Abstract
This discussion paper provides a timely consideration of how regional governments in Asia and other national governments around the world collect, manage, and share information in what is becoming an increasingly global community. The paper addresses the socio-technical perspective of government information systems and management, and draws on several public reports, media articles, and expert opinions published in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami of 26 December 2004. On the basis of the published material, the paper observes how critical early warning information was handled by government authorities in the hours before the tsunami wave strike, discusses the availability of technological solutions that can provide earthquake and tsunami warning information, and poses that government bureaucracies and human relations form the weakest link in the information chain. The type of early warning information system that might be created to avoid another loss of life, suggested improvements to inter-government information sharing and communications, and the emerging requirement for earthquake and tsunami information dissemination and education are also discussed. The paper concludes with a research agenda for government warning information systems and management.
Recommended Citation
Martin, Nigel, "The Asian Tsunami: An urgent case for improved government information systems and management" (2005). ACIS 2005 Proceedings. 93.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2005/93