Turning Common Operational Picture Data into Double-loop Learning from Crises – can Vision Meet Reality?

Abstract

This study proposes a framework for double-loop learning from crises, using common operational pictures (COP). In most crises, a COP is of outmost importance to gain a common understanding among inter-organizational response. A COP is typically expressed through a map visualization. While the technologies to support COP progress rapidly, the corresponding practice of evaluating the COP and situational awareness is not yet established. Tools that enable responders to learn after the crisis, look back in time on the COP devel-opment and detect the barriers that prevent the COP establishment, still seem absent. Double-loop learning is an organizational practice to learn from previous actions widely adopted in the safety domain, and lately used in crisis management. This paper addresses the perceived gap by presenting the technical, organizational and structural requirements derived from document analysis, observation, and a workshop with multiple crisis management stakeholders, and integrating them to an initial framework.