Systems Approach to Management of Disasters: Methods and Applications - Hardcover

Simonovic, Slobodan P.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470528095 ISBN 13: 9780470528099

Publisher: Wiley, 2010

Synopsis

The main goal of this text is to introduce the systems approach to disasters management community as an alternative approach that can provide support for interdisciplinary activities involved in the management of disasters. The systems approach draws on the fields of operations research and economics to create skills in solving complex management problems.

The text is organized into four parts. Part I provides an introductory discussion of disaster management including an overview of the main terms used. Part II is devoted to the introduction of systems theory, mathematical formalization and classification of methods. The material presented in this section should be of practical relevance during the process of selecting an appropriate tool for the solution of a problem. Part III is technical in nature, providing a simulation approach and a detailed description of system dynamics simulation. This section details two areas of application: flood evacuation simulation, and disaster risk assessment. Part IV ends with a chapter covering steps to improve disaster management. Finally parts of the book can be used as a tool for specialized short courses for practitioners. For example a course on 'System analysis for emergency management optimization' could be based on Chapters 3, 4 and parts of Chapter 6.

Included in the book is a CD with three computer programs Vensim PLE, LINPRO, and COMPRO. Vensim PLE (Personal Learning Edition) is state-of-the-art simulation software used for the implementation of system dynamics simulation. The other two programs are: LINPRO, a linear programming optimization tool; and COMPRO, for the implementation of the multi-objective analysis tool of compromise programming.

About this title

From the Back Cover

The ultimate reference on managing disasters by implementing a systems approach

Proper management in the face of a natural or technological disaster necessitates a transformation of attitude toward integration of economic, social, and environmental concerns related to disasters, and of the actions necessary to deal with them. Recent trends in confronting disasters include consideration of the entire region under threat, explicit consideration of all costs and benefits, elaboration of a large number of alternatives to reduce the damages, and the greater participation of all stakeholders in decision-making. Systems approaches based on simulation, optimization, and multi-objective analyses have great potential for providing appropriate support for effective disaster management in this emerging context. This systems approach to managing disasters is the focus of this book, which outlines proven strategies for pooling interdisciplinary resources more efficiently to boost emergency responses. An invaluable reference, Systems Approach to Managing Disasters illustrates how a systems approach to management of disasters can be the difference maker in times of crisis. Systems Approach to Managing Disasters:

• Includes a CD with worked examples and state-of-the-art simulation, optimization, and multi-objective analyses computer programs

• Discusses the methodologies and use of the systems tools vital to solving real disaster management problems

• Directs readers to a companion Web site with additional exercises and solutions as well as applications that can be shared among the users of the book

Organized into four parts covering every aspect of managing disasters, Systems Approach to Managing Disasters draws on the fields of operations research, and economics, to create the skills necessary for solving complex disaster management problems.

About the Author

SLOBODAN P. SIMONOVIC is a Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and an Engineering Research Chair of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction at the University of Western Ontario. He teaches courses in civil engineering systems, water resources systems, and disaster management. He actively works for national and international professional organizations and has received a number of awards for excellence in teaching, research, and outreach. He has also been invited to present special courses for practicing water and disaster managers in many countries.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0470528095
• ISBN 13: 9780470528099
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 348