IT Systems in Disaster Management and

Development3rd July 2010

SahanaCamp WorkshopMichael Howden

michael@aidiq.com

Overview

• Disaster Management and Development

• Information Needs• Information Management Cycle• Technologies Available

• Photos of Development

• Photos of Development

DISASTER!

Long Term - Continuous

Long Term - Continuous

Days - Months

Months - Years

Transition

What Information do you need for Disaster

Management / Development?

Beneficiaries

$

$ $

Donors

Humanitarian Organizations Supplies

INFORMATION

$Money

The Virtuous Cycle of Information Management

Data

Information

Knowledge

Activity

Process

Store / Share

Apply

Collect

How Can Technology Help?• Scalable management of information

– No stacks of forms and files to manage

• •Efficient distribution of information– Accessibility of information on demand

• Automatic collation and calculation– No delay for assessments and calculations

• Live situational awareness– Reports are updated live as data is entered

Training in a temporary shelter Kashmir, Pakistan

Logistics Staff Lira Office, Uganda

What Technologies Can We Use?

Conclusion

• We require a huge range of often similar information.

• Information is incredibly valuable in this field

• Data Information Knowledge Activity

• There are many technologies which we can use to create Information Systems.

Overview of Sahana…

Designing Information SystemsThink about:• People• Locations• Activities • Inputs• Outputs• Existing Systems and Processes

Specifications• Document History• Background

Scenarios• User Stories• Non-Goals• Definitions• Users• Data Model

• Flow Charts• Menus• Screens -

Wireframes• Technologies• References

What are the Challenges of Implementing

Information Technology Systems?

Implementation Strategies• PARTICIPATION!• Implementing Technology vs. Systems• Technology changes Organisations• Listen• Involve Stakeholders• Find a champion• User Testing• Training • Support