Bjørn Erik Munkvold

• Steen-Tveit, Kristine & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2025). Practitioners' perceptions of the potential use of live video for enhancing situational awareness in ongoing life-threatening violence incidents. International Journal of Emergency Management. ISSN 1471-4825. doi: 10.1504/IJEM.2025.10076194. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Responding to ongoing life-threatening violence incidents is complex and dangerous, requiring first responders to act consistently and effectively. During the action phase, an interdisciplinary on-scene command team (OSCT), consisting of incident commanders from the involved first responder agencies, is quickly formed to manage the situation. Their situational awareness (SA) is based on available information, with verbal updates from field units as the main source. Effective information sharing between OSCT and field units is crucial for success, requiring shared team SA. Misunderstandings may reduce performance, highlighting the need for robust information-sharing systems. Based on empirical data from exercises, surveys, and interviews, this study analyses how live video images could enhance information sharing and improve OSCT’s SA. Two key challenges are identified: (1) inadequate information during the alert phase, and (2) limited information sharing for team SA. Findings emphasise the potential of live video to address these challenges while considering both benefits and difficulties.

• Rustenberg, Kjetil; Steen-Tveit, Kristine; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Radianti, Jaziar (2024). Collaborative Evaluation: Mapping Socio-Technical Patterns in an Emergency Exercise. Proceedings of the International ISCRAM Conference. doi: 10.59297/38dek947. Full text in Research Archive
• Bui, Nam; Merschbrock, Christoph; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Su, Le Hoanh (2024). Digital Transformation for Construction Facility Management in Developing Countries: A Review of BIM Applications. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. ISSN 2195-4356. p. 393–403. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-59042-9_32. Full text in Research Archive
• Steen-Tveit, Kristine; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Rustenberg, Kjetil (2024). Use of Standard Operating Procedures for Supporting Cross‑Organizational Emergency Management: Challenges and Opportunities Identifed from a Tabletop Exercise. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science. ISSN 2095-0055. 15(4), p. 673–687. doi: 10.1007/s13753-024-00583-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study investigated the crucial role of formulating and applying standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the context of emergency planning and response. The efective application of SOPs during operations is essential in order to address challenges that surpass individual organizational capacities. A specifc focus on fostering efcient information sharing and executing specifed actions maximizes the prospect of success. To explore the collective functionality of SOPs across organizations, we conducted a comprehensive tabletop exercise involving 10 organizations spanning tactical, operational, and strategic levels. Our analysis identifed six key challenges, primarily related to the structures for information sharing, communication pathways, and the complex integration and application of common SOPs within these diverse organizational contexts. This research contributes insights into the use of SOPs in large-scale, cross-organizational scenarios.

• Steen-Tveit, Kristine; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Skattør, Bente (2024). Enhancing Team Situational Awareness in Crime Scene Investigation through the Use of Head Cameras. NIKT: Norsk IKT-konferanse for forskning og utdanning. ISSN 1892-0713. 2, p. 1–14. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, where data volumes are expanding at a dramatic rate, law enforcement agencies face the imperative to significantly boost their efficiency. Modern society is undergoing a revolutionary shift in the digital realm, compelling law enforcement and other public sector agencies to stay up to date and explore the potential of new technologies for enhancing team situational awareness and overall performance. However, the integration of new technological tools does not consistently translate into increased effectiveness in police work. Also, the technology must be customized for officers' benefit, and its acceptance depends on multiple factors. This paper outlines the background, intent, and early results of an ongoing Norwegian project examining the possibilities of using head cameras during crime scene investigation (CSI) for live streaming and video recording. The results from field trials and a following survey indicate considerable promise in enhancing team situational awareness within CSI.

• Steen-Tveit, Kristine; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Rustenberg, Kjetil (2024). Enhancing cross-organizational collaboration in crisis management: Outcomes from a full-scale regional exercise in Norway. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. ISSN 0966-0879. 32(4). doi: 10.1111/1468-5973.70000. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Cross-organizational collaboration exercises are crucial in improving preparedness and promoting team situational awareness for effective crisis management. Despite their potential, studies suggest that these exercises may often yield results with limited learning and practical benefits. This study analyzes a full-scale regional crisis management collaboration exercise conducted in Norway, involving 10 different organizations, and engaging over 200 participants. Using a survey-based data collection method focusing on the ‘Collaboration, Learning, and Utility-Scale’, complemented by on-site observations and data collection from various exercise locations, we scrutinize the exercise's effectiveness in enhancing collaborative efforts, learning outcomes and overall utility. The findings contribute valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement in cross-organizational collaboration, offering practical implications for optimizing future crisis management preparedness initiatives.

• Bui, Nam; Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2024). Innovation communities as catalysts for BIM adoption: a cross-case analysis of BIM communities in Norway and Vietnam. Construction Innovation. ISSN 1471-4175. doi: 10.1108/CI-07-2022-0167. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2023). Støtte for effektivt samvirke ved større hendelser. Sikkerhet. p. 64–64. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2023). Supporting Inter-Agency Collaboration in Emergency Management: Recurring Challenges Relevant for CSCW. Reports of the European Society for Socially Embedded Technologies. 7(2). doi: 10.48340/ecscw2023_n01. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Emergency management requires effective collaboration between different agencies. This work implies several challenges due to a heterogeneous mix of actors with different procedures, practices, and support tools. Despite being focused in various research streams, emergency responders still report challenges with sharing information and establishing shared situational awareness in responding to complex events. The paper presents results from a large-scale digital tabletop exercise that illustrate recurring challenges related to support for collaborative procedures, a communication network structure combining several media, use of geocollaborative tools, and configuration of collaborative environments in co-located operations centers. CSCW researchers are well positioned to further address these challenges and thus make an impact in a domain of high societal importance.

• Pilemalm, Sofie Elisabeth; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Radianti, Jaziar (2023). Developing Information Systems for Collaborative Emergency Management: Requirements Analysis and Prototyping. In Gjøsæter, Terje; Radianti, Jaziar & Murayama, Yuko (Ed.), Information Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction, 7th IFIP WG 5.15 International Conference, ITDRR 2022 - ITDRR 2022. Springer. ISSN 9783031342066. p. 153–169. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-34207-3_10. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The paper presents needs and requirements for information systems support for collaborative emergency management, developed in collaboration with emergency management stakeholders in Norway. The requirements focus on three basic elements for shared situation awareness (SA) in inter-agency emergency response: terminology harmonization, map-based common operational picture (COP), and support for evaluation and learning from incidents. Building on core design principles for emergency management information systems, prototypes have been developed for these three areas and validated with potential users. The paper contributes with a user-centric approach in identifying and designing information systems support for collaborative emergency management together with stakeholders, moving from needs to requirements to design proposals and covering core elements of COPs needed for shared SA. The collected requirements and prototypes developed may serve as a basis for further development of standardized solutions for inter-agency emergency operations.

• Steen-Tveit, Kristine & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2023). Defining Common Information Requirements for Supporting Multiagency Emergency Operations. In Scholl, Hans Jochen; Holdeman, Eric E. & Boersma, F. Kees (Ed.), Disaster Management and Information Technology: Professional Response and Recovery Management in the Age of Disasters. Springer. ISSN 9783031209390. p. 307–322. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-20939-0_14. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Effective response in complex emergency events requires establishing shared situational awareness among the agencies involved, through sharing relevant information and building a common operational picture (COP). However, despite its acknowledged importance, developing effective practices for such information sharing proves to be challenging. A basis for this is identifying what information is critical to share and also defining a well-functioning structure for this. Based on interviews with Norwegian emergency management stakeholders, this study investigates common information requirements for emergency management services and presents an example of a framework for structuring the sharing of critical information and building a COP. The study identified eight common information requirement categories for managing extreme weather scenarios. The focus on common information needs and a process for structured information sharing contributes to a more holistic perspective on cross-sectoral operations than in current practice.

