined.

Notes: In the USA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides support to State and local governments in fulfilment of their responsibilities for preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation of disasters. One method FEMA has used to support State and local emergency communication functions was to sign and implement a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for amateur radio operators to provide electronic communications for State and local governments in disasters. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has licensed more than 600,000 amateur radio operators in the USA. The national organization of amateur radio operators called the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) was formed in 1914. More than 80,000 of these amateurs have registered their availability for emergency communications in disasters in the ARRL's Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). Amateur radio operators have been providing communications in natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and earthquakes since 1910. Since amateur radio operation was prohibited during the years of both World Wars I and II, FEMA has sponsored a new branch of the amateur service called Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). RACES operators are authorized to operate if the President invokes his War Emergency Powers while all other amateur operation would be silenced. Examines the role of amateur radio in providing emergency electronic communications for disaster management and explores future contributions.

Notes: The date of 19 April 1995 will be remembered as a day on which a tragic event took place in Oklahoma. Argues that we need to go beyond a mere reading of the passionate convictions, the "rational" rhetoric and ideological arguments in trying to understand this act of terrorism and the aftermath reactions. In highly emotionally charged and anxiety-producing environments of social conflict, one can also expect to encounter a number of psychodynamic processes - such as projection, projective identification, splitting, idealization, stereotyping, narcissistic desire for the ego (group) ideal, denial and other defence mechanisms. Presents a representative text from the reporting of the Oklahoma bombing and its aftermath which is then read through the conceptual lenses of psychoanalytic theory. Highlights issues and behaviours that seem typically to arise in such disaster situations.

Notes: Describes a study of trends in the use of keywords (risk, hazard and crisis) in the media having accessed a large commercial on-line database for this purpose. Allowing for several assumptions, finds mainly rising trends in the usage of each of the keywords, and in the proportion of articles classified under related categories (insolvency, terrorism, environment/ecology, and air transport crash).

Notes: As the end of the United Nations International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction approaches it is necessary to review what is known about global responses to catastrophes. Discusses four major weaknesses of the relief and mitigation community that are frequently identified in the disaster studies literature: the violation of human rights, a low degree of relief co-ordination, difficulties and drawbacks of providing aid, and dilemmas of development. Offers possible solutions for these challenges and also highlights the implications of the findings for research and application. Gives direction to both academics and practitioners who are interested in disaster relief and prevention around the world.

Notes: Proposes the establishment of a management information system (MIS) for the promotion of safety in shipping. Considers the information technology in shipping to be the combination of satellite systems and computers onboard and ashore. In this combination, which enables the provision of an optimum selection and management of data for automatic or human decision making, the role of satcoms is information transfer and that of computers is information processing. Acknowledges the importance of the human factor in shipping safety. Human decisions affecting shipping safety often depend on the quantity and quality of the available information. In the proposed MIS the need to improve the limited ability of humans to receive, store, process and interpret information, which is usually vast and complex, is acknowledged and fulfilled. Among the available maritime satcom systems and computer services, the proposal reveals those services which satisfy the criteria of useful, interactive, flexible, fast, reliable and low-cost transfer and management of information in support of safety-oriented decision making in shipping operations. The proposed MIS integrates the information resources of shipping office(s), the ship(s) and the maritime-related industry as a whole and provides the shipping company with the capability to document, monitor and control the safety-critical aspect of "technical reliability" towards promotion of safety in shipping and compliance with the International Safety Management Code.

Notes: Suggests that sources of data on human failure, particularly case studies of specific disasters, have not been able to offer a generalized theory. Suggests that this can best be effected at the level of middle range theory based on analysis of the comparative structure of a workplace organization. Offers an adaptation of an approach from anthropology and cultural theory, that supplies four distinct, exclusive and archetypal workplace structures. Each is associated with a distinct cluster of sustaining and justifying values and attitudes that are manifest as four associated patterns of behaviours. Particular attention is directed at the normal kinds of workplace deviance, including sabotage, shown to be typical of each of the four archetypes. Their incumbent attitudes to risk are delineated, as are their typical patterns of industrial relationships.

Notes: In Britain in 1945, the politics of peace steered reconstructiontowards a static socio-economic base from which stemmed many laterplanning and social problems. Britain had emerged from six years of wareconomically weakened but with a clear social vision, an effectiveadministration and fully evolved plans for the transition from war topeace. The social vision including the ideal of full employment and theright to a local job and a local home. This placed the economy in aspatial stranglehold and denied it the flexibility needed to adapt tochanging global conditions. Draws on the British experience to suggestthat the understandable desire to replace in situ what has beendestroyed is doomed to fail and can prejudice the ability of futuregenerations to meet their own needs.

Notes: Owing to the nature of their funding, hardly any NGO projects inAfghanistan have been long term or geared to the future development ofthe country. "Donor fatigue" and the fact that much of theprevious aid was politically motivated, has led NGOs to begin toquestion the value of their existing work and to consider whether andhow they might do more to promote peace and longterm reconstruction anddevelopment. In an attempt to address some of the questions, theNorwegian Church Aid, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Oxfam jointlysupported the organization of a workshop aimed at exploring the role ofNGOs in peace building. Based on the findings of that workshop, as wellas on A. Strand's five years of field experience.

Notes: Presents the Mohonk Criteria for Humanitarian Assistance inComplex Emergencies, produced by the Task Force on Ethical and LegalIssues in Humanitarian Assistance, convened by the Program onHumanitarian Assistance at the World Conference on Religion and Peace,as guidelines for co-operative relationships between political,humanitarian and military actors in complex humanitarian emergenciescreated by armed conflict.

Notes: Explains that while some non-governmental organization (NGO) managers report that international staff are more difficult to manage than national staff, others report the opposite. Such different perceptions stem from different expectations of staff from different cultures. Describes a study in which NGO managers working in field programmes were surveyed on their perceptions of the differences between national and international staff. International staff were regarded by respondents as being: more likely to act on their own initiative; less likely to need close supervision; and more demanding of themselves and of others. Those reporting that international staff were more difficult to manage were more likely to have more than five years' work experience in developing countries. This may be explained by managers adapting to the culture in which they work. Such a cultural adaptation on the part of managers may in turn explain why relief workers often report that they are dissatisfied with their managers.

Notes: For many years there has been increasing concern about the effects of human error in complex system safety and reliability. This concern has been increased owing to accidents such as Chernobyl, Bhopal, Herald of Free Enterprise, Three Mile Island and the Kegworth air disaster. In the vast majority of these accidents, human error has played a critical role in the events precipitating the accident. Such accidents can in theory be predicted and prevented by risk assessment, in particular assessing the human contribution to risk. However, the collection of human-error data has proved a difficult field for the past 30 years, and yet industry would benefit from the existence of a robust human-error database. Provides therefore a brief historical résumé of past human-error databases, and discusses data collection and the inherent problems associated with data-collection schemes. Goes on to outline a human-error database currently being developed at Birmingham University, and presents information on regularly quantified human-error types. Finally, gives a general synopsis of the research and provides a selection of real human-error data points.

Notes: Investigates the effects of earthquakes in the Victoria region of Australia. Looks at how they can be predicted by the use of seismology, and how this information can be used to protect buildings from major damage. Examines a system developed by the Seismology Research Centre, Bundoora, Australia, to provide alarm, damage scenario and response information after moderate or large earthquakes.

