Understanding readiness metrics for the humanitarian operations through literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-345
Author(s):  
Aruna Apte
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Operations ◽  
Humanitarian Organizations ◽  
Emergency Responder ◽  
To Come

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to understand whether an organization knows if it is ready to respond to a disaster and whether it has the capabilities to deliver relief. Our initial motivation was to identify unique resources possessed by the United States Navy (USN) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) due to their unique and critical capabilities for humanitarian operations. The recent frequency of disasters around the world suggests these events will continue to create demand for relief capabilities. For this reason we need to understand readiness metrics not just for USN and USMC but for humanitarian organizations (Hos) in general.Design/methodology/approachWe survey relevant literature for understanding how HOs define and develop readiness metrics and associated factors. We studied documents including peer-reviewed scholarly articles, government documents, white papers, research papers and Department of Defense (DoD) briefings. We study literature that is significantly written for DoD, one, the vast experience of USN and USMC and two, the lessons learned have been documented. The literature offers substantial information on what readiness means and why it is important. This documented information is critical because it is known to the researchers in humanitarian operations that data is hard to come by.FindingsThe framework for readiness proposed at the end of this article is context the emergency responder probably uses in an informal fashion. The validation of readiness framework, we find exists in the supporting literature we review.Originality/valueThe understanding of readiness metrics for humanitarian operations for the organizations we study may offer insight into other HOs. The insights we gain may not be pivotal or counterintuitive to the conclusions based on commonsense. However, they are supported by the literature review. We formalize the concept based on conclusions of a set of diverse set of researchers and practitioners such as academic scholars, DoD personnel and government officials involved in humanitarian missions, USAID representatives that are repeatedly tasked for being ready, military and government officers from host and foreign countries and many more.

scholarly journals Bioterrorism: Lessons Learned Since the Anthrax Mailings

mBio ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Imperiale ◽  
Arturo Casadevall
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Bacillus Anthracis ◽  
Life Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
The United States ◽  
September 11 ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
September 11 Attacks

ABSTRACT In the fall of 2001, Bacillus anthracis spores were spread through letters mailed in the United States. Twenty-two people are known to have been infected, and five of these individuals died. Together with the  September 11 attacks, this resulted in a reevaluation of the risks and benefits of life science research with the potential for misuse. In this editorial, we review some of the results of these discussions and their implications for the future.

Lawsuits, not regulation, will shape US fracking

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Public Policy ◽  
Native American ◽  
The United States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Chemical Content ◽  
To Come ◽  
Fracking Fluid ◽  
Federal Rule

Subject The implications of new regulations on fracking. Significance The Department of the Interior on March 20 unveiled the first comprehensive federal rule to cover hydraulic fracturing ('fracking') operations on federally-owned and Native American lands. The rule adjusts construction standards to protect water resources and requires companies to disclose the chemical content of fracking fluid, as well as to give advance public notice of fracking activity. Impacts The United States may provide the template for shale regulations in other parts of the world. Water scarcity will lead to additional public policy constraints on fracking. The California drought will imperil the viability of the Monterey shale basin for years to come.

Iran gas can diversify European supplies in long term

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Foreign Investment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
Un Security Council ◽  
To Come

Significance The deal reached between Iran and the P5+1 negotiating group (UN Security Council permanent members plus Germany) on July 14 promises to end most sanctions on the country, in return for suspension and monitoring of its nuclear programme. If ratified by all parties, it will create opportunities for an expansion of Iran's gas production and exports. Iran is the holder of the world's largest gas reserves, according to BP estimates. It is also the third-largest producer (after the United States and Russia, and probably having overtaken Qatar during 2015), and the fourth-largest consumer. Impacts Iran could increase gas exports by advancing projects stalled by sanctions, although most of these will take some years to come to fruition. Iran would seek to attract foreign investment into its gas industry to increase production and exports in the longer term. If this occurs, Iran will compete with other gas exporters, particularly Russia, into the 2020s.

US Republicans will block Supreme Court appointment

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Supreme Court ◽  
Civil Liberties ◽  
The United States ◽  
Divided Government ◽  
Federal Regulation ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Content Type ◽  
To Come

Significance A new justice has the potential to change the tenor of the Supreme Court's rulings significantly for many years to come, on issues including the scope of federal regulation, campaign finance and the federal government's powers. Scalia was a vocal political and judicial conservative, and the upcoming political fight to appoint his successor will reflect the broader conservative-progressive debate about civil liberties, the scope of the Constitution and the role of government in society. Impacts The Obama administration is likely to see many of its administrative actions upheld, at least until his term ends next January. An open Supreme Court seat may boost turnout by conservative Republican voters worried about a moderate or liberal appointment. Appointment politics and numerous federal vacancies are likely to persist as a feature of divided government in the United States.