• Opach, Tomasz; Rød, Jan Ketil & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2023). Map functions to facilitate situational awareness during emergency events. Cartography and Geographic Information Science. ISSN 1523-0406. 50(6), p. 546–561. doi: 10.1080/15230406.2023.2264759. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Emergency events such as floods and wildfires are handled by various responders and at various levels: strategic, tactical, and operational. To facilitate situational awareness, emergency responders require customized map-based decision support systems that are tailored to specific needs depending on the responders’ organizational affiliation, role, objectives, and occupationally specific knowledge. As a result, the systems are equipped with manifold map functions. However, the diversity of map-based emergency tools in use impedes gaining common user skills among their target audiences and thus, requires a systematic overview. Through a multistep research process, this study was to: investigate the requirements for support from map-based tools expressed by various emergency responders in Norway, identify desired map functions, and categorize those functions to facilitate an overview. Six stages constituted our workflow: meetings with Norwegian emergency responders, survey on selected map-based tools, interviews with designers and users of tools, a table-top exercise, theoretical considerations, and validation with stakeholders. This study contributes to the state of the art by systematizing and structuring knowledge about map functions that facilitate situational awareness. In turn, it helps developing and optimizing functionality of map-based tools depending on needs of specific emergency responders.

• Berge, Geir Thore; Granmo, Ole-Christoffer; Tveit, Tor Oddbjørn; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Ruthjersen, Anna Linda & Sharma, Jivitesh (2023). Machine learning-driven clinical decision support system for concept-based searching: a field trial in a Norwegian hospital. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making. 23. doi: 10.1186/s12911-023-02101-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Natural language processing (NLP) based clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) have demonstrated the ability to extract vital information from patient electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate important decision support tasks. While obtaining accurate, medical domain interpretable results is crucial, it is demanding because realworld EHRs contain many inconsistencies and inaccuracies. Further, testing of such machine learning-based systems in clinical practice has received limited attention and are yet to be accepted by clinicians for regular use. Methods We present our results from the evaluation of an NLP-driven CDSS developed and implemented in a Norwegian Hospital. The system incorporates unsupervised and supervised machine learning combined with rulebased algorithms for clinical concept-based searching to identify and classify allergies of concern for anesthesia and intensive care. The system also implements a semi-supervised machine learning approach to automatically annotate medical concepts in the narrative. Results Evaluation of system adoption was performed by a mixed methods approach applying The Unifed Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a theoretical lens. Most of the respondents demonstrated a high degree of system acceptance and expressed a positive attitude towards the system in general and intention to use the system in the future. Increased detection of patient allergies, and thus improved quality of practice and patient safety during surgery or ICU stays, was perceived as the most important advantage of the system. Conclusions Our combined machine learning and rule-based approach benefts system performance, efciency, and interpretability. The results demonstrate that the proposed CDSS increases detection of patient allergies, and that the system received high-level acceptance by the clinicians using it. Useful recommendations for further system improvements and implementation initiatives are reducing the quantity of alarms, expansion of the system to include more clinical concepts, closer EHR system integration, and more workstations available at point of care.

• Steen-Tveit, Kristine; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Radianti, Jaziar (2022). Using live video for communication between lay bystanders and emergency dispatchers in command and control centres. International Journal of Emergency Management. ISSN 1471-4825. 17(2), p. 154–176. doi: 10.1504/IJEM.2021.122930. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveen, Håkon Sjøberg; Østrem, Filip; Radianti, Jaziar & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2022). The CISO Role: a Mediator between Cybersecurity and Top Management. NIKT: Norsk IKT-konferanse for forskning og utdanning. ISSN 1892-0713. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  As organizations increasingly rely on digital solutions, they also become more exposed to cybersecurity threats. Thus, cybersecurity is becoming a strategic concern for the organizations rather than merely a technological issue. However, many organizations are still not sufficiently aware of the cybersecurity risks and their mitigation. This article studies how to engage the top management more in cybersecurity in order to mitigate the risk of cybersecurity threats. In particular, we focus on the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) as part of the organization’s cybersecurity strategy. We conducted qualitative interviews with nine cybersecurity professionals, including four CISOs, two CEOs, one information security leader and two information security experts. Our study shows that the CISO role is acknowledged as important for facilitating communication between the technical staff and the top management, and for making top management understand the importance of their involvement in cybersecurity. In this sense, the CISO may serve the role as a mediator related to security aspects of the organization. Further, our findings support previous research on the importance for top management to engage actively in cybersecurity matters, including operational risk management, identifying critical assets and data, and defining necessary cybersecurity controls (physical, technical and administrative).

• Hausvik, Geir Inge; Thapa, Devinder & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2021). Information quality life cycle in secondary use of EHR data. International Journal of Information Management. ISSN 0268-4012. 56. doi: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102227. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The paper argues that existing research on information quality (IQ) mainly focuses on the primary use of electronic health record (EHR) data, whereas IQ in secondary use of EHR data needs further deliberation. The current view of IQ in a healthcare context is static. It assumes that once the EHR system generates the infor- mation product, individual users may act on the information based on their subjective perception of its quality. However, this view ignores the complexities of secondary use of EHR data, in which users are actively involved in (re)generating and communicating the information product. Thus, IQ does not remain static but keeps on transforming through active engagement and interpersonal communication. To contribute to this debate, we conducted a qualitative case study in a Norwegian healthcare context by employing an IQ life cycle model. In conclusion, we enhanced the existing IQ model by (1) adding interpersonal communication, (2) showing the interrelations of the IQ dimensions, and (3) integrating the mechanisms of the transformation process for IQ in secondary use of EHR data. In doing so, we unfold the dynamics of IQ in the secondary use of EHR data.

• Pilemalm, Sofie Elisabeth; Radianti, Jaziar; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Majchrzak, Tim A. & Steen-Tveit, Kristine (2021). Turning Common Operational Picture Data into Double-loop Learning from Crises – can Vision Meet Reality? Proceedings of the International ISCRAM Conference. 18, p. 417–430. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study proposes a framework for double-loop learning from crises, using common operational pictures (COP). In most crises, a COP is of outmost importance to gain a common understanding among inter-organizational response. A COP is sometimes expressed through a map visualization. While the technologies to support COP progress rapidly, the corresponding practice of evaluating the COP and situational awareness is not yet established. Tools that enable responders to learn after the crisis, look back in time on the COP development and detect the barriers that prevent the COP establishment, still seem absent. Double-loop learning is an organizational practice to learn from previous actions widely adopted in the safety domain, and lately used in crisis management. This paper addresses the perceived gap by presenting the technical, organizational and structural requirements derived from document analysis, observation, and a workshop with multiple crisis management stakeholders, and integrating them to an initial framework.

• Steen-Tveit, Kristine & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2021). From common operational picture to common situational understanding: An analysis based on practitioner perspectives. Safety Science. ISSN 0925-7535. 142. doi: 10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105381. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The concepts of Situational Awareness (SA) and Common Operational Picture (COP) are closely related and well-acknowledged to be crucial factors for effective emergency management. In multi-agency operations, such as extreme weather events, the involved first responders manage the event with different mandates, objectives, and tools which can make it challenging to build a COP. Effective collaboration requires a common situational understanding, based on knowledge about each other’s responsibilities and tasks, mutual respect and trust, as well as common communication tools for emergency communication and information sharing. This paper argues that the COP serves as a basis for deciding on further action, and thus represents a first stage in the process of establishing common situational understanding among the involved actors. The empirical basis for the study includes interviews with Norwegian emergency management stakeholders, analysis of audio-logs, and review of public documents. Based on the analysis we present a framework comprising activities and processes involved in establishing a COP as a basis for common situational understanding.