Notes: Purpose - Proposes to analyze known case studies of information systems failure. Design/methodology/approach - Uses the organizational failure diagnosis model. Findings - Finds that there is the need to assess the organization's "health" prior to information systems development and to raise the organization's actual capacity for systems development to the necessary levels for success. Originality/value - Previous studying of these cases has underplayed the role of technical problems as the surface manifestations of deeper-rooted organizational pathologies causing the failure. The usefulness of the organizational failure diagnosis model is shown in recognizing these deeper-rooted issues and a number of suggestions are made for the prevention of failure.

Notes: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review the changes made to civil protection in the UK, both legislative and capacity building, that aim to make the UK more resilient. Design/methodology/approach - Reviews the background to changes in UK civil protection and compares these with the work being done by the broader disaster management community on the meaning and development of resilience to a range of threats. Findings - Finds that the UK approach has been deflected by the terrorist attack of 11 September 2001 and is clearly focused on organisational resilience. This top-down approach does not augur well in terms of promoting a more resilient society. The paper also questions if it is time to take a broader view of what constitutes an emergency. Originality/value - The recent changes in UK civil protection are in many ways welcome. But the promotion of more resilient communities requires a bottom-up as opposed to a top-down approach. Government funding is aimed mainly at institutional resilience. This raises the question of how to promote a broader agenda of more resilient societies able to respond to a broad range of threats.

Notes: Purpose - It is observed that the slow onslaught disasters do not normally catch media attention as these often do not result in human casualties. Inadequate media attention results in insufficient rehabilitation support for the victims. The paper aims at highlighting the problem of ground subsidence in the Himalayan terrain together with the hardships of the victims. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on the detailed field investigations carried out by the author in the remote Himalayan habitations of Garbyang in Dharchula block of Pithoragarh, Talla Dhumar and Umli-Bhandarigaon in Munsyari block of Pithoragarh and Bagi in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttaranchal in India. All these habitations are being affected by ground subsidence and the inhabitants of these villages are facing severe resource crisis. Findings - Garbyang village in Central Himalaya is observed to be situated over the varve deposits laid down in the proglacial lake abutting against Chialekh ridge and is witnessing the problem of ground subsidence resulting in the destruction of the once thriving and prosperous habitation. The studies relate the subsidence at Garbyang with the seismicity in the region as also the subsequent toe erosion and downslope mass movement. The other sites discussed in the paper are witnessing the problem of ground subsidence due to the active toe erosion by rivers and streams. Research limitations/implications - There exist no records of the exact date of initiation of the ground subsidence in the investigated areas and these are grossly based on the information provided by the village elders. Originality/value - The article would help in making the disaster managers responsive to the problems the masses are facing due to ground subsidence in this fragile zone and this would result in mustering resources for reducing the hardships of the masses.

Notes: Purpose - To highlight the failure of the tsunami early warning system and the challenges of successfully responding to, and managing a transnational catastrophe of this nature. The paper also highlights unique challenges in the management of this catastrophe and suggests potential strategies for good disaster response and management in this response and beyond. Design/methodology/approach - Primary data collection was by telephone interviews with experts in the South and South-East Asian region, supplemented by a comprehensive literature review of scholarly journals, reports from relief agencies and United Nations situation reports and bulletins amongst others. The scope of the paper is limited to the issue of a warning not been passed onto appropriate authorities in the region, the unique challenges of the relief response and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected communities. Findings - From the study, there is a need for further investigation into the catastrophic warning failure; as reasons proffered by the early warning officials for their inability to pass on a warning to authorities in the affected area appear weak at this stage. The study also found unique geographical, political, economic and social challenges facing the international relief and reconstruction effort. Specifically some of the challenges include the management of the media and information, logistics and coordination, needs and damage assessment, donations and safety and security issues amongst others. In summary, the author found that there is also a need for foreign assistance agencies to be seen to be fair, to build trust and ownership of relief and reconstruction efforts amongst the local populace, as well as use local people as much as possible. Research limitations/implications - The study was conducted only 21 days (three weeks) after the tsunami catastrophe of 26 December 2004, hence it is a snapshot of events in the days immediately after the catastrophe. The relief action is an on-going event and there may be changes as new information emerges from the field. Practical implications - A world wide network of integrated submarine earthquake and tsunami monitoring and early warning system should be set up. Critical warning information in any potential disaster should be shared as inclusively as possible. Relief workers must be seen to be politically and religiously neutral, especially in the civil conflicts of Banda Aceh Indonesia. Finally relief and aid should be given on the basis of sound humanitarian principles such as need, not just on wider economic criteria. Originality/value - The study highlights specific potential challenges which relief organisations must deal with in responding effectively to the disaster, and in assisting to reconstruct the region. The paper proffers specific strategies for effective management of the international assistance effort. Finally, the study adds to the literature on developing countries and is valuable for governments, emergency and relief workers, policy makers in both developed and developing countries.

Notes: Purpose - This paper aims to initiate a conversation within the disaster community about the applicability of "critical reflection" to the professional work of firefighters. "Critical reflection" is a term commonly used within the nursing and teaching professions. Although it has contested meanings, it generally conveys the sense of purposeful enquiry about one's professional conduct, ethics and decision making. Fire fighting labor is no longer blue collar, and firefighters in western fire fighting agencies require increasingly complex capabilities and accountabilities. Could "critical reflection" be added to post-incident debrief as a core professional capability? Design/methodology/approach - The paper draws on the concept of "critical reflection" as it has been developed within the professional fields of nursing and teaching. It then considers the applicability of and importance of this concept to the professional field of firefighting. Findings - The meanings and applications of "critical reflection" vary, but the inclusion of dialogue about it exists within many nurse and teacher education courses. It can be argued to provide professionals with an opportunity to engage in dialogue about their labor, and thereby scrutinise their professional conduct and the ethical dilemmas of their work. Practical implications - This paper calls for a paradigmatic shift in the approach taken by educators who work with firefighters. It argues that instructional methods based on rote learning, chalk and talk, and show and tell training are insufficient as a means of developing firefighters capable of responding and adapting to the complex demands implicit within increasingly professionalized firefighting labor. Future firefighters will need to be adaptive, reflective and accountable; able to demonstrate discursive and inquisitive capabilities; and engage in reflected actions both on and off the incident ground. Originality/value - High originality. This is the first time the intellectual traditions and debates implicit within "critical reflection" have been linked to the work of firefighters.

Notes: Purpose - Given the widespread lack of homogeneity, consistency and quality control in emergency planning, this paper sets out to offer some suggestions, guidelines and models for the processes of drawing up, testing, revising and utilising an emergency plan. Design/methodology/approach - The paper considers some definitions of the term "standard" and discussing the utility of the concept with respect to emergency planning. The subsequent analysis is based on the application of logical and observational criteria to the process of systematically building a framework on which to base a planning standard. Findings - The paper enumerates 18 principles that can be used to judge the quality of emergency plans. The principles are treated as basic criteria to be used when formulating a standard. Next, the paper reviews existing standards in civil protection, risk management, emergency preparedness and humanitarian relief. After a brief discussion of the consultative process used in preparing an instrument for measuring quality, the paper presents a draft standard for an emergency plan. This is broadly focused on the local authority level and on the generic, "all-hazards" approach. Finally, the paper describes a category-based methodology for applying the standard. Research limitations/implications - Standards may be viewed as unnecessarily restrictive and overly prescriptive. However, they can instead be regarded as a useful means of helping to guarantee the quality, content and relevance of plans. Practical implications - The application of a standard to the emergency planning process will help to make plans more functional and relevant and will ensure that their content is adequate for the task of predisposing resources during emergencies. It will also guarantee compatibility between plans made for different purposes or jurisdictions. Originality/value - As few model standards exist in emergency management and planning, this paper offers one of the first attempts to provide a set of generic, comprehensive guidelines for the process of creating, testing, using and revising plans.

