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The Use of Information Technology by Government in Combatting Disasters: Lessons from Katrina

The Use of Information Technology by Government in Combatting Disasters: Lessons from Katrina
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Author(s): Laura Lally (Hofstra University, USA)
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 2
Source title: Managing Worldwide Operations and Communications with Information Technology
Source Editor(s): Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A. (Information Resources Management Association, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-929-8.ch226
ISBN13: 9781599049298
EISBN13: 9781466665378

Abstract

In August; 2005; Hurricane Katrina caused a massive loss of life and destruction of property on the Gulf Coast of the United States. This paper applies Lally’s Target Shield and Weapon Model to analyze how Information Technology could have been used to mitigate the damage of the hurricane. The model is grounded in Normal Accident Theory; High Reliability Organization Theory; and Crisis Management. Recommendations for predicting; preventing; and prevailing over future disasters will emerge from the analysis.

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