• Steen-Tveit, Kristine; Radianti, Jaziar & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2020). Using Audio-Logs for Analyzing the Development of a Common Operational Picture in Multi-agency Emergency Response. In Bui, Tung X. (Eds.), Proceeding of the 53rd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS 2020). AIS Electronic Library University of Hawai'i at Manoa Hamilton Library 2550 McCarthy Mall Honolulu, HI 96822. ISSN 9780998133133. p. 604–613. doi: 10.24251/hicss.2020.074. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Multi-agency emergency response requires effective communication and collaboration for building and maintaining a common operational picture. Full-scale exercises are shown to be effective for learning, and for training the collaborative skills needed. This paper presents a methodology for analysis of real-time communication for building the common operational picture, using audio-logs. The analysis of the audio-logs provides insights for both practitioners and researchers in the emergency management domain concerning the dynamics of inter-agency collaboration and information exchanges when responding to emergencies. Coding and categorizing of audio-log-based information exchanges among multi-agency stakeholders were applied based on a full-scale emergency exercise on multiple terror actions. The results show that the methodology can contribute to analyze the development of a common operational picture, supplementing existing methods for evaluation of full-scale emergency exercises and real events.

• Steen-Tveit, Kristine; Radianti, Jaziar & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2020). SMS-based Real-time Data Collection for Evaluation of Situational Awareness and Common Operational Picture : Lessons Learned from A Field Exercise. In Hughes, Amanda; McNeill, Fiona & Zobel, Christopher W. (Ed.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Virginia Tech. ISSN 9781949373271. p. 276–284. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Managing complex multi-agency emergency operations requires that the key actors have a holistic, correct and dynamic situational awareness (SA) and that the involved actors establish a common operational picture (COP). Establishing SA and COP are key objectives in many multi-agency exercises, however, reported research shows limitations in existing methods and approaches for collecting the data required for evaluating this. By being able to capture near real-time information during different phases of the exercise we will be better positioned to identify what works well and what does not work in the process of establishing SA and COP. Our paper presents an example of real-time data collection using SMS during a multi-agency field exercise. Overall, the results support the idea of this as an effective method for collecting real-time data for analyzing the formation of SA and a COP among actors in emergency management.

• Opach, Tomasz; Rød, Jan Ketil; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Radianti, Jaziar; Steen-Tveit, Kristine & Grottenberg, Lars Ole (2020). Map-based interfaces for common operational picture. In Hughes, Amanda; McNeill, Fiona & Zobel, Christopher W. (Ed.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Virginia Tech. ISSN 9781949373271. p. 506–516. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Common operationalpicture (COP) map-based interfacesdisplay operational information to support integrationofemergency responders. Such interfacesintegrate different subsystems and present the resulting information into an overview for enabling situation awareness. Literature shows that they are often developed from non-user-centric perspectives and are defined in technological terms that arenot adequately capturing the users’ needs. Therefore,theaim of this particular work in progressis to get insight into the features and the role of COP map-based interfaces currently being used in Norway to (1) examine theircontent, functionality, and design;and(2) to understand how such displays are incorporated into the servicecontext.This studystructuresthe knowledge on map displays that constitute part of the COP services.Using workshopand interviews with the developers and usersof existing COP map services, we identify requirements for a common operational symbology and common operational functionality to improvesuch map services andmake them interoperable.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Radianti, Jaziar; Rød, Jan Ketil; Opach, Tomasz; Snaprud, Mikael & Pilemalm, Sofie [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2019). Sharing incident and threat information for common situational understanding. Proceedings of the International ISCRAM Conference. 2019-May, p. 1357–1363. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This paper presents the INSITU research project initiated to provide a systematic approach for effective sharing, integration and use of information from different sources, to establish a common operational picture (COP) and shared situational understanding among multiple actors in emergency response. The solution developed will provide an interactive map display, integrating harmonisation of terminology and collaboration support for information sharing and synthesis. The enhanced COP will also support evaluation and learning from exercises and incidents. The project involves close collaboration with emergency management stakeholders in Norway, for requirements analysis, participatory design, and validation of project deliverables. The research will improve information sharing and decision support in emergency operations centres, which will contribute to improve societal resilience through more effective response capability.

• Hausvik, Geir Inge; Thapa, Devendra Bahadur & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2019). The Role of Mediators in Transforming and Translating Information Quality: A Case of Quality Assurance in a Norwegian Hospital Trust. Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS). ISSN 1530-1605. 52(1), p. 4115–4124. doi: 10.24251/HICSS.2019.499. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The existing literature on information quality (IQ) provides limited understanding of how roles influence IQ in healthcare. The traditional way of understanding roles such as collectors, custodians, and consumers assumes that data are simply transformed into information and subsequently used by consumers. However, this does not explain how interpersonal communication influences IQ. In reality, the actors involved can actively change the quality of healthcare information through transformation, translation, or distortion. Latour’s idea of intermediaries and mediators can be an appropriate lens for understanding these roles. Latour defined intermediaries as socio-technical actors who simply transport information, whereas mediators can transform, translate, distort, and change the meaning of information. Following Latour’s idea, we conducted a qualitative case study of quality assurance in a Norwegian healthcare organization. In doing so, we illustrated how IQ mediators can distort or create shared understanding of quality assurance information, which further influences enactment.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Opach, Tomasz; Pilemalm, Sofie; Radianti, Jaziar; Rød, Jan Ketil & Snaprud, Mikael (2019). Sharing information for common situational understanding in emergency response. In Johannesson, Paul; Ågerfalk, Pär J. & Helms, Remko (Ed.), Proceedings of the 27th European Conferenceon Information Systems (ECIS), Stockholm & Uppsala, Sweden, June 8-14, 2019. Association for Information Systems (AIS). ISSN 9781733632508. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Emergency responders lack support to effectively share information and establish a common operational picture COP), for reaching shared situational understanding of threats and incidents. This challenge is multifaceted: lack of a systematic overview of information elements that are critical to share in different crisis scenarios; no common map interface in place using standard symbols; and different terminologies used across disciplines, resulting in possible communication and coordination problems. The paper presents a research project initiated to provide a systematic approach for effective sharing, integration and use of information from different sources, to establish a COP and shared situational understanding among multiple actors in emergency response. The solution to be developed will provide a common map-based interface, integrating harmonisation of terminology and collaboration support for information sharing and synthesis. The enhanced COP will also support evaluation and learning from exercises and incidents. The project involves close collaboration with emergency management stakeholders in Norway, for requirements analysis, participatory design, and validation of project deliverables. The research will improve information sharing and decision support in emergency operations centres, which will contribute to improve societal resilience through more effective response capability.

• Lazareva, Aleksandra & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2018). Facilitating Collaboration: Potential Synergies Between Collaboration Engineering and Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. International Journal of e-collaboration. ISSN 1548-3673. 13(3), p. 22–38. doi: 10.4018/IJeC.2017070102. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article explores the potential synergy between computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and collaboration engineering (CE). Both areas pursue the goal of understanding how to manage interactions in collaborative groups to achieve shared understanding, reduce process losses, and improve performance. By analyzing the research in the two areas, the authors identify several topics where exchange of research findings would be of mutual benefit. For example, research on CE can inform collaboration script research on reducing learners' cognitive load, providing sufficient guidance on the use of tools, and specifying the instructor role during the collaborative learning process. Similarly, collaboration script research can provide useful insights to CE on the appropriation and internalization of effective support strategies. CE research could also learn from script research on training group participants into specific roles. Further challenges include designing scripts that balance restrictiveness and flexibility and refining the theoretical foundation of the two research areas.

