The Internet of Things (IoT) is a novel paradigm that connects the pervasive presence around us of a variety of things or objects to the Internet using wireless/wired technologies to reach desired goals. Since the concept of the IoT was put forward in 2005, we see the deployment of a new generation of networked smart objects with communication, sensory and action capabilities for numerous applications, mainly in global supply chain management, environment monitoring and other non-stress environments. This talk first introduces the IoT technology into the emergency management, then gives an example of IoT applications in emergency response, a UK government funded project SafetyNET. Considering the information required for supporting three sequential and distinct rhythms in emergency response operations: mobilization rhythm, preliminary situation assessment rhythm, and intervention rhythm, a modified task-technology fit approach is presented to investigate the ways of the IoT technology adding to the three rhythms and enhancing emergency response operations. The findings from this research support the two hypotheses, i.e. the IoT technology fits the identified information requirements and adds values to emergency response operations in terms of obtaining efficient cooperation, accurate situational awareness, and complete visibility of resources.

Biography: Dr Lili Yang is a reader in information systems and emergency management in the School of Business and Economics at Loughborough University in the UK. She is a fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS) and a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). Her research interests focus on information management and system development for emergency services, risk management, and multi-criteria decision making. Her recent research has been supported by many research funding bodies and industries, such as European Commission, Engineering Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), British Council, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK Fire and Rescue Services, BAE Systems etc. She has published over 70 journal papers, conference papers and books. Recent publications appear in Information Systems Research, European Journal of Operational Research, Technology Forecasting and Social Changes, IEEE Transactions on MSC, Information and Software Technology etc. As the principal investigator, she has led over eight projects and the total budget reached to over £3.5 million.