Notes: Purpose - To develop a decision model supporting employee involvement in industrial vulnerability reduction. Design/methodology/approach - A synthesis review of some of the relevant extant literature on technological/industrial vulnerability, and their application within a normative decision-making model (i.e. the "Vroom-Yetton model"). Findings - The insights on vulnerability drawn from the literature are highly amenable to a systematic decision-making model for employee involvement. Various aspects of vulnerability, specifically with regard to substantial, social and temporal dimensions may be included in such a model. Research limitations/implications - New insights about the context-dependent aspects of vulnerability are offered by considering these within a contingency decision model. This suggests that vulnerability categories are not absolute, but have to be assessed in relation to a specific decision-making framework. Practical implications - The developed model provides a way of weighting various dimensions of vulnerability and making more appropriate decisions regarding leadership style in a range of circumstances. Originality/value - While decision models exist for assessing risk in organizations, no contingency model for employee involvement in vulnerability assessment has been presented to date.

Notes: Purpose - Over the past 50 years India has been experiencing rapid population growth, causing the migration of a large part of the population to the cities looking for livelihood. This resulted in massive increments of population in the cities that has led to the increase of pollution. Gujarat, being a highly industrialized state, is a case in point. The systems for treatment and water disposal of this state are highly challenged. The north-western state of Gujarat has no effective systems for treatment or disposal of waste water. The purpose of this article is to address this problem, introducing a geographic information system (GIS) approach to record the characterization, analyze the needs and generate a conceptual GIS database in the state. Design/methodology/approach - This paper outlines the background, suggested methodology for the development of a GIS database pollution dependent control of water pollution in the state of Gujarat in India. The present research is to install a document management system that has been developed in providing organizing chart, sorting, querying and retrieving of key data. A computerized laboratory information system on monitoring of quality of ambient air has been developed. Findings - An integrated GIS database has been generated involving creation of pollutant contours, querying and visualizing the query output in spatial and non-spatial form. Originality/value - The authors have created a complete geo-spatial database for the environmental monitoring for the whole state of Gujarat. They have dealt with nearly 36,000 different files from different sources and put them together to create the database. A computerized laboratory information system on monitoring of quality of ambient air has been developed. Front-end application programs have been developed in Visual Basic and the back-end database to integrate the laboratory data and the existing data in oracle database.

Notes: Purpose - Many villages in the vicinity of the hill township of Mussorie in the Indian Himalayas are witnessing signs of an impending disaster. These villages are witnessing active wastage that might take an heavy toll of human interest during the monsoon season and therefore the paper proposes examining this subject. Design/methodology/approach - A detailed study was undertaken in the area of Mussorie. Findings - It is suggested that a series of prevention and mitigation measures (both structural and non-structural) with the involvement of the local community are required for ruling out the possibility of any mishap in the area. Originality/value - This paper highlights the importance of having a disaster management strategies for the region and involving the community with these.

Notes: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach in viewing the control of safety at crude oil exploration platforms. Design/methodology/approach - The approach utilized in this work is the fusion of artificial neural network and fuzzy logic. The approach is adopted in view of the better presentation of solutions to the safety control problem that neuro-fuzzy exhibits. It is better than the individual application of either artificial neural network or fuzz logic to the problem at hand. The model captures uncertainties and imprecision that are prevalent in the quantification or data gathering stage of safety control measurement. Findings - It was demonstrated that the application of neuro-fuzzy is feasible. The results seem applicable to similar settings with similar system characteristics. Practical implications - Since more confidence is obtained with the use of this more effective tool, there is improvement in decision making based on reliance on the model. Thus, the improved quality of decision made would positively affect lives of workers at the oil platforms or the materials or equipment used for exploration purposes. Originality/value - The work is original in that it is the first time the neuro-fuzzy methodology would be applied to offshore oil platform safety control.

Notes: Purpose - To follow the modern movement of using "positive feedback" to explain companies' behaviour with special focus on historical accidents. Design/methodology/approach - To contribute to the emergence of new complexity theory as applied to management and prove that historical accidents matter, combining and bringing together literature sources. Findings - The concept of unique equilibrium has been seriously disputed - the selection process is shown, as is the path dependent process using probability theory. Practical implications - A location theory as case study is outlined - great for those fond of unique equilibrium. Originality/value - To show another theory, which is dynamic, non-linear, and complex as reality; to apply it to management underlying at the same time the role of historical accidents (random process).

Notes: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to consider the analysis of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks provided by the US National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the USA from the points of view of behavior analysis and systems analysis. The 9/11 Commission provides a detailed and provocative account of the structural flaws in the US security systems that enabled the 9/11 terrorists to completely subvert efforts to detect and prevent their attack. This paper considers the role of private-sector organizations in prevention of future attacks. Design/methodology/approach - This conceptual/theoretical paper explores how understanding verbal networks and the nature of verbal rules might contribute to understanding the issues involved in re-engineering work cultures in the face of continued terrorist threats. Findings - An understanding of verbal networks and ambiguous communications aids the re-design of management systems and emergency response processes so that adaptive organizational responses to terrorist threats are enabled. Originality/value - Private-sector leaders might conduct behavioral systems analyses and probe the limitations of their operations and seek to detect weak points and create contingencies that sustain more effective security and emergency response repertoires.

Notes: Recent experience in many conflict areas has shown thatreconstruction and development assistance can be used to support peaceinitiatives before a final resolution to conflict is achieved. Initself, spot reconstruction will not bring about peace, but it can makea contribution towards reducing the scope of the conflict and providemuch-needed assistance to people who otherwise would be forced to leavetheir homes in search of relief and public welfare. Attempts to definespot reconstruction and outlines the key elements, prerequisites andguidelines for decision making when considering a spot reconstructionprogramme.

Notes: Firefighters completed a questionnaire which examined both positiveand negative reactions following major call-outs. Positive reactionswere more frequently checked than negative ones. Factor analysis ofpositive reactions resulted in four factors, suggesting that positivereactions after a call-out represented more than an increased sense ofgeneral wellbeing. The type of reactions reported were related to thetype of incident attended. Differences in reaction patterns were relatedto self-reported coping style and age of the firefighters.

Notes: When disasters, even natural ones, have a chemical or nucleardimension, scientists play a major role in their management. Presentsthe results of research on Canadian disasters, and includes other casesof disasters that occurred around the world. Discusses the experts' rolein decisions related to the response: how to identify a specificproduct, its impact on health, for example, in a climate of uncertainty;how to justify their methods, to the press, the politicians and thevictims as well as to the public. This "glass-house" workingatmosphere is very different from the one in which they carry out theirroutine analyses. Therefore their ability to communicate and theircredibility are very important aspects of their role.