• Radianti, Jaziar; Martinez, Santiago; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Konnestad, Morgan (2018). Co-design of a Virtual Training Tool with Emergency Management Stakeholders for Extreme Weather Response, Design, User Experience, and Usability: Theory and Practice - 7th International Conference, DUXU 2018. Springer. ISSN 9783319917962. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-91797-9_14. Full text in Research Archive
• Bui, Nam; Merschbrock, Christoph; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Lassen, Ann Karina (2018). An institutional perspective on BIM implementation – A case study of an intercity railway project in Norway, Information Systems Development: Designing Digitalization (ISD2018 Proceedings). Association for Information Systems (AIS). ISSN 9789177538769. Full text in Research Archive
• Thapa, Devinder; Budhathoki, Nama Raj & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2017). Analyzing Crisis Response through Actor-network Theory: The Case of Kathmandu Living Labs. Communications of the Association for Information Systems. 41(1), p. 414–428. doi: 10.17705/1cais.04119. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Crisis response is the most critical stage in crisis management during which actors make important decisions on mitigating a crisis. However, the decision making in such situations is a complex sociotechnical phenomenon. The literature specifies crisis response to include four steps (i.e., observation, interpretation, choice, and dissemination) and suggests a sociotechnical approach for analyzing them. However, we still lack theoretical guidelines for conducting sociotechnical analyses of the complexity involved in the crisis response activities. To help fill this knowledge gap, we present an interpretive case study on Kathmandu Living Labs’ (KLL) role in the response to the Nepal earthquake in 2015. We analyze the case using actor-network theory (ANT) and explore how a social entrepreneur from KLL enrolled different technical and human actors and mobilized them in the crisis response. We use ANT to explore the temporal and interdependent role of digital volunteers, local communities, and technologies in responding to the crisisWe demonstrate the usefulness of ANT’s translation process in understanding the complex sociotechnical process of crisis response in disaster events.

• Snaprud, Mikael; Radianti, Jaziar & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2017). SAMTERM: Terminologi for samordnet krisehåndtering, NORDTERM 20 Hvem er brukerne av terminologiske ressurser – og hvordan når vi ut til dem?. Språkrådet. ISSN 9788293424079. p. 152–159. Full text in Research Archive
• Bui, Nam; Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2016). A Review of Building Information Modelling for Construction in Developing Countries. Procedia Engineering. 164, p. 487–494. doi: 10.1016/j.proeng.2016.11.649. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Building Information Modelling (BIM) is wide ly seen as a catalyst for innovation and productivity in the construction industry. BIM can assist a more sustainable construction process that in turn may contribute to eradicating poverty in developing c ountries (Un ited Nation Millennium Goals). While BIM is increasingly be ing adopted in developed coun tries, implementations in the developing country context are rare. Research has establishe d how construction firms struggle from several limitations having to do with the socio - economic and technological environment found in developing countries. Examples of issues preventing BIM adoption include a shortage of IT - literate personnel as well as an absence of national BIM implementation programs. Based on a review of recent research, this article ad dresses some of the hurdles and solution s for BIM implementations particular to low - and middle - income economies. Findings include that developing countries’ construction firms rely on outsourcing of IT services or developing tweaks or workarounds, like using ‘fake’ IT licenses, for saving cost and enabling BI M. The article highlights shortcomings of existing research on BIM implementation in develo ping countries, and may serve as a starting point for research ers interested in how BIM technology can be adopted in a developing country context.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Bygstad, Bendik (2016). The Land of Confusion – Clearing up some common misunderstandings of interpretive research. NOKOBIT: Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. ISSN 1892-0748. 24(1). Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Qualitative research approaches are now well established in information systems research, and are given equal weight as quantitative research in research methods courses in graduate programs. Similar, the heated paradigm debate seems to largely have cooled off, with interpretivist research now being accepted as an alternative to positivism and other paradigms. However, from the authors’ experience with teaching qualitative methods and reviewing qualitative research work, we see a growing tendency among both students and more experienced researchers to view qualitative and interpretive research as synonyms. We argue that this to some extent is due to a lack of precision in how the interpretivist paradigm is introduced in method textbooks and resources, where the rhetoric is sometimes conflated so as to indicate that all research focusing on the social and contextual aspects of technology use is by default interpretivist. On this background, our mission with this paper is to highlight the key characteristics of interpretive research that distinguish this approach from ‘any qualitative study’. In this, we discuss core concepts and procedures related to interpretive data collection and analysis, including validation and generalizability. Finally, we present a set of guiding questions forming a checklist for whether the qualitative study conducted would qualify as interpretive research or not.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2016). Diffusing Crisis Management Solutions through Living Labs: Opportunities and Challenges. Proceedings of the International ISCRAM Conference. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Despite increasing focus on user involvement among the developers of crisis management technologies, the diffusion of these solutions in target user communities is slow. This paper discusses to what extent the Living Lab approach, based on open innovation and co-creation between users and developers, could facilitate the diffusion of crisis management solutions. Our analysis shows correspondence between the core principles of the Living Labs approach and the user interaction focus in development research in ISCRAM. However, the task urgency and criticality of crisis situations limits the possibility for testing and experimenting with technology in real use situations. Instead, the main distinguishing principle of the Living Lab approach is the nature and scope of stakeholder involvement. By creating an arena where community stakeholders participate equally with developers and researchers in sharing ideas and testing new technological solutions, chances for successful diffusion of these solutions in real use practice could be strengthened.

• Presthus, Wanda & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2016). How to frame your contribution to knowledge? A guide for junior researchers in information systems. NOKOBIT: Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. ISSN 1892-0748. 24(1). Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Master students and junior researchers within the Information Systems (IS) field often struggle to frame their knowledge contributions when reporting their research. In this paper, we investigated this research question: what are the forms of knowledge contributions that can be targeted in information systems research? We analysed a selection of NOKOBIT papers that were written by junior researchers, with their previous masters or PhD supervisors as co-authors. As expected, we found that all papers followed the same script of identifying a research gap and trying to fill it. While the practical contributions often can be acknowledged, the theoretical contribution can be more difficult to identify. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, we suggest a taxonomy of various forms of knowledge contributions in Information Systems research. Second, we present contribution-focused guidelines for junior researchers. This study should be of interest to master students and junior researchers, as well as to their supervisors.

• Merschbrock, Christoph; Lassen, Ann Karina; Tollnes, Tor & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2016). Serious games as a virtual training ground for relocation to a new healthcare facility. Facilities. ISSN 0263-2772. 34(13-14), p. 788–808. doi: 10.1108/F-02-2015-0008. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose – This paper aims to enquire into how building information modelling (BIM) and gaming can be integrated to support professionals in their learning about the spatial layout of a new building. This knowledge is important to prepare building operation and facilities management (FM). Design/methodology/approach – Ingrained in task–technology fit theory, this paper reports from a case study of a serious game staged in the graphical environment of a building information model. A series of interviews with the client, subject-matter experts and software developers involved in developing the game were conducted. The industrial setting for the study is a major hospital construction project in Norway. The project has been awarded BuildingSMART’s 2015 award for “outstanding open BIM practice”, making it Norway’s role model for BIM practice. Findings – Importing and exporting geometry from BIM into a game engine remain challenging. The transfer of data between the two requires workarounds using intermediary software. Apart from issues related to technical interoperability, several sociotechnical challenges influential for the integration of BIM and gaming have been identified, related to: the collaboration among construction, operational and gaming experts; clear communication of information needs; and better contractual agreements. Research limitations/implications – BIM’s geometric and semantic data enabled the creation of a sophisticated game for preparing building operation. Test-users perceived the game to be superior to classroom teaching for learning about the spatial layout of the building. However, quantifying the business value of the game for operation after occupancy of the new facilities was beyond the scope of this study. Originality/value – The work presented exemplifies a novel application area of BIM and gaming technology in FM. The findings presented in this article are relevant for professionals and scholars seeking to expand the utility of BIM for starting up the operation of new facilities.

• Bygstad, Bendik; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Volkoff, Olga (2016). Identifying generative mechanisms through affordances: a framework for critical realist data analysis. Journal of Information Technology. ISSN 0268-3962. 31(1), p. 83–96. doi: 10.1057/jit.2015.13. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Critical realism has attracted increasing attention as an alternative to positivist and interpretive research for explaining contemporary phenomena. There are now several sources for information systems’ (IS) scholars providing guidance on conducting critical realist studies. However, the most challenging step of a critical realist data analysis, the identification of causal mechanisms, is still insufficiently described. Identifying mechanisms is challenging. Drawing on the concept of affordances as an analytical construct offers the researcher a tool to identify and analyse mechanisms. We present a step-wise framework for identifying structural components of a mechanism, how these components interact to produce an outcome and contextual influences on this outcome. We illustrate the application of the framework through an example of the identification of IS innovation mechanisms in a case study in the airline industry. In doing so, we argue that the approach offers a methodological tool for identifying generative mechanisms, helping the researcher in conducting a more precise data analysis in empirical research.

