Study Data from University of Texas Update Understanding of Information Technology.

According to recent research published in the journal Disasters, "The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of information technology (IT) on emergency preparedness and planning by analysing a survey of US state government departments of emergency management. The research results show that there has been a significant impact of IT on emergency planning."

"IT has proven to be effective for all phases of emergency management, but especially for the response phase. There are numerous technologies used in emergency management, ranging from the internet, Geographic Information Systems and wireless technologies to more advanced hazard analysis models. All were generally viewed as being effective. Lack of financial resources and support from elected officials is a perennial problem in public administration, and was found to be prevalent in this study of IT and emergency management," wrote C. Reddick and colleagues, University of Texas (see also Information Technology).

The researchers concluded: "There was evidence that state governments rating high on a performance index were more likely to use IT for emergency management."

Reddick and colleagues published their study in Disasters (Information technology and emergency management: preparedness and planning in US states. Disasters, 2011;35(1):45-61).

For additional information, contact C. Reddick, University of Texas San Antonio, Dept. of Public Administration, 501 W Durango Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78207, USA.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Disasters is: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc., Commerce Place, 350 Main St., Malden 02148, MA, USA.

Keywords: City:San Antonio, State:TX, Country:United States, Finance, Financial, Information Technology, Information and Data Systems, Investing, Investment, Politics, State Government

This article was prepared by Bioterrorism Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Bioterrorism Week via NewsRx.com.