Knowledge Management Approach for Enhancing Prompt and Effective Post-disaster Reconstruction: Leveraging on Information Technology

Information technology (IT) has become strongly established as a supporting tool for many professional tasks in recent years. A knowledge management system can undertake intelligent tasks in a specific domain that is normally performed by highly skilled people. Typically, the success of such a system relies on the ability to represent the knowledge for a particular subject. Post-disaster reconstruction and rehabilitation is a complex issue with several dimensions. Government, nongovernmental, and international organizations have their own stakes in disaster recovery programs, and links must be established among them as well as with the community. Concerning the post-disaster reconstruction scenario, the most significant factor is prompt decision making based on best possible information available. Effective post-disaster response is crucial and lies at the heart of disaster management agencies in almost every cautious country around the globe. This paper presents a theoretical framework of leveraging on information technology for developing a knowledge management approach for enhancing prompt and effective postdisaster reconstruction. The conceptual model consists of two main IT based components of knowledge management systems, i.e., a knowledge-base and a decision support shell for making more informed decisions for effective and timely response in post-disaster reconstruction scenarios. The system is expected to assist in improving reconstruction project processes, coordination, and team building process because the most likely areas on which to focus reduce unwise decision and can be identified during the early stage of the post-disaster scenario. Tapping into the past experiences of post-disaster scenarios, the knowledge management system provides a wealth of pertinent and useful information for decision makers and will eventually enhance collaborative ventures. Development is a dynamic process and disasters provide the opportunities to vitalize and/or revitalize this process, especially to generate local economies, and to upgrade livelihood and living condition. The success of the reconstruction phases, i.e., rescue, relief, and rehabilitation, is mainly dependent on the availability of efficient project teams and timely information to make informed decision. By having the knowledge-base and a systematic way to make well-informed decisions, combined with the efficiency of a project team and strong coordination, project success should increase. The study would assist professionals from academia and industry involved in research and reconstruction projects. The system would be helpful for them to take proactive measures for reducing uninformed decisions related to team building and project coordination processes undertaken by disaster management agencies. Professionals need to work in close cooperation with each other to give rise to a better and more efficient system. Hence, the study is valuable for all professionals involved with research and development.