• Webersik, Christian; Gonzalez, Jose J; Dugdale, Julie Anne; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Granmo, Ole-Christoffer (2015). Towards an integrated approach to emergency management: interdisciplinary challenges for research and practice. Culture Unbound. Journal of Current Cultural Research. 7(3), p. 524–540. doi: 10.3384/cu.2000.1525.1572525. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article presents an interdisciplinary vision for large-scale integrated emergency management that has been inspired by the transition from platform centric to inte-grated operations in the oil and gas fields, which uses remote emergency control centres collaborating virtually with local responders. The article discusses some of the most salient research challenges for integrated emergency management, including the role of mobile technology, human-centred sensing, citizen participation and social media, and the socio-cultural determinants of disaster management. The purpose of this article is to frame an integrated emergency management approach that adopts a multi-disciplinary approach, including human computer interaction, information systems, computer science, development studies and organization science employing different methodologies.Most importantly, we need to better understand the socio-cultural determinants of how people prepare to, respond and perceive disasters, in order to evaluate whether and what kind of information and communication technology (ICT) support is appropriate. There is need for more research as to why in some regions local people ignore official orders to evacuate, and rather follow the advice of local leaders, elders or religious leaders. In other instances, disasters are seen as acts of God thus shaping disaster preparedness and response.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Flaten, Mats & Nguyen, Robin Pettersen (2015). Volunteers’ Perceptions of the Use of Social Media in Emergency Management. Proceedings of the International ISCRAM Conference. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The paper presents the results of interviews with representatives from Norwegian emergency management volunteer organizations on their current use of social media and their perception of the potential for extended use of social media in their operations. Our study shows that social media is currently mainly used for information to the public and for internal communication. The informants expressed some reluctance towards the concept of virtual operations support teams, and using social media to collect information from the public. Yet, based on the possible benefits reported in the literature from studies of early adopters of digital volunteer groups, we argue in this paper for establishing a similar service at the regional level in Norway that can support the local volunteer organizations.

• Khazanchi, Deepak; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Lazareva, Aleksandra (2015). Towards a Contingency Theory of eLearning. In Conway, David F.; Hillen, Andrea Stefanie; Landis, Melodee; Schlegelmilch, Mary T. & Wolcott, Peter (Ed.), Digital Media in Teaching and its Added Value. Waxmann Verlag. ISSN 9783830932871. p. 35–51. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2015). Agile Knowledge Networking - A novel approach to research collaboration between industry and academia. In Lorenz, Pascal & Leclercq, Pierre (Ed.), COLLA 2015 - Proceedings of The Fifth International Conference on Advanced Collaborative Networks, Systems and Applications. International Academy, Research and Industry Association (IARIA). ISSN 9781612084367. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The paper presents a novel approach to interaction between industry and academia, in the form of a knowledge networking program as implemented by a telecommunications company. Compared to traditional in-house R&D, this program represents an agile and “lightweight” approach to getting access to scientific knowledge supporting the company’s quest for disruptive innovations. Supported by a team of student trainees, the program facilitates interaction with a large number of top academic scholars worldwide. The paper reports experiences and lessons learned from the program so far, and discusses areas of further improvement in terms of managing the collaborative R&D process and cultivating the networking capability of the company.

• Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2015). Effective digital collaboration in the construction industry - A case study of BIM deployment in a hospital construction project. Computers in industry (Print). ISSN 0166-3615. 73, p. 1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.compind.2015.07.003. Full text in Research Archive
• Flaten, Mats; Nguyen, Robin Pettersen & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2014). Frivillige organisasjoners bruk av sosiale medier i krisehåndtering. NOKOBIT: Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. ISSN 1892-0748. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Internasjonale studier viser hvordan sosiale medier anvendes i økende grad som kilde for å etablere situasjonsforståelse under ulike krisesituasjoner. Internasjonale team av ‘digitale frivillige’ bearbeider og analyserer informasjonen i sanntid og oppretter krisekart som støtter det formelle nødhjelpsapparatet. Denne artikkelen presenterer en undersøkelse av hvordan sosiale medier benyttes av norske frivillige organisasjoner i forbindelse med krisehåndtering, og hvilke muligheter som eksisterer for utvidet bruk. Intervjuer av representanter for de frivillige organisasjonene viser at bruken av sosiale medier i dag hovedsakelig er begrenset til enveis informasjon til publikum for profilering og synliggjøring av aktiviteter. De frivillige organisasjonene opererer på oppdrag fra politiet eller andre nødetater, og vurderer informasjonsinnsamling fra sosiale medier som oppdragsgivers ansvar. Flere av organisasjonene ser også et potensiale i at informasjon fra publikum via sosiale medier kan gi et verdifullt og effektivt bidrag til å få oppdatert oversikt over situasjonen. Artikkelen diskuterer muligheten for å opprette en ressursgruppe av frivillige som kan bistå organisasjonene og nødetatene med analyse av informasjon fra sosiale medier.

• Zach, Ondrej; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Olsen, Dag Håkon (2014). ERP system implementation in SMEs: exploring the influences of the SME context. Enterprise Information Systems. ISSN 1751-7575. 8(2), p. 309–335. doi: 10.1080/17517575.2012.702358. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Compared to large enterprises, SMEs differ in a number of inherent characteristics, which are likely to impact the ERP system implementations. The purpose of this study is to explore these influences of the SME context on the ERP system implementation process. SME characteristics are synthesised from relevant literature and the influences of the contextual factors on various activities across the ERP life cycle are investigated. The study presents findings from a multiple case study of four SMEs. The ownership type of the companies and limited resources were identified as the most influential contextual factors. Among the ERP life-cycle phases, the implementation phase was affected most by the SME context. The case studies also illustrate the need for a more nuanced view on what should be considered general characteristics of SMEs; for example, regarding the level of IS knowledge, business processes, and market characteristics.

• Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2014). How is Building Information Modeling Influenced by Project Complexity? A Cross-Case Analysis of e-Collaboration Performance in Building Construction. International Journal of e-collaboration. ISSN 1548-3673. 10(2), p. 20–39. doi: 10.4018/ijec.2014040102. Full text in Research Archive
• Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2014). Succeeding with Building Information Modeling: A Case Study of BIM Diffusion in a Healthcare Construction Project. In Sprague, Ralph H. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 47th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). ISSN 9781479925049. p. 3959–3968. doi: 10.1109/HICSS.2014.490. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Meum, Torbjørg (2013). Information Infrastructure for Crisis Response Coordination: A Study of Local Emergency Management in Norwegian Municipalities. In Comes, Martina; Geldermann, Jutta; Fiedrich, Frank; Mueller, Tim & Fortier, Stephen (Ed.), 10th International ISCRAM Conference 2013. Proceedings, Baden-Baden, Germany, 12-15 May 2013. KIT. ISSN 9783923704804. p. 84–88. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  While great progress is made in terms of development and implementation on new ICT services for supporting crisis response coordination, the challenge remains on how to integrate these services within the ICT infrastructure in daily use by emergency responders. We report from an ongoing analysis of existing crisis response infrastructure in Norwegian municipalities, presenting an overview of current practice and related challenges. We argue for an information infrastructure perspective on the integration challenges, focusing on how new services based on geographic information systems and social media should be based on existing systems in use.

