Reconstruction and Exploration of Large-scale Distributed Operations – Multimedia tools for Evaluation of Emergency Management Response

The notes from the diary and the video documentation were scrutinized by an evaluator. Similar data were initially clustered and successively formed into categories displaying certain aspects of the use of R&E and F-REX.

Case StudiesParticipant observation and interviewsQuantitative method for evaluation of exercises

The observation had its focus on the R&E/F-REX applicability in this new environment, perceived benefits, and experienced problems, and how it complemented traditional research methods for evaluation.

 The exercise consisted of four linked scenarios played over a period of 2 weeks.Each scenario was followed by short periods of evaluation and debriefingR&E was applied to capture the course of events and reconstruct it in F-REX for further analysis and evaluation.

Notes were collected in a digital log, sometimes complemented with video documentation, eg, of the AAR sessions. In addition, a focus group interview was held with five military observers who had been participating in the field during the exercise.

 Is the R&E approach, supported by proper multimedia technology, applicable to largescale operational contexts and what are its benefits, drawbacks, limitations, and needs for modification to suit these contexts?Main question: How can rich reconstructions based on large-operation factual data, and visualized by multimedia tools, complement, improve, or even replace the use of traditional quantitative or qualitative research methods when evaluating large-scale distributed operations?

Work to incorporate metadata with raw F-REX data has recently startedThe metadata component is a first step toward developing and integrating a solid analysis tool with F-REXWork has also been initiated to make the R&E methodology as such further formalized with regard to the preparatory study design, the data collection, and the analysis phases.Because the original version of F-REX is somewhat complex and requires training of its operators, work is presently done to provide a lighter version stored on a DVD and showing examples.

 The combination of the R&E methodology and the F-REX Studio has an explicit focus on context, communication, and multiple perspectives that is in several aspects pioneering.Practical implications, in the long run, include improved, more effective and high-quality emergency management operations alleviating consequences in terms of material damage and human suffering.

Performed as a case study at a wide large-scale military command and as acontrol exercise (  Swedish Defense area involving participatory observationand complementary group interviews.