A benchmarking framework for understanding bus performance in the US

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1533-1550
Author(s):  
Lindsey Morse ◽  
Mark Trompet ◽  
Alexander Barron ◽  
Richard Anderson ◽  
Daniel J. Graham
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
System Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transit Agencies

PurposeThis paper describes a benchmarking framework applied to medium-sized urban public bus agencies in the United States, which has overcome the challenges of data quality, comparability, and understanding.Design/methodology/approachThe benchmarking methodology described in this paper is based on lessons learned through seven years of development of a fixed-route key performance indicator (KPI) system for the American Bus Benchmarking Group (ABBG). Founded in 2011, the ABBG is a group of public medium-sized urban bus agencies that compare performance and share best practices with peers throughout the United States. The methodology is adapted from the process used within international benchmarking groups facilitated by Imperial College and consists of four main elements: peer selection, KPI system development, processes to achieve high-quality data, and processes to understand relative performance and change.FindingsThe four main elements of the ABBG benchmarking methodology consist of 18 subelements, which when applied overcome three main benchmarking challenges: comparability, data quality, and understanding. While serving as examples for the methodology elements, the paper provides specific insights into service characteristics and performance among ABBG agencies.Research limitations/implicationsThe benchmarking approach described in this paper requires time and commitment and thus is most suitably applied to a concise group of agencies.Practical implicationsThis methodology provides transit agencies, authorities, and benchmarking practitioners a framework for effective benchmarking. It will lead to high-quality comparable data and a strong understanding of the performance context to serve as a basis for organizational changes, whether for policy, planning, operations, stakeholder communication, or program development.Originality/valueThe methodology, while consistent with recommendations from literature, is unique in its scale, in-depth validation and analysis, and holistic and multidimensional approach.

Foreign help may determine Iran’s sanctions response

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Export Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Exports ◽  
Near Term ◽  
To Come

Significance The threat of the sanctions had already caused a decline in oil exports, damaging the economy, although the announcement of waivers may prevent a further decline in the near term. Impacts The United States will adduce terrorism, rather than nuclear, threats to encourage European states to come onside. Iran's military may grow more assertive in the region if Europe fails to offer meaningful assistance. Europe and Iran’s key export markets will find ways around the sanctions unless Washington can push them hard.

The new Papers Past: an international collaboration between New Zealand, India, Germany, and the United States

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Lanz ◽  
Frederick Zarndt ◽  
Stefan Boddie ◽  
Tracy Powell ◽  
Vishal Salgotra
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
International Collaboration ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Collaborative Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clear Communication ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss international collaboration on the Papers Past historic newspaper digitisation project, with particular focus on how to work together across four countries for a successful outcome.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the stages of the project and provides project perspectives from all the partners. Concludes with lessons learned.FindingsThe article confirms that clear communication and requirements are essential to any collaborative project.Originality/valueThis study provides insight into how to overcome the difficulties of working collaboratively on projects across different countries and cultures.

scholarly journals Failure to lead on COVID-19: what went wrong with the United States?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Spyros Schismenos ◽  
Antoine A. Smith ◽  
Garry J. Stevens ◽  
Dimitrios Emmanouloudis
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
State Government ◽  
News Media ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Crisis Leadership ◽  
Source Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trump Administration

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the federal decisions to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response in the United States and consider the different approaches employed by the California state government.Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses on COVID-19-related issues, responses and implications in federal countries, and largely draws comparisons between the Trump Administration and California state.FindingsThe slow response of the federal government could have been avoided, had there been a current and tested national plan. The defunding of the Office of Pandemics and Emerging Threats, and the lack of coordination between the Trump Administration and the states have contributed to its ranking as the country with the highest COVID-19 infection and fatality rates worldwide. California state oversaw an effective initial pandemic response, which was ultimately undermined by a lack of national support and the refusal of some citizens to comply with the restrictions.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper draws upon open-source information published on government websites and news media.Originality/valueAs the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States is currently ongoing, information about the federal governance and state response is still evolving. The authors examine California as a state exemplar, since it is the largest such jurisdiction by populace and the first state to issue statewide mandatory lockdown measures. This comparison offers insights as to the decisive initiatives that could have occurred at the federal level. The “lessons learned” highlight the critical role of crisis leadership in societal and public health preparedness for future pandemic events.

Looking Out for Something Better to Come: Interview with Director Hanna Polak

2016 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-71
Author(s):  
Masha Shpolberg
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hair Color ◽  
Yale University ◽  
Garbage Dump ◽  
To Come

Hanna Polak was in the United States in December 2015 for a screening of Something Better to Come (2014) and The Children of Leningradsky (2004) at Yale University, where the interview was conducted. Polak's devastating documentary Something Better to Come swept through the festival circuit with force, winning a Special Jury Award at IDFA along with awards at over twenty other festivals. Shot illegally on a garbage dump just outside Moscow over the course of fourteen years, the film follows a girl named Yula from age 10 to 24, as she grows up doing the things that teenagers everywhere do—experimenting with her hair color and makeup, with cigarettes and alcohol—all while living in the most difficult of conditions.

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