• Stendal, Karen; Molka-Danielsen, Judith; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Balandin, Susan (2013). Social affordances for people with lifelong disability through using virtual worlds. In Sprague, Ralph H. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 46th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences; 7–10 January 2013; Wailea, Maui, Hawaii. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). ISSN 9780769548920. p. 873–882. doi: 10.1109/HICSS.2013.485. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In the information age, information and communication technology (ICT) is an asset for supporting people with disability to participate and be included in society. Research indicates that virtual worlds may help this group to gain independence and improve social participation. The aim of the present research was to explore the role that virtual worlds play in facilitating people with disability to experience a self-perceived improvement of social participation, independence and well-being. Using qualitative methods our results indicate that people with lifelong disability perceive that they reach a larger and more diverse network through the use of virtual worlds. Based on identified Quality of Life factors, we found that people with lifelong disability perceived that they obtained increased independence, social participation and well-being. The social affordances offered by virtual worlds are promising for improving these identified factors. This area of research warrants further empirical investigation to understand the implications in a broader social context.

• Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2013). Improving Interorganizational Design Practices in the Wood‐based Building Industry. In Klakegg, Ole Jonny; Kjølle, Kari; Mehaug, Cecilie Gillesen; Olsson, Nils; Shiferaw, Asmamaw Tadege & Woods, Ruth (Ed.), 7th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organisation, Trondheim, June 12-14, 2013. Akademika forlag. ISSN 9788232102730. p. 479–489. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Meum, Torbjørg (2013). Evolving Information Infrastructure for Emergency Management. In Fallmyr, Terje; Bygstad, Bendik; Fog, Jørgen; Habib, Laurence; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Opdahl, Andreas Lothe & Sindre, Guttorm (Ed.), NOKOBIT 2013 : Universitetet i Stavanger 18. - 20. november 2013 : Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. Akademika forlag. ISSN 9788232103737. p. 131–144. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The paper presents a study of adoption and use of information systems in regional and local emergency management. We characterize ICT-supported emergency management as an information infrastructure, to emphasize mechanisms that enable communication and coordination across organizational, professional and geographical boundaries. The rapid evolution of ICT has provided new capabilities and opportunities for managing emergency situations and led to widespread use of numerous systems. Using information infrastructures as a theoretical framework, this study describes mechanisms interconnecting services, practices and technologies in emergency management. In particular, we focus on the evolving use of social media and the role of this as part of the coordinating infrastructure. The empirical data is based on a qualitative study of regional emergency management and includes observations, archival documents and semi-structured interviews. Overall, the study provides a deepening understanding of how large-scale information systems grow and evolve, including coordinating mechanisms and the process of translation of information across formal and informal contexts.

• Stendal, Karen; Molka-Danielsen, Judith; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Balandin, Susan (2012). Virtual worlds and people with lifelong disability: Exploring the relationship with virtual self and others, Proceedings of the 20th European Conference on Information Systems : ECIS 2012 : June 10-13, 2012, Barcelona. Association for Information Systems (AIS). ISSN 9788488971548. p. 1–13. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Paper 156: An increasing number of people with lifelong disability are active members of virtual worlds. Through their avatars, people with disability are able to participate in social, work related and educational activities in the virtual world. The aim for this paper was to explore how people with lifelong disability experienced the relationship with their virtual self and others, applying the lens of Embodied Social Presence Theory. Based on data collected through participant observation and interviews with novice and experienced users of Second Life, our findings indicate that the relationship between humans and their avatar is strong. Further, the findings indicate that the relationship with a person?s own avatar and others in the virtual world requires time to develop and be meaningful for people with lifelong disability. The ability to create an avatar with no visible disability and to choose what to disclose about a disability, is important affordances offered by the virtual world to people with disability. This study contributes to an understanding of the potential for virtual worlds to support people with lifelong disability in engaging in leisure activities and social interactions.

• Johannessen, Marius Rohde & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2012). Defining the IT Artefact in Social Media for eParticipation: An Ensemble View, Proceedings of the 20th European Conference on Information Systems : ECIS 2012 : June 10-13, 2012, Barcelona. Association for Information Systems (AIS). ISSN 9788488971548. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Social media has become a popular outlet for various eParticipation activities, such as online campaigning by political parties. Much research on this topic is currently being undertaken, and so far research has shown that political parties often have limited success with their efforts. Much is yet unclear as to the results and possible applications of social media use. One contribution to this could be to clearly define the social media IT artefact as a socio-technical object. In this paper, we propose and define an ensemble view on social media use in eParticipation, consisting of a framework for the identification of technological issues, and information infrastructures to address the social issues. Together, these provide us with a comprehensive definition of the social media IT artefact.

• Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2012). A Research Review on Building Information Modeling in Construction ― An Area Ripe for IS Research. Communications of the Association for Information Systems. 31. doi: 10.17705/1cais.03110. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article presents a review of the research on Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction, with the aim of identifying areas in this domain where IS research can contribute. The concept of BIM comprises an infrastructure of IT tools supporting collaborative and integrated design, assembly, and operation of buildings. This integrated construction approach, with all stakeholders editing or retrieving information from commonly shared models, requires major changes to well-established processes, organizational roles, contractual practices, and collaborative arrangements in the construction industry. Through a review of 264 research articles on BIM, we found that this research spans a wide area of technological and organizational topics, of which many have a clear resonance to focal areas in IS research. Our analysis shows that IS, to some extent, serves as a reference discipline and that theories used in IS research are also informing contemporary BIM research. The following areas in need of further IS research were identified: studies on the relationship between BIM’s functional affordance and human agency, adoption and use of BIM for inter-organizational collaboration, the influence of organizational culture on BIM practices, the capabilities of BIM for transforming industry practice, and identifying the business value of BIM. Considering that a well-established knowledge base in IS research can be drawn upon for studying these issues, combined with the exciting potential of BIM for transforming a major industry such as building construction, we conclude that BIM is an area ripe for IS research.

• Zach, Ondrej & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2012). Identifying reasons for ERP system customization in SMEs: a multiple case study. Journal of Enterprise Information Management. ISSN 1741-0398. 25(5), p. 462–478. doi: 10.1108/17410391211265142. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate possible reasons for enterprise resource planning (ERP) system customization in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on distinguishing influential factors of the SME context. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory qualitative research approach was employed, to identify new insights within the SME context. A multiple case study of four SMEs was conducted. Data were collected through 34 qualitative interviews with multiple informants across the four cases. Findings – The paper reports findings from four SMEs where ERP customization has been applied to match organizational needs. First, the level and type of ERP system customization applied by the case organizations were investigated. Then, the reasons for ERP system customization were explored. The analysis identified seven possible reasons leading to ERP system customization, classified according to two phases of the ERP life-cycle (prior to “going-live” and after “going-live”). Reasons specific to the SME context include unique business processes, ownership type, and organizational stage of growth. Research limitations/implications – The study is based on four cases only. Further research is needed to investigate the applicability of the findings in different contexts. Practical implications – The study findings are believed to be valuable for organizations about to implement an ERP system, as well as for ERP vendors. By identifying the reasons leading to ERP system customization and investigating the effect of the SME context, the study contributes to a better understanding of ERP system implementation in SMEs. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the scarce literature on reasons for ERP system customization in SMEs. By classifying the reasons into two phases of the ERP life-cycle, the study also contributes by exploring ERP system customization practice in different phases of the ERP life-cycle.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Zigurs, Ilze & Khazanchi, Deepak (2012). Virtual PhD Courses – A New Mode of PhD Education? In Fallmyr, Terje; Bygstad, Bendik; Fog, Jørgen; Habib, Laurence Marie Anna; Iden, Jon; Krogstie, John & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (Ed.), NOKOBIT 2012 :Universitetet i Nordland 19. - 21. november 2012 : Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. Akademika forlag. ISSN 9788232101856. p. 159–170. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This paper presents experiences from a joint virtual PhD course for doctoral students at a Norwegian and a US university. Based on an experiential learning approach, the course focused on practices for virtual research collaboration. Through six synchronous online sessions, interspersed with interaction in sub-teams, the participants worked on developing a joint conference publication. This gave the PhD students first-hand experience with working in a virtual research team. Based on our analysis of the experiences from the course, we discuss challenges of the virtual course setting and present guidelines for the design and conduct of similar virtual courses. Our results indicate that the virtual mode of learning could well be included in PhD education, thus enabling interaction between students and instructors in different programs and institutions that otherwise would be difficult. As for any form of virtual work, this requires careful coordination, clarification of leadership roles, and technology and process support for effective interaction and co-production.

