Title: Designing theme-based tabletop exercise for identifying and dealing with coordination problems in emergencies

Authors: Svante Edzén; Maung K. Sein

Addresses: Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden ' Information Systems, University of Agder, Post Box 422, Gimlemoen, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway

Abstract: Tabletop exercises (TTXs) are used to train managers and other actors to deal with emergencies. These exercises that focus on the organisational coordination are planned and controlled by exercise managers through scenarios with predetermined events that participants discuss and act upon. Such exercises may lead to actors being ill prepared to deal with dynamic and emergent situations and problems. To address this knowledge gap, we apply an action design research approach to develop a TTX structured around non-sequential themes instead of predetermined events, thus allowing the participants to identify their own problems during the exercise. Our research contributes to existing knowledge by developing a set of design principles.

Keywords: tabletop exercises; TTXs; emergency coordination; action design research; themes; knowledge management; theme-based exercises; emergency management; training; organisational coordination; action research; design principles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2016.074883

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2016 Vol.12 No.1, pp.22 - 40

Received: 06 Oct 2014
Accepted: 27 Oct 2015
Published online: 22 Feb 2016 *

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