Notes: Rapid assessment of a community's capacity to continue coping inthe aftermath of disaster could be of great value. Gradations ofcommunity consequences can provide emergency planners with criteria toguide them to realistic needs assessment and are invaluable toresearchers in classifying incidents by intensity. Conventional wisdommight lead us to view impact on community functioning in disasters as acontinuum, ranging from minimal to total collapse. Such a perceptionlacks clear-cut gradation, making administrative judgements difficultand contributing to the squandering of relief resources because of ourinaccurate assessment of the community's incapacity. The precise pointswhere communities cross damage thresholds resulting in the collapse ofinfrastructure appear at first, to vary inexplicably. Carefulconsideration suggests three sets of factors which interface to affectthese thresholds. Taken together, these will raise or lower communitycapacity to cope with adversity. The appropriate level of emergencyrelief could best be determined if we can strengthen our ability toassess rapidly the community's remaining capacity to provide for its ownpopulation. Proposes that this could be accomplished by the scaling ofthree sets of factors: community background, event factors and impactfactors. Although the need for scaling cannot be denied, the specificsof this suggestion will need to be tested to determine theirapplicability.

Notes: Although disasters remain statistically rare events, the lastdecade has seen an increase in the number of major incidents affectingthe UK. Concurrent with this increase have come clinical data, showinghow psycho-social health may be adversely affected by disasters. Aims togive the UK Department of Health a survey of the current provision ofpsycho-social care after disasters at English Regional Health Authoritylevel and to make recommendations regarding good practice in the care ofvictims of trauma by health care professionals. Uses varied methodology.Letters were sent to all the Regional Public Health Departments, askingfor information about the psychological care element within their majorincident plans. Shows that the provision for psycho-social carefollowing a disaster in England is extremely variable and although thereare undoubtedly regions with considerable expertise and interest, thereare also regions where provision appears to be minimal or non-existent.Recommends the provision of specialist traumatic stress services atregional level.

Notes: The response management of the Kobe earthquake in 1995 providespractitioners and theorists of crisis and disaster management with muchto consider. As in other efforts around the world the Kobe responsemanagement appeared slow and less than optimal in performance. Focuseson the effects of magnitude of impact and degree of strategicpreparedness that may affect response. Magnitude of impact is the degreeto which impact damage seems random in occurrence, the size of theimpact area, the severity of impact, the ratio of visible to invisibledamage, the number of major sub-event crises triggered by the impact ofthe event, and the degree of psychological distortion caused by (oraccelerated by) the impact of the event. The degree of strategicpreparedness depends on the degree to which response managers cansuccessfully translate meta-strategic missions and objectives intooperational strategies that are realistic and achievable in any givencrisis or disaster event. Components of strategic preparedness includethe provision of escalation triggers, establishing cascaded priorities,and having and maintaining a dynamic reserve. Planning and preparing forcrises and disasters needs to include cascade strategic priorityprofiles for communities, consideration of cultural features oforganizations and communities in developing plans and preparedness,establishing quantifiable escalation triggers for response management,and developing and maintaining a working dynamic reserve.

Notes: Purpose - The primary aim of this research is to investigate the application of open source geographic information system software, geographical resources analysis support system (GRASS) for landslide hazard assessment. Design/methodology/approach - Five parameters affecting landslide occurrence derived from topographical, geological and land use maps of Cameron highland were used for the assessment. Findings - The results showed that about 93 percent of the study area falls under zone II that is of low hazard, with less than 7 percent on zone III with moderate hazard and only less than 1 percent falls under zone IV, which is of high hazard. Research limitations/implications - The accuracy of the landslide hazard map needs to be assessed by cross-correlation with landslide occurrence in the field. Practical implications - The map produced showed the potential application of GRASS as a tool for producing landslide hazard assessment map. Originality/value - The major outcome of this research is the possible use of open source GIS software in the application of landslide hazard assessment. The capability of GRASS in performing such environmental assessment will certainly attract many researchers and organizations with limited budgets, especially in developing countries such as Malaysia.

Notes: Purpose - Maintaining a high level of situation awareness (SA) is considered one of the most essential elements for safe and effective flight operations. In a study of accidents among major air carriers, 88 per cent of those involving human error could be attributed to problems with SA. In complex domains such as aviation, SA is inherently distributed over multiple people and groups and over human and machine agents. The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative perspective to the hegemony of the cognitive approach to SA that focuses on the systemic nature of SA. Design/methodology/approach - An alternative approach to the hegemony of the cognitive perspective of SA has been presented, that focuses on a systemic or holistic conceptualisation of SA through the application of Somerville's actor network theory (ANT). By advocating a seamless web composed of actors, the actor network approach dissolves the dichotomous relationship between humans and machines and society and technology into a non-anthropocentric framework. This paper further develops this systemic perspective of SA through an analysis of the tragic 2002 mid-air collision over Überlingen, Germany case study. Findings - The application of ANT to this case study brings to light some insights with wide ranging consequences for how we think of SA and accident aetiology. Practical implications - The systemic perspective of SA has far-reaching design implications with regard to complex socio-technical systems. Originality/value - This paper facilitates the perspective that looks at the inter-connectedness of the heterogeneous elements characterized by the technological and non-technological (human, social, organizational, political) elements of complex socio-technical systems.

Notes: Tucson, Arizona, experienced two large-scale floods in October 1983and January 1993. In comparing these floods, examines both the naturalevents and the response of public safety organizations. A summary of thenatural events compares the weather, flooding and damages. Inconsideration of the human response to the 1983 event, finds that thecommunity's emergency co-ordination centre was ineffective and isolatedfrom the public safety response network. Furthermore, an organizationalstructure, suited to the management of large-scale, multi-organizationalresponse, failed to emerge. Concludes that local government mitigatedthese deficiencies before the January 1993 flood. This was accomplishedin two ways. First, the community's emergency management agency mergedinto the Sheriff's Department and second, through consensus building andtraining, the community institutionalized an effective disaster responseorganizational structure.

Notes: Discusses flood risk in Malaysia, which has increased alarmingly in recent decades largely due to changing physical characteristics of the hydrological system caused by human activities: continued development of already densely populated flood plains, encroachment on flood-prone areas, destruction of forests and hill slopes development. Flood losses are high but disastrous flood events which occurred in the past as a consequence of rapid development and environmental degradation are forgotten quickly, people choosing to see only the positive benefits of a booming economy while turning a blind eye to their negative effects. Suggests that, within a climate of sustained economic boom, policy makers as well as Malaysians from all walks of life are understandably less concerned about floods than they are about the financial gains that can be reaped from a booming economy. States that official solutions for flood control are largely engineering based and are ineffective to combat extensive monsoon floods.

Notes: "Safety is no accident." It is not a coincidence that this slogan appears often in FAA literature, correspondence and advisory circulars. It is a frequent reminder to all of us that reliability and safety in aviation is a team effort and that all individuals are responsible for doing their part towards the maintenance of a safe flying environment. Presents aviation safety in the TQM framework of customer focus, continuous process improvement and total involvement. Identifies customers at various levels and illustrates, with examples, how continuous improvement occurs. Highlights the mechanism in place which helps ensure these improvements. Shows that total involvement yields safety, reliability and quality in the aviation services that we receive today. Discusses the presence and prevalence of TQM in various sectors of aviation and suggests that further continual improvements are still needed in today's aviation.