View all works in NVA

• Sindre, Guttorm; Fog, Jørgen; Kaasbøll, Jens Johan; Netteland, Grete; Opdahl, Andreas Lothe & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). NOKOBIT - Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi, Proceedings fra NOKOBIT 2015, Ålesund, 24.-25. november 2015. NOKOBIT/OJS Norge. Full text in Research Archive
• Fallmyr, Terje; Fog, Jørgen; Kaasbøll, Jens; Netteland, Grete; Opdahl, Andreas Lothe & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2014). NOKOBIT 2014, Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi, Høgskolen i Østfold 17 - 19. november 2014. Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. ISBN 9788251928458. 255 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Fallmyr, Terje; Bygstad, Bendik; Fog, Jørgen; Habib, Laurence; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Opdahl, Andreas Lothe [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2013). NOKOBIT 2013 : Universitetet i Stavanger 18. - 20. november 2013 : Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. Akademika forlag. ISBN 9788232103737. 228 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Fallmyr, Terje; Bygstad, Bendik; Fog, Jørgen; Habib, Laurence Marie Anna; Iden, Jon & Krogstie, John [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2012). NOKOBIT 2012 :Universitetet i Nordland 19. - 21. november 2012 : Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. Akademika forlag. ISBN 9788232101856. Full text in Research Archive

View all works in NVA

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2024). Utvikling og tilpasning av nye teknologiske løsninger og metoder for beredskapsaktører. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2023). Technology-based innovation for societal resilience – the interdisciplinary research at the Centre for Integrated Emergency Management. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2023). NOKOBIT keynote presentation: Technology-based innovation for societal resilience. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2022). Ny teknologi bidrar til et tryggere samfunn. Full text in Research Archive
• Rustenberg, Kjetil & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2022). Et godt samvirke kan kreve at vi må ha tillit til dem vi ikke kjenner. Ambulanseforum. ISSN 0800-6423. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Det er mye som peker mot at fysisk samlokalisering av 110, 112 og 113, 11X- sentralene bygger tillit mellom etatene som er samlokaliserte. Men et samvirke ved større hendelser består ofte av flere aktører enn 11X. Hvordan kan vi skape og ivareta tillit mellom 11X og andre aktører slik at vi oppnår et best mulig samvirke?

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2022). Teknologi bedrer sikkerheten. [Radio]. NRK Distriktsprogram - Sørlandssendinga. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2022). Information sharing for Common Situational Understanding: Results from the Norwegian INSITU project. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2021). INSITU-prosjektet: informasjonsdeling for felles situasjonsforståelse. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2021). INSITU-prosjektet: Informasjonsdeling for felles situasjonsforståelse. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2021). Forskningsaktivitet ved Senter for integrert krisehåndtering (CIEM). Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Rustenberg, Kjetil & Steen-Tveit, Kristine (2021). Adoption and use of standard operating procedures for emergency response. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are important as a basis for effective emergency response. These procedures specify roles, tasks, and steps to be taken during different stages of an incident. The different first responder agencies and other organisations involved in emergency response have SOPs specifying their operations and communication protocols, both for internal operations and for joint operations involving collaboration between several organisations. These procedures exist in different forms and formats, involving varying degrees of computer support. While the SOPs are part of the training of first responders, experience from real events as well as exercises show that the use of the SOPs are often varying and somewhat inconsistent even within the same organisation. The procedures are also typically underspecified regarding from where relevant information should be collected, how this information can be accessed, and whether this information should be shared with other responders. Also, first responders argue that the format of the SOPs often is not perceived as effective for supporting their operations in time critical situations, in terms of level of detail, accessibility and presentation clarity. Experienced emergency dispatchers in command and control centres report how following rigid communication procedures sometimes is considered to be non-conducive for an efficient dialogue with the caller. Also, procedures for efficient combination of various data sources to gain optimal value from these while also avoiding information overload, are also often missing in these command and control centres. The presentation is based on findings from the INSITU project funded by the Research Council of Norway, investigating current practices for information sharing among organisations involved in emergency preparedness and response in Norway. From workshops, interviews and observation in exercises, we analyse existing use of SOPs and possible improvements of these. In a recent digital tabletop exercise using a multiple forest fire scenario, we collected data on how situational reports and common operational pictures were shared from the local incident command and fire services to the affected municipalities and county, to providers of critical infrastructure (energy grid, telecommunications, road administration), and to the national level of emergency management. The findings show how efficient SOPs for situational reports and information sharing are either missing or have limitations negatively affecting the support from these procedures. We discuss factors influencing the adoption and use of SOPs among emergency stakeholders, and present recommendations for developing and implementing procedures that can effectively support emergency operations through consistent and widespread use.

• Goodwin, Morten; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Flak, Leif Skiftenes (2019). Teknologi og bærekraft. Full text in Research Archive
• Bui, Nam; Merschbrock, Christoph; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Hjelseth, Eilif (2019). Role of an innovation community in supporting BIM deployment: the case of buildingSMART Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2019). Beredskap og krisehåndtering i transportsektoren. Full text in Research Archive
• Snaprud, Mikael; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Radianti, Jaziar (2018). A novel approach to harmonize terminologies. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2018). Technology-supported emergency management: opportunities and challenges. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2018). Bruk av teknologi i krisehåndtering – aktuelle prosjekter ved Senter for integrert krisehåndtering (CIEM), Universitetet i Agder. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2017). Presentasjon av CIEM og oversikt over pågående prosjekter. Full text in Research Archive
• Snaprud, Mikael; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Radianti, Jaziar (2017). Terminologi som redder liv. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2017). Hvordan kan ny teknologi omdefinere praksis for krisehåndtering? Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2016). Kvalitativ forskning vs. fortolkende forskning – et forsøk på klargjøring av noen misforståelser. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2016). Centre for Integrated Emergency Management (CIEM) - Developing new solutions with practice. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2016). UiA deltar på kriseøvelse. [Radio]. NRK Sørlandet. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2015). Videre satsinger i CIEM. Full text in Research Archive
• Radianti, Jaziar; Granmo, Ole-Christoffer; Lazreg, Mehdi Ben; Sarshar, Parvaneh & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2015). SmartRescue and SmartEMIS – Introducing CIEM. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2014). Challenges to digital collaboration: past and present experiences. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Meum, Torbjørg (2014). Analyse av sosiale medier i krisesituasjoner. Full text in Research Archive
• Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2014). Hvordan kan trebasert byggindustri øke utnyttelsen av BIM? Treteknisk Informasjon. ISSN 1504-5900. p. 10–11. Full text in Research Archive
• Arora, Vipin; Khazanchi, Deepak; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Owens, Dawn; Stendal, Karen & Tarrell, Alvin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2012). Discontinuities and Best Practices in Virtual Research Collaboration. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Research collaboration has become increasingly global, as collaboration technologies continue to advance and as research problems become more interdisciplinary and global. Virtual research teams have processes and challenges that are unique from a typical virtual team, and we need a better understanding of how such teams can utilize virtual research environments to their advantage. We examine this question from a review of the relevant literature and an analysis of experiences and reflections from a doctoral seminar that studied and experienced the process of virtual research collaboration.

