FIRE21 - Research 2022 - Mapping
Mapping of the organizations in the network
As a part of work package 2, we are researching and investigating network-based problem-solving in Fire and Rescue services. One of the first steps was to create a map of the organizations in the network based on formal documents published by DSB and other governmental organizations.
The map shows formal relations
The map shows the formal relations between one organization and another. In 2021, the Norwegian map was almost completed. This year, the map has been expanded and adjusted to further work with the Swedish and Danish research teams. The same mapping strategy is used.
The map enables a visual view
The map consists of points representing the different organizations and lines between them, indicating the type of formal relation. Using this method, it is possible to investigate the complete formal network visually.
Zooming in on interesting points
We can use this as a tool to zoom out on the map and zoom in on specific points of interest. As mentioned in newsletter 1, this guided us to further investigate what we saw as key actors. We could also question why some organizations were clustered while others were not.
Emergency medical service is now included
We have expanded the map and included the emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. A point of interest is that the EMS network has its own formal sub-system that uses specific procedures, networks, and terminology in addition to the overarching formal strategy.
Next step - comparison between countries
We are excited about the next phase of this research process. As the Swedish and Danish maps are soon finished, we will be able to compare the formal organization network between the three countries.
New questions to the research
The mapping process has led to questions that we bring into the next phase of the research process
New questions that evolved in the research:
- In what ways are the formal network similar and dissimilar compared to reports on real fire incidents?
- How can we understand communication in actual fire incidents that do not follow the formal network?
- Are there any organizations unexpectedly missing from the map?
The next step in the research
As the interviews with stakeholders have been conducted this year, the next step is to compare the map with the data and perhaps explore our questions further. We will also continue comparing formal reports on fire incidents with the map.