I was looking specifically at internally induced structural failures, as those are the worst in terms of loss of life and preventability. The three I have analyzed so far are the Kansas City Hyatt Regency, the Texas A&M bonfire, and the I-35W bridge, but to truly test the evaluation methodology, a more robust sample is needed.
Engineering crises could emerge principally from failures in one or a combination of the three main sources, namely, mechanical and electrical systems, human negligence, and environmental factors. I believe your pilot study had considered these key areas. When it comes to mechanical and electrical factors, one should consider the systems configuration, compatibility, and application. Questions should be asked and answers received on the immediate and remote causes of the crisis. Was the system adequate? How compatible were the structures and parts? How was the equipment or system utilized?
In terms of the people involved, on should not ignore their conduct and mode of operation with or within the system. How skillful were the users? Did the usage of the equipment or system follow the standards established or prudent safety standards? Who was in charge and what were the roles? Was there any contingency planning and control? What went wrong? How did the failure occur? What should be the next line of action to prevent such occurrences in future? Answers to these questions should be critically examined, assumptions should be challenged, and suggested action plans critically evaluated.
The environmental factors are critical because the physical environment involving heat, excessive cold, windstorm, hail, rainstorm, earthquake or tremor amongst other factors could also result in failures of engineering systems and structures. Such failure modes might be sudden or gradual; and if not carefully monitored and rectified early enough, disaster could result. The ultimate aim of all crises management strategies should be the minimization of the negative effects of losses, which could emanate from crises; and maximization of the learning exposure and understanding that results in the protection of resources and critical assets during and after the crises.
When it comes to crisis communication, the stakeholders, channel, mode, and strategies are important variables. One should not fail to consider the time, situation, and ethical standards in the communication process.
Regards!
Andy
Since you are at Wayne State, contact Drs. Matt Seeger and Julie Novak. They are both in the communication department and are experts in crisis communication.
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