Notes: Purpose - Aims to report the key results and learnings of a pilot test of an ISO-based integrated management systems approach to security, environmental, health, and safely (SEH&S) at one industry site in the USA. Design/methodology/approach - First, the rationale for and brief overview of a five-step integrated SEH&S management systems approach is presented. Second, a descriptive reporting of the process, results, and implications of the initial steps of the integrated SEH&S approach at a water and sanitation district in the USA is provided. Findings - Provides a description of the process of how an integrated SEH&S approach is implemented and reports results such as the following. First, the major vulnerabilities and risks associated with the water district's major infrastructure assets are assessed. Second, the various risks are evaluated, prioritized, and ranked in terms of their security and environmental, health and safety (EH&S) aspects. Third, recommendations are offered to mitigate major vulnerabilities. Finally, an overall assessment of the applicability of the integrated SEH&S approach to security and risk management is presented. Research limitations/implications - The study was conducted in one organization and involved only the first portion of the proposed integrated SEH&S management system approach. Originality/value - This manuscript should inform executives and managers of the SEH&S functions concerning how their organizations can use the newly proposed integrated approach to address both security and overall organizational risks in a more comprehensive and cost-effective manner.

Notes: Purpose - This paper aims to deal with disaster and recovery systems, introducing the catastrophe matrix as a disaster-preventing tool. Design/methodology/approach - A new model is proposed which is proved to be a classical assignment problem. It is solved based on well-known optimization methods. Research is presented for the danger risk of the system and a fully automated recovery system with a minimum cost is presented. Findings - Research accepts the fact that a catastrophe has already been activated on the system. Research limitations/implications - The difficulty of solving the proposed model of the threat and countermeasures still remains. Originality/value - The proposed models show a new original way to confront dangers and overcome the existing classical models based on risk management.

Notes: Purpose - This paper seeks to review the geophysical threats generated by volcanic activity and reports on the technological and social management techniques available to counter those threats. Design/methodology/approach - The information presented was derived from a review of case studies of response to volcanic eruptions in the USA, Europe and Japan. The studies reviewed included both technical papers from geologists and volcanologists and research by social scientists. Findings - The unique relationship between human settlements and volcanoes was described. This was done in the context of special features of volcanic hazards that set them apart from other natural hazards: time frame, multiple impacts, magnitude of destructive potential and predictability. Based on pairing geophysical threats with human safety concerns, three critical social management techniques were described: public education, access controls and evacuation systems. The social science and geophysical principles that underlie the effectiveness of these techniques are described. Practical implications - The review brings together the results of numerous case studies over the years and highlights the hazard management issues that were common across them. Then, with respect to each of the techniques identified, a critique of issues associated with implementation was conducted that draws upon both the geophysical literature and social science literature. In particular, patterns of citizen resistance to public education, access controls and evacuation are described and approaches to implementation that minimize such resistance are suggested. Originality/value - There are many discussions in the geophysics literature of the types and nature of volcanic eruptive behavior. In the social science literature there are discussions of public education strategies for hazards, controlling access to dangerous locations and evacuation systems. This paper pairs geophysical threats with appropriate techniques for protecting populations, specifically within the unique context of volcanic eruptions. There is also discussion of common problems that have arisen when the different techniques have been used in the past and suggestions for ways to avoid those problems. The paper is aimed at professional emergency managers and planners who are faced with managing dangers to populations from volcanicity.

Notes: Purpose - Survival strategy of the masses has led to the evolution of area-specific, locally pertinent and effective ways of mitigating natural disasters. This vital knowledge base is, however, often ignored and is being fast eroded. The paper aims at highlighting the relevance of these practices that put forth most cost-effective and acceptable means of mitigating disasters. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on the extensive field studies and in-depth probe of the traditional resource management practices of the people of the remote Himalayan terrain by the author and it reflects his belief in the acumen of the masses. Findings - The paper discusses the relevance of the various disaster management practices of the region. During the course of their habitation in the disaster-prone Himalayan terrain the indigenous people through experience, experimentation and accumulated knowledge devised ways of reducing their vulnerability to natural hazards. Studies show that their understanding was fairly evolved in the areas of earthquake, landslide and drought management and had devised efficient ways of mitigating the effects of these. Research limitations/implications - The paper reflects the author's individual understanding and interpretation of the practices based on his interactions with the masses. Practical implications - Improvisation on the traditional practices of disaster management has a major role to play in putting forth cost-effective and sustainable means of shielding the community against the impact of natural disasters. This article puts forth an alternative approach of interpreting the traditional practices of the masses and would lead to appropriate innovations for better disaster management in the region. Originality/value - This paper represents a useful attempt to reinforce the importance of local knowledge in mitigating natural disasters, which is often ignored and is quick to erode.

Notes: Purpose - Aims to bring attention to the problems faced by rural Bangladeshis. Several objectives for the paper were identified. First, to illustrate that Bangladeshis suffer from acute levels of poverty, a lack of clean drinking water and regular flooding and cyclonic conditions. Second, to establish the failure of western "handout" aid provision to address these problems. Third, to evidence the possibilities for the production of more durable building materials utilising regionally available waste materials and proven solar technologies. Finally, to present strategies in which solar technologies could contribute to the reduction of poverty and improvements in health standards. Design/methodology/approach - The ongoing development and testing of the innovative solar technology concepts reported in the paper were informed by a literature review covering solar cookers and solar kilns. The methodology and detail of the testing of that solar technology is currently considered commercially sensitive. With regard to the poverty alleviation strategies proposed within the paper, their development was underpinned by a methodology combining a thorough review of the relevant literature with input from practitioners in Bangladesh. Findings - Utilising aid moneys for the establishment of solar technology-based small-scale production of vernacular building materials could address poverty by affording access to wealth-generating activities in the sale of goods and clean drinking water from rainwater harvesting. Additionally, such activities would enable Bangladeshi society to be better able to withstand and then recover from natural disasters, by possessing more resistant shelters, and being more economically resilient. Research limitations/implications - The experimental component of the research is ongoing and considered commercially sensitive. No limitations have thus far been identified within this component. The implications of the research regarding solar technologies are potentially considerable in that the innovative approach under examination, if underpinned by positive results, represents a new area of activity and has both social and technical implications. Practical implications - Current aid is not significantly alleviating the problems experienced by Bangladeshis resulting from poverty, arsenic contamination of deep water aquifers and regular flooding. The technology and strategies proposed address the fact that the current vernacular shelters provide little resistance to flooding, and are unsuitable for rainwater harvesting, whilst also allowing participation in wealth-generating activities. Such a combination has the potential to reverse the trend for Bangladesh to increasingly rely on "hand-out" aid. Originality/value - The value of the paper is largely in the area of bringing new possibilities to the attention of the research and practitioner communities dealing with both solar technologies and developing world poverty alleviation.