• Gonzalez, Jose J; Granmo, Ole-Christoffer; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Li, Frank Yong & Dugdale, Julie (2012). Multidisciplinary Challenges in an Integrated Emergency Management Approach. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The University of Agder, Norway, has recently founded a Centre for Integrated Emergency Management (CIEM). The centre brings together a highly multi-disciplinary group of local and international researchers in technology and the social sciences. This paper presents an interdisciplinary vision for large-scale integrated emergency management that has been inspired by the transition from platform centric to Integrated Operations in the oil and gas fields, which uses remote emergency control centers collaborating virtually with local responders. The paper discusses some of the most salient research challenges for Integrated Emergency Management.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2012). Prosjekter ved Institutt for informasjonssystemer, UiA. Full text in Research Archive
• Webersik, Christian; Gonzalez, Jose J; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Dugdale, Julie; Granmo, Ole-Christoffer & Li, Frank Yong (2012). The Role of ICT in Crisis Preparedness, Response and Recovery. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2012). Muligheter og utfordringer ved e-samarbeid. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2012). Mobilitet og erfaringer med rekruttering av nordamerikanske studenter. Full text in Research Archive
• Gonzalez, Jose J; Granmo, Ole-Christoffer & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2012). Paradigmeskifte for krisehåndtering. p. 3–3. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2012). Forskningsprosjektet SmartEMIS - effektiv kommunikasjon i krisesituasjoner. Full text in Research Archive
• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Hellang, Øyvind (2025). Samarbeid for klimatilpasning – Systemintegrasjon. NORCE Research AS. Full text in Research Archive
• Snaprud, Mikael & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2022). Lessons learned from terminology harmonisation. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284270982. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  A common understanding of language and the meaning of concepts is needed for communications in general, and can be crucial to save lives in large rescue operations. Redningshåndboka (the National Rescue handbook) provides a common glossary for first responders’ communications across all sectors in training and practice. However, today each sector maintains their own glossaries, acronyms and jargon, causing potential misunderstandings in joint operations. In this report we outline lessons learned from national and international standardisation and additional practical project outcomes to contribute to terminology harmonisation from the INSITU project.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Gjøsæter, Terje; Hagen, Dag Auby; Opach, Tomasz; Pilemalm, Sofie Elisabeth & Radianti, Jaziar [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2021). Evaluering av INSITU skogbrannøvelse. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284270500. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  SAMRISK-prosjektet INSITU ledet av Senter for integrert krisehåndtering (CIEM) ved Universitetet i Agder arrangerte en digital tabletop-øvelse 7.-8. april 2021. Hensikt med øvelsen var å gi erfaring med hvordan situasjonsbilde kan deles fra innsatsleder til sentrale myndigheter med bruk av felles digital kartstøtte. Scenario for øvelsen omfattet 3 samtidige skogbranner i Agder, lokalisert i Kvinesdal, Kristiansand og Arendal. Dreiebok ble utarbeidet av brannsjefene ved Brannvesenet Sør IKS, Kristiansandsregionen brann og redning IKS og Østre Agder brannvesen, i samarbeid med assisterende fylkesberedskapssjef ved Statsforvalteren i Agder. I alle tre brannscenarioene var kritisk infrastruktur truet og i Kristiansand var også sykehuset berørt av røyk. Ansvarlige etater for berørt infrastruktur ble derfor også aktivert i øvelsen. Totalt omfattet øvelsen ca. 70 deltagere fra 20 etater og organisasjoner, i tillegg til prosjektgruppen fra INSITU. Øvelsen ga deltagerne mulighet til å prøve ut deling av situasjonsbilde ved bruk av DSB kartmodul for skogbrann, som eksempel på mer samordnet bruk av kartstøtte. I tillegg ble Nødnett benyttet, med mulighet for bruk av en felles talegruppe for alle deltagerne. I forkant av øvelsen ble det lagt ut en nettbasert opplæringspakke med instruksjonsvideoer og oppgaver, og på øvelsens første dag ble det gjennomført ytterligere opplæring og oppgaveløsning i form av en halvdags sesjon i MS Teams. Evaluering fra øvelsen er basert på observasjon under øvelsen, spørreundersøkelser i etterkant av opplæring og øvelse, og gruppeintervjuer med representanter for deltagerorganisasjonene. Deltagerne gir tilbakemelding om en godt planlagt og gjennomført øvelse med et realistisk scenario. Øvelsen har bidratt til helhetsforståelse av behov for samvirke mellom aktører på ulike nivå i en større skogbrann, og synliggjort potensiale for deling av situasjonsbilde ved bruk av felles digitalt kartgrunnlag i kombinasjon med bruk av Nødnett. Videre har øvelsen gitt detaljerte innspill til videre utvikling av DSBs kartsystem, og synliggjort behov for videre utvikling av rutiner og maler for informasjonsutveksling mellom ulike nivå. INSITU-prosjektet vil bidra til videre oppfølging av læringspunkter fra øvelsen, i samarbeid med de involverte aktører.

• Snaprud, Mikael; Haldorsen, Tommy & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2020). Project report: Methodology for terminology harmonisation. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284270128. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  A common understanding of language and concepts used is essential for any meaningful communication. For large rescue operations effective communication is crucial to save lives. Such operations can require cooperation among first responders from several sectors with a different understanding of terms and concepts. Redningshåndboka (the National Rescue handbook) provides a common glossary for use across all sectors for their communications in training and practice. However, today each sector maintains their own glossaries, acronyms and jargon, causing potential misunderstandings in joint operations. In this report we propose a way to apply the Norwegian Public Management Standard from the Norwegian Digitalisation Agency for concept harmonisation or concept differentiation, to existing glossaries in crisis management. We also propose supporting actions for harmonisation and introduce aspects of oral and written communication related to similarities of sounds and meaning.

• Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Opach, Tomasz; Radianti, Jaziar; Rød, Jan Ketil; Snaprud, Mikael & Grottenberg, Lars Ole [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2020). Project report: Requirements specification. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788271179816. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The SAMRISK project “Sharing incident and threat information for common situational understanding“ (INSITU) commenced in May 2019. The INSITU project develops solutions for establishing a common situational understanding in complex operations requiring collaboration between several agencies. This involves systematic analysis of existing information sources and defining the information elements that are critical to share in different phases of a crisis situation. In addition, the project will develop procedures and related tool support for efficient collection and integration of information. As part of this work, the project contributes to harmonisation of terminology across agencies to secure effective communication. A map-based interface for display of information from different digital map resources will be developed, as a basis for a common operational picture (COP). This solution will also support evaluation and learning from incidents and emergency exercises. Based on a review of related research, the report briefly summarises the state of the art for the areas focused in the project. Through interviews and discussions with emergency stakeholders, field observation during an exercise, and field visits at operations centres, current practice for information sharing and establishing a COP is analysed. Based on the expressed needs from the emergency stakeholders and our analysis of current practice, the report specifies a set of requirements for information sharing, harmonisation of terminology, use of common map resources, and technology support for evaluation and learning from incidents.

• Hausvik, Geir Inge; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik & Thapa, Devinder (2019). Information Quality in Secondary Use of EHR Data. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788271179458. Full text in Research Archive
• Merschbrock, Christoph & Munkvold, Bjørn Erik (2014). Digital collaboration in the wood-based construction industry: deployment of Building Information Modeling. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788271177638. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Building Information Modeling (BIM) is intended to promote efficiency in building design and serves as a design space where multiple actors engage in collaborative work. BIM is both a new technology and a new way of working, providing a common environment for all information defining a building, facility, or asset, together with its common parts and activities (Pittard, 2013). This thesis explores the deployment of BIM technology in the Norwegian wood-based building industry and contributes to understanding how BIM can be applied to improve collaborative work in this sector. The dissertation is interdisciplinary in nature, and offers contributions to the fields of information systems (IS), construction informatics (CI), and construction management. It builds on and extends the discourse on BIM deployment in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The motivation for undertaking this study is that BIM systems provide the opportunity for increased effectiveness in the process of construction. BIM systems promise to deliver integration across the people, groups, and organizations working in the construction supply chain. The anticipated benefits of BIM include performance gains, increased clarity in information sharing, and a reduction in errors during construction design. BIM systems open up a number of possibilities for the wood-based building industry, such as increasing automation and prefabrication. Higher levels of automation will become possible once project teams have succeeded in collaboratively creating digital BIM models that are sophisticated enough to be turned into machine-readable files.

View all works in NVA