Data analysis

The post training measurement was conducted at the end of the last day of training. For the follow-up test, the participants were mailed a copy of the survey, with a self-addressed return envelope, 12 months after the training had been completed.Most data were reported as scores. Frequency and confidence scores were derived for each domain by participants’ responses to the frequency questions and the self-efficacy questions. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test differences between pre-test, post-test and follow-up test. The data from semi-structured interviews were categorized independently by three authors using the triangulation method, and the individual results of the analysis were compared and discussed until consensus was reached. All results were expressed as mean standard deviation. Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows, Version 12.0 (SPSS. Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

t-test, comparing results of agent-human with results of human-human p13

The author transcribed the tape-recorded interviews and the data were analysed using the method of latent content analysis. The analysis started by identifying the units of meanings that could be extracted from the statements, which were essential for participants’ experiences. It proceeded using line-by-line coding; codes were freely generated during repeated discussions between the researchers. Statements that were unrelated to the study were excluded. Codes with similar meanings were grouped into categories. The transcripts were reviewed in order to validate the codes and categories.

There is an additional paper about the software evaluation.The evaluation studies were conducted with ReliefWeb. ReliefWeb is a United Nations (UN) funded project managed through the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).CDA-processed documents are listed in the Google Earth legend, the contents and structure of which are determined by the CDA. Legend items contain folders for thematic and geographic references organized by scale (country, state, county, town etc.) found. Information is structured this way by the CDA to provide a disaster manager with interactivity over the display of thematic references and entities by geographic scale. For example, a disaster manager may only want to view counties referenced in documents. Term frequency within a document determines the height a term is rendered in 3D space.The following section provides empirical evidence, derived from a utility study and focus group discussion with disaster management practitioners, of the benefits and drawbacks of the virtual globe capabilities of the CDA to support situation awareness for disaster management.

Simulation

Data analyzed with the developed simulation tool.

Quantitative anlaysis

observation of certain overloading metrics and a careful design of the MAS

A sensitivity analysis was performed by changing the initial number relief units that are available for conducting response activities.

Interviewer notes were transcribed and sent back to interviewees for validation.