Notes: Purpose - The paper aims to discuss the causes of the landslide event at Amparav in Kumaun Himalaya (Nainital district of Uttaranchal in India) and attempts to bring forth the importance of mass awareness regarding the past disaster events in their surroundings. Design/methodology/approach - On the aftermath of the landslide tragedy of 23 September, 2004 field investigations were carried out to probe the causes and lapses that resulted in tragedy at a place where a detailed mitigation plan had been implemented. Findings - The investigations reveal that a detailed landslide management strategy was prepared and implemented to protect this zone almost a century ago, with a thorough understanding of the mass wastage processes. Implementation of this plan safeguarded this zone for a long time, but the lack of awareness among the masses led to the violation of the very spirit of this plan. This culminated in the Amparav tragedy that took three human lives, besides the loss of a huge public and private infrastructure. Research limitations/implications - The old study that led to the landslide management strategy could not be assessed and the article is based on information provided by the village elders. Practical implications - The paper is an attempt to bring forth the finer details of the landslide management plan enacted in the region almost a century ago. It suggests the need for detailed surveys and planning in enacting any disaster management plan. Originality/value - This paper would bring forth the importance of documenting the disaster management strategies of the region and sharing the significance of these with the masses so that they are deterred from even unintentionally violating the spirit of these plans.

Notes: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to make explicit why security needs to be viewed as a core activity and why senior management need to view security from a holistic perspective. Reference is made to various activities carried out by computer hackers and the costs associated with computer related crime. Design/methodology/approach - A literature review was undertaken and a conceptual security model was produced. The key elements of the activities associated with security were highlighted and the links between the activities were made clear. Findings - Organized criminal syndicates and international terrorist groups are increasing their level of activity. Senior managers within companies need to put in place an intelligence and security strategy to counter the activities of criminals and terrorists. Furthermore, senior managers will in the future have to work more closely with law enforcement representatives and industry representatives. They will also have to develop an appreciation of the strategic intelligence objectives of various governments. There is also evidence that senior management need to pay greater attention to identifying future threats associated with advances in internet technology. Research limitations/implications - More attention will need to be given to how facilitating technology such as the internet is providing computer hackers and criminals with ways to either disrupt business activities or extend the range of criminal activities that they are engaged in. Practical implications - Senior management will need to refocus on the capability of staff vis-à-vis corporate intelligence and security work. The learning organization concept can be embraced and can be used to assist staff to identify the advantages associated with effective knowledge management. Scenario analysis and simulation exercises can be used to train staff in emergency work, and disaster management and prevention. Originality/value - A diverse range of topics is covered and integrated into a security-oriented context. Attention is focused on the link between organized criminal syndicates and international terrorist groups, and why senior managers in companies need to be engaged in disaster management recovery planning. The material highlights why senior managers in companies need to develop business contingency plans and embrace the counterintelligence concept.

Notes: Purpose - To analyze recent and future terrorism in the world from the viewpoint of the USA. Design/methodology/approach - Actions companies can take to help prevent and manage the negative effects of terrorist attacks are also discussed. A review of the literature from journals, the popular press and government sources was stressed to provide an official and public view of terrorism. Findings - It was found that "terrorism" is pervasive around the world although maybe more concentrated in the Middle East at present. It is seen as annually increasing in number and severity of events. There were minor terrorist events in the USA in the 1990s, but the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York forever changed the view of terrorism by US citizens. The USA subsequently changed its administrative structure, economic infrastructure, beliefs, behaviors, and relations to others in the world. The USA is seen as the main terrorist target in the world and Al-Qaeda, one of 40 foreign terrorist organizations, is seen as the main group attacking it. Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan, Cuba, Libya, and Syria are seen as the main countries supporting terrorism. The main terrorist weapons are explosives, guns, biological, chemical, radiological, psychological, and to a lesser extent, nuclear. Research limitations/implications - Although future events and subsequent research must bear it out, it appears that cyber terrorism and radioactive explosives may be used more in the future. Executives can improve their odds of withstanding terrorist attacks by understanding past and present aspects of terrorism. Future dealings with terrorists are seen as problematic, but there are actions companies can take, such as adding working crisis management plans, to help prevent and manage the negative effects of terrorist attacks. Originality/value - This paper is an attempt to present and understand "terrorism" from a US perspective so that others in the world can better understand US motivations, actions, and rationale.

Notes: Sarajevo is no longer the city it was and will, over the next fewyears, have to find a new role for itself. Based on a presentation atthe Rebuilding Sarajevo Workshop, held in York, UK in May 1994, seeks toexplore the four underlying principles that are likely to be relevant tothe city of Sarajevo and its rebirth.

Notes: Disaster relief workers experience psychological and physical needsas a direct consequence of their disaster involvement. While this impacthas been acknowledged, relatively little is known about the nature ofthe psychosocial demands generated by prolonged exposure. Developingboth comprehensive preparatory and support programmes for relief workerswill require that the nature of these demands, their impact onpersonnel, and their implications for disaster management aredocumented. Describes the experiences of a group of nurses who providedrelief care in Romanian orphanages in the aftermath of the 1989revolution in that country. Suggests that prolonged disaster exposurecreates specific personal demands and operational problems. Problemswere described in relation to operational practices and national issues(e.g. political and cultural factors). Describes the implications ofthese factors for relief worker wellbeing and relief operationeffectiveness, together with suggestions for managing these demands.

Notes: Discusses the efficiency of disaster management policies andprogrammes in Australia. Argues that there are long-standingdeficiencies in strategic and operational planning and forecastingapproaches. Urges more co-operation and co-ordination between thevarious emergency services. Discusses the development of terrestrial andspace technologies which could be used in disaster management.

Notes: Presents a practical framework within which disaster responseoperational effectiveness can be balanced with cost efficiency. Thisbalancing is accomplished through a systematic proactive planning ofresponse requirements, costs projections, procurement and resourcemobilization. The framework is useful in general disaster responseplanning and in the development of cost-efficient procedures forsupporting disaster response efforts. It is generic and can be adaptedto local conditions and requirements.

Notes: Presents the findings from recent research into the management ofpublic safety risks in British sports grounds. Discusses the concept of"safety culture" and briefly sets out the methodologyadopted for the study. Reviews some previous work on "safetyculture" analysis, and then cultural theory, introduces and offersa socio-anthropological method of fourfold cultural categorization asthe theoretical orientation. Reveals the four contrasting, viable andarchetypical models of organizing the cross-organizational collaborationrequired for public safety risk management in British stadia and othersporting venues. Concludes by drawing out some implications for publicpolicy. Since there are four viable ways of organizing, and themanagement system at each venue will have evolved in response to itschanging local environment, it follows that there is no "one bestway" of managing safety at sports grounds.

Notes: A major earthquake causes massive destruction, high mortality, manycasualties and protracted health problems. The impact creates immediatemedical needs at the epicentre, while secondary health-related problemsare likely to arise in the areas to which the stricken population hasmoved for safety, or even afar in time and space, should the country'ssocio-economic destabilization cause further deterioration of the healthconditions. Epidemiological studies have shed light on the diseasepatterns following disasters, including earthquakes, and preparednessmeasures are possible. Discusses hospitals, injury, patient transport,logistics, communications, and disease and treatment problems arisingfrom recent earthquakes, including Kobe.

Notes: Investigates what people are prepared to do in the way of disaster preparation, and examines how these assessments may be related to personal factors and attitudes. Draws on a theoretical model of the area, developed in a previous study using a qualitative grounded theory approach. Surveys 925 persons representative of the Swedish population between the ages of 16 and 74. Data were collected in a postal questionnaire. Shows that the preparations for disasters which had been carried out by the greatest number were installation of smoke detectors, participating in practice at school or work, and learning first aid. The least performed preparations included joining a voluntary organization or training programme, stocking up with tinned food at home, taking extra insurance, and learning how to deal with psychological crisis reactions. Finds considerable subgroup differences; and that the two key dimensions of the model - sense of personal meaningfulness and societal commitment - account for the differences. Suggests actions to be taken by the Swedish authorities.

