Analytic Input to Societal Emergency Management - On the Design of Methods

Information from performed risk and vulnerability analyses, evaluation of responses in relation to actual emergencies etcetera can be very useful in efforts directed at preventing, mitigating and/or preparing for future emergencies. This thesis focuses on the development of methods for such analysis and evaluation. A general process for systematic design of methods is introduced and discussed and some of the main types of analytic input to societal emergency management are examined in terms of how methods for analysis should be constructed to fulfil their purpose. Furthermore, the importance of values and preferences in any design process is emphasised and two descriptive studies directed at investigating people’s preferences regarding potential negative outcomes of unwanted events are presented.