An information management system model for the industrial incidents in Saudi Arabia: a conceptual framework based on SDLC methodology.(system development life cycle)

Abstract: The main focus of this study has been on the development of a conceptual framework for improving the current status of industrial accidents' control. The framework is aimed to use of ICT to improve the information exchange between the Civil Defence and Industrial Sector and to provide an information management system model for the Industrial Incidents Administration System (IIAS). The purposed system, designed to highlight the method by which data should be transferred between the Civil Defence and Industrial Sector, as well as other emergency services involved in assessing and controlling industrial accidents. This study used a survey in form of questionnaire and face-to-face interview supplemented by a document analysis of activities relating to those tow sectors and direct observation. This conceptual model based on the traditional System development life cycle methodology (SDLC).Study found that designing an information system network to link the Civil Defence and Industrial Sector in Saudi Arabia to facilitate the exchange of information to control industrial accidents is considered to be important in improving the current situation. As result of this study information management system model was purposed. Such model can be expected to contribute to improving and developing the information exchange system between the tow Sectors.

Key words: Information management system model, disaster management, SDLC methodology, Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION

In the last decade, there has been a considerable increase in the number of disasters, including natural, man-made and hybrid types of disaster. A significant increase has been noticed in the man-made category particularly in chemical, transport and nuclear installations [1]. As a direct result of this, there has been an increasing trend of exerting more social, political, legal and economic pressure to create better policies and practices in disaster preparedness, planning, management, mitigation, response and recovery [2]. In the same time, there is a significant advance in computer hardware and software, human-computer interfaces, communications and scientific tools and techniques. It is fair to say that the advances in these areas should help in reducing the vulnerability of humans and the environment to disasters.

In the 21st century, emphasis has shifted towards the communication aspects of information technology, ensuring the continued dominance of information and communication technologies (ICT).Moreover, there is no doubt that (ICT) is becoming increasingly important in every sector. In the context of disaster management, the revolution in (ICT) is changing the nature of economies and societies around the world. Currently, information networks play a major role in controlling and directing the flow of huge amounts of information. Many countries (developed and developing) have now established a series of national computer networks system, which link different sectors with the aim of sharing and exchanging information. Some organisations in Saudi Arabia, have adopted (ICT) to taken full advantage of these new technologies. Civil Defence organisation is one of the most important government organisations that adopted (ICT) and directly involved in disaster management.

The main goal of this study was to develop a model for a proposed information management system for sharing and exchanging information between the Civil Defence and Industrial Sector in Saudi Arabia, in order to control industrial accidents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Uses of (ICT) in disaster management those days have attracted considerable attention in an academic and practical setting. Several authors discussed different aspect of such issues from different perspectives. Therefore, literature review will be divided to three parts as follow.

The development of ICT in disaster management in developed countries: ICT has great impact in all aspect of life. ICT are well recognised as tools in disaster management and the effectiveness of ICT for the management of natural, human or technology-induced disasters has been unquestionably established. Hak-Su [3] reported that harnessing modern technology and increasing regional cooperation in disaster preparedness could save lives and help prevent property damage. Many lives could be saved and tragedy mitigated, if effective disaster management measures were undertaken. Yodmani and Hollister [4] stated that the role of communication technology has been recognised as integral to disaster management for a long time. In addition, the application of ICT has a role in all the four phases of disaster management. The new ICTs that have emerged over the last two decades lend themselves to greater possibilities of integration into different communication systems. Nowadays major breakthrough of ICT applications in disaster management is the design and development of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) which permit the development of base maps with district boundaries, village locations and their access to critical infrastructure like primary health centres, blood banks, hospitals, police stations, fire brigades, transport depots, etc. This facilitates more efficient decision-making, policy analysis and problem solving both during an emergency and during normal times [5].

Some states and local governments in the USA have used GIS in emergency planning and response. For example, Pennsylvania State developed a GIS database to help in its emergency planning and in Salt Lake City, Utah, GIS has been used to analyse the effect of an earthquake on the response time of fire and rescue squads. By combining information about the road networks, fire stations and the types of soil around the fault line, analysis showed how fast areas within the city could be served, the areas most likely to be affected by accidents or disasters and …