Notes: Data sets were compiled from the MHIDAS data bank for incidents where there had been five or more fatalities, ten or more injuries, 50 evacuations, or US$1 million damage. The data were converted to magnitudes on the Bradford Disaster Scale and analysed using maximum likelihood. Parameters determined from the estimation procedures were compared for compatibility between themselves and the results of analyses using other data.

Notes: An information/communication revolution is being brought about by recent developments and innovations in computer and related technologies. Recognizes that many of the consequences will be very positive for all aspects of social life, but focuses on probable and possible negative effects of the currently accelerating cyberspace revolution. Discusses ten problematical aspects for disaster planning, management and research ranging, for example, from the creation of a new kind of disaster - computer-related system failures - and the increased difficulties that will be generated for intra- and inter-organizational communication and co-ordination, to the problems that will come from an inevitable information overload and the diffusion of inappropriate or incorrect disaster relevant "facts" and "ideas".

Notes: Describes an integrated model of error management which includes: the external environment; the corporate environment; the manager and the managed; incident management; inquiries; and, learning from errors. Includes classification of error types with examples. By understanding this model organizations can improve their ability to manage error.

Notes: Purpose - Malaysia, which is in an intermediary phase of development and industrialization, has experienced various magnitudes of disasters ranging from biological, structural collapse, fires and explosions, landslides to meteorological incidents. The first major disaster that could be linked with the development of the country was the collapse of a four-storey building in 1968. This article describes how, by applying a grounded theory approach, examination and analysis of archival data were conducted to identify the phases and latent errors of this landmark disaster. Design/methodology/approach - Grounded theory approach was utilized to develop a substantive theory of socio-technical disaster preconditions. Findings - Data indicated that the disaster had developed in phases as found by other disaster scholars. Regulatory failures were found to be one of the main causes of the disaster. The disaster appeared to be an inevitable consequence of the inability of the laws and regulations to keep in tandem with the rate of development and industrialization of the nation. Originality/value - The discussion of the implications of the disaster will be of particular value for developing nations.

Notes: Purpose - The purpose of this introduction is to review some of the major issues that arose after 9/11 and set the stage for the articles that follow. Design/methodology/approach - A literature review was undertaken using both academic and mass media sources. Findings - The events of 9/11 have produced potentially positive as well as negative consequences, some anticipated and others unforeseen. Research limitations/implications - Relatively little research has been conducted on the events following 9/11, making it difficult to arrive at solid conclusions at this time. Practical implications - This special issue links the events of 9/11 with the management of organizations, a topic that has received little attention, and hopefully will encourage more scholarship in this area. Originality/value - It is important to more fully understand why 9/11 happened and what measures need to be taken to reduce the likelihood of future terrorist attacks, as well as improve the resiliency of both citizens and their organizational employers in dealing with the aftermath of such attacks should they occur again.

Notes: Reviews the inter-organizational co-operation that may be required during an emergency. Looks at the diverse cultures of diffferent organizations together with legislation and bureaucratic procedures that need to be considered in order for this process to take place. Reinforces the need to develop an exchange model of co-ordination. Reviews number of salient findings regarding emergency services and suggests directions that may improve inter-organizational relationships.

Notes: Following civilian disasters such as Piper Alpha, Hillsborough and King's Cross, personnel professionals are rethinking the types of individuals needed to fill senior posts, considering the demands of responding to a serious emergency. Presents the results from a project designed to examine the current selection, training and assessment procedures for managers of offshore oil and gas installations in the North Sea, with particular emphasis on their ability to take command in the event of a serious offshore incident. Personnel and operations managers in 38 oil and gas exploration and production companies in the UK were interviewed. Characteristics sought in an offshore installation manager were leadership and command ability, communication skills, sound judgement, decisiveness and a stable disposition. Selection decisions were based predominantly on the candidate's previous performance, appraisal reports and managerial recommendations rather than more formal methods such as interview panels, assessment centres or psychometric tests. An industry-wide concern regarding managerial competence has led to increased use of emergency management simulations for training and assessment. The lack of formal assessments during the selection procedure is surprising, but the recent introduction of high fidelity, emergency management simulations present an additional source of valuable information on future candidates if assessment data are collected rigorously.

Notes: In disaster management, relocation/resettlement is more often seenas the worst option as it gives the impression that nothing else can bedone about the hazard and people have to be moved. Relocation isunpopular, as plans to relocate entire communities are costly, mainlybecause of the need to acquire alternative locations and the provisionof housing for those resettled. More significantly, at least on the partof those being relocated, it provokes social disruption and upheavalwhen people are bundled into an alien environment. Notwithstanding theinfluence of structural/societal forces, people are also reluctant to berelocated far from relatives, friends and their place of work (orschools in the case of children). Examines the effectiveness ofgovernment-run permanent relocation schemes as a response to floodhazards in Malaysia.

Notes: Purpose - This paper aims to examine the roots of public fear and often-distorted reality of risk, and proposes methods by which emergency management agencies can successfully manage fear, should a terror-based event occur within their jurisdiction. Design/methodology/approach - The October 2002 sniper crisis in Washington, DC is used to identify the processes by which public fear is generated, maintained, and managed. Findings - In the USA's post-9/11 era of terror-awareness, extreme actions of groups like Al Qaeda are no longer necessary to spark detrimental anxiety-based social reactions. The two snipers who placed the nation's capital under siege for three weeks with one rifle and a box of bullets confirmed this fact. Washington, DC's duct tape and plastic panic buying spree, spurred by a Terrorism Threat Index increase, illustrated how the mere hint of a future event can induce irrational behavior. Practical implications - Clearly, the emergency management community can no longer simply blame the media for such strong public sentiment. Controlling public fear is a public safety responsibility but fear management must be supported by the Federal government to be effective. There exists a rapidly-growing need for agencies to adopt formal fear management capabilities staffed by appropriately-trained, dedicated officials. In many cases of terrorism, fear is the greatest emergency that must be managed, and irresponsible or inadequate attempts to do so can actually increase public risk. This paper proposes methods by which emergency management agencies can successfully manage fear, should a terror-based event occur within their jurisdiction. Originality/value - This paper will assist emergency managers, administrators at the city, county, and national levels, and others involved in planning for the management of fear during emergencies that can occur in the aftermath of terror-based events.

Notes: Purpose - In the context of the Indian subcontinent, aims to examine the suitability of using microfinance for natural disaster risk reduction at the household and community level, and also of delivering it in the wake of a natural disaster. Design/methodology/approach - Explains microfinance strategies comprising: diversifying income source; designing new loan products; risk management; sustainability of microfinance institutions post-disaster; liquidity management post-disaster, etc. Findings - States that microfinance should be recognized as one of a series of measures within a disaster risk management strategy. Along with eco-friendly farming it can help overcome poverty in developing countries. Originality/value - Probably the first real attempt to explore the importance of microfinance interventions in natural disasters both at the personal level and generally.

