Dissertation Defense Schedule
Academic Excellence
Sharing original dissertation research is a principle to which the University of Delaware is deeply committed. It is the single most important assignment our graduate students undertake and upon completion is met with great pride.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone by attending their dissertation defense. Please review the upcoming dissertation defense schedule below and join us!
PROGRAM | Disaster Science and Management
Evolution of Culture among Warning System Organizations
By: Danielle Nagele Chair: Joseph Trainor
ABSTRACT
Thousands of natural hazards affect the United States each year, many resulting in loss of life, injuries, and damaged property. These hazards make obvious the need for an effective warning system with the ability to reduce losses. Even so, no single agency “owns” public notifications and warnings. Given the many organizations involved in this activity, those who study warnings often refer to the webs of warning organizations involved in local areas as a “warning system.” Further there is often a call for “integrated warning systems” or networks that work together and understand how their policies and activities interact (Quarentelli, 1990; Nigg, 1995; and Sorenson, 2000.) These warnings systems are quite complex and can be thought of as the actors, resources, and processes involved in detection, prediction, and communication of impending disasters. Understanding the way the warning system works and the interactions between each component is imperative if we are to determine what is effective and what needs to be improved. The dissertation explores a conceptual model of the warning system in order to extend our understanding of the organizations and tasks involved. In addition, this analysis examines the inter- and intra-organizational variations that can arise among warning systems in different regions. Building on the idea of disaster subculture, it is proposed that repetitive impacts from the same hazard can lead to changes in the communication structure, the roles and influence of the actors, and the available resources and their uses.
This research was conducted using a multiple case study design where organizations located within National Weather Service Warning Forecast Office regions were interviewed. Two of the cases represent areas in which the organizations face repetitive impacts from the same damaging hazard (tornadoes). While all regions experience hazards to some degree, the other two cases represent areas that do not have a particular agent impacting them on a significantly regular basis. The subjects in each case study were drawn from six types of organizations within each area. Interviews addressed tasks and activities associated with the warning system, communication within and across organizations, roles and responsibilities, and the use of resources.
The Process
Step-by-Step
Visit our “Step-by-Step Graduation Guide” to take you through the graduation process.From formatting your Dissertation to Doctoral Hooding procedures.
Dissertation Manual
Wondering how to set up the format for your paper. Refer to the “UD Thesis/Dissertation Manual” for formatting requirements and more.
Defense Submission Form
This form must be completed two weeks in advance of a dissertation defense to meet the University of Delaware Graduate and Professional Education’s requirements.
