A perennial simulation framework for integrated crisis management studies

Abstract

This thesis presents a perennial (integrated, symbiotic) simulation framework that targets the trans-disciplinary field of crisis management simulation, particularly hindsight, foresight, and decision support. Our research provides a robust framework which reflects the state of the art in both fields, in addition to exploiting recent novelties such as virtual worlds and symbiotic simulation. Three studies test the conceptual framework. First, a sub-technique called MMOHILS is used to test human response to building egress advisories. Next, traffic data mined from video feeds is used to determine the benefits of adding a perennial component to a traditional simulation environment. Finally, we test ?building sweep scenarios? with mixed-reality participants. Results indicate that the perennial simulation framework is suitable for crisis management simulation studies. Live exercises and tests confirm scalability up to at least 100 agents. Simulations created with the perennial framework were shown to benefit decision-makers, even under uncertainty. Finally, validation was addressed.