Notes: Purpose - This paper aims to argue that, contrary to popular thinking, technological disasters are potentially predictable, and therefore amenable to risk assessment and mitigation. What is lacking at present is a more comprehensive understanding of the hazards, embedded in complex socio-technical systems, which lead to such disasters. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses several factors that contribute to hazard formation and development, including the interaction of human and mechanical components, ambiguity, evolutionary changes, innovation and poor communication in organisational systems. Two case studies of recent disasters in Australia are presented to provide illustrations of the complexity in socio-technical systems and the hazards and risks that they harbour. Findings - The paper finds that to progress, we need two things: better conceptual models and frameworks that reveal complexity and make systems more transparent, and more satisfactory approaches to risk management. Originality/value - The paper concludes with some suggestions as to how the risks might be better understood and managed proactively.

Notes: Purpose - To inform readers comprehensively and sufficiently about the new (July 1, 2004) legal regime of SOLAS/ISPS code concerning security of ports and ships. Design/methodology/approach - The paper estimates the code's impact on vessels' security and on ships' ownership and control as well as on seafarers. Findings - The maritime security measures costing $626 million (and $168 million per year) had to be seen as the third pillar of the international shipping policy and to facilitate instead of obstructing free flow of international sea transport. Research limitations/implications - The very recent implementation of ISPS code made this paper prognostic in nature. Originality/value - This is the first account of the new regime and is of interest to shipowners and ports, US and EU seafarers.

Notes: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster was due to the ship or the management, using the modern management theory of complexity. Design/methodology/approach - The 75 pages investigation of the court has been studied and codified to the main aspects and mistakes producing the accident. After the mistakes were identified, a procedure adopted in analysis B to show how these could be avoided if a different management theory has been adopted. Findings - The main finding was that management was responsible for the accident on shore mainly and on board and that a special communication mean which is called "dialogue" in complexity theory parlance had to be adopted. Practical implications - Any shipping company and ship can identify itself through the common mistakes mentioned and adopt the proposed theory to improve safety and management's effectiveness. Originality/value - The paper provides a concise analysis of the accident. A new theory is presented and linked to this case study. The study will be useful to management on shore and on board and for IMO of Flag administrations and departments of transport and others.

Notes: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to extend the earlier application of the behavioral response model which analyzed the behavioral response to September 11, 2001, to analyzing the organizational response of the US Federal Government during the ensuing years. Design/methodology/approach - Qualitative methodology is used in which the organizational response is assessed to determine if that which has been observed parallels organizational chaos typical in natural disasters. Findings - Findings suggest the literature applicable to behavioral and organizational response to natural disasters is quite appropriate to describing the post "September 11" actions of the USA. Research limitations/implications - The argument presented suggests that the organizational response was typically chaotic and is counter-productive in defeating the long-term goals of the terrorists. While the author extends the application of the behavioral and organizational response model to the policy decisions of the US Government, some may debate his conclusion. Practical implications - Government decision makers should consider the implications of the observations shared in the paper to avoid taking the same, perhaps failed, road in the future. Originality/value - The new territory offered herein, is the application of the behavioral and organizational response model to public policy making by high government officials in the USA - analysis of organizational response issues at the highest level of government organization.

Notes: Explores the thesis that the techniques of risk analysis are necessary but in themselves insufficient components of the management of risk process. Begins by exploring the debate about risk. Proposes a definition of risk analysis, suggesting that the term refers to the sum of risk identification, estimation and evaluation. Takes the three component headings as the frameworks. Within each framework, gives an overview followed by an outline of the more common and important techniques. Discusses the issues of sufficiency and draws conclusions. Refers to the decision making techniques of risk management and sets out the overall conclusions substantiating the thesis.

Notes: National, regional and local disaster preparedness planning requirements allow a wide range of responses. Describes a study in which such responses were cast against Quarantelli's minimum criteria and Levin's notion of experience as a powerful source for change. Data collection and comparative analyses were accomplished through the examination of local school district plans and policies as well as interviews with school leaders who had survived disasters. Concludes that school districts meet minimum local standards but few meet Quarantelli's minimum; and having lived through a disaster neither served as impetus to initiate disaster preparedness plans nor resulted in plans incorporating knowledge gained.

Notes: A reprint of a classic article chronicles the simulated incident of a plane crashing into the John Hancock Tower in Boston, Massachusetts. Recounts how the plan was developed and practised by the scenario team. Inclusion by the practice team of the local fire department and paramedics paralleled reality. The exercise demonstrated that the Tower, even with an emergency plan, needed stronger preparation. This was effective because on 11 August 1992, an actual emergency occurred in the facility and the building was prepared as a result of the simulation.

Notes: Most agencies involved in dealing with the aftermath of major disasters recognize that reacting effectively involves, among other things, the collection and provision of accurate and timely information to other agencies, to the various groups of people directly involved in the disaster and to the general public. Focuses on three disasters of different kinds - Kegworth, Hillsborough and Towyn - and analyses the data gathered on these disasters and their aftermaths. Examines the flow of information during and after a disaster and considers the problems the various agencies involved may encounter in acquiring and disseminating information. Finds that, in all three disasters, plans for information handling were appreciably revised in the light of experience gained and similar deficiencies in plans were found in each case.

Notes: Provides two definitions of TQM which address TQM critical factors.Also examines a number of self-assessment frameworks and explains therole they play in determining the TQM critical factors.

Notes: The introduction of technology on the shop-floor has often beendepicted as a stressful experience for workers. Adopts aquasi-experimental approach to determine whether the automated shopfloorremains a stressful environment when considerable time for technologicalchanges to settle has elapsed. Automation does not seem to create additionalstress. However, computer numerical control (CNC)machine/robot operators and conventional machine operators facedifferent sources of stress. CNC machine/robot operators are moreaffected by quantitative overload and psychological demands, whereasconventional machine employees are more subject to inadequate supportand role ambiguity. Both groups exercised relatively low levels ofcontrol over their jobs. Provides suggestions to make the automatedshopfloor a better workplace.

Notes: The employee communication (EC) process plays a potentiallyimportant role in any quality improvement principles (QIP) programme.Addresses the need to apply QIP to the EC process itself, andunderscores the role of EC in QIP. Quality measurement is required bymost QIP programmes: and is a special challenge for the EC process.Suggests new approaches to this problem.

Notes: Much of the research into quality circles has been directed towardsthe organizational context in which they operate. This has tended toemphasize the need for commitment of senior management, rather than theoperation of quality circles themselves; an emphasis further enhanced bythe location of quality improvement within the management of changeliterature, with its focus on management led, top down change. Describesan investigation into two quality circles within the same company,indeed operating the same plant and working under the same linemanagement. Within the company the two quality circles had acquiredreputations for greatly varying levels of performance. The investigationidentified a close relation between the social cohesion of the groupsfrom which the circles were drawn and their performance. Theinvestigation showed that: within a single, favourable organizationalcontext with a supportive senior management the impact of qualityimprovement initiatives can be greatly affected by workplacesubcultures; and effective quality circles require the support andcommitment of supervisory management.

Notes: Presents the main findings of an internal and generic benchmarking exercise on the engineer availability process. This process seeks to predict customer demand in terms of the incoming call rate and match this against the available supply of engineering resources. Describes how the internal benchmarking revealed considerable differences in the way in which the different internal business units managed their engineer availability process. Explains that the main reason for the difference was in the clustering of self-managing work groups of engineers. Also points out that there are three main elements involved in ensuring the success of an engineer availability process: an accurate forecast of customer demand; a method of operating which yields an effective revision of supply to fit customer demand; and a high support environment.