ISSN : 2663-2187

Identifying and Prioritizing Factors Influencing Flood Crisis and Proposing Possible Strategies Using Delphi Techniques and Analytic Hierarchy Process (Case Study: Crisis Management in Ahvaz County)

Main Article Content

Mehdi Tahmasebi
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.15.2024.6977-6997

Abstract

In recent decades, new preventive methods have been developed to combat flooding. By implementing specific urban land-use plans, enacting regulations and laws, and educating the public, flood damage can be minimized. This approach avoids the heavy costs of constructing capital-intensive flood control facilities. The aim of this research is to identify and prioritize the factors influencing flood crises and propose possible strategies using Delphi techniques and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) (case study: crisis management in Ahvaz County). This research is applied in terms of its goal and descriptive-exploratory in nature, based on data collection methods using the Delphi approach. The statistical population consists of experts, senior experts, and managers who form the crisis management team in Ahvaz County. Given that the statistical population comprises 20 individuals, a purposive sampling method was employed. Participants must have the following characteristics: 1) specialization in crisis management and information management, 2) a specified organizational structure, and 3) inclusion of senior managers and experts within the organization. The methodology of this research is based on, first, a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and identification of the dimensions and components of the research problem. This was achieved through consultations with professors, managers, and previous research, leading to the identification of critical factors in the application of information technology in crisis management. These factors were compiled into a questionnaire distributed among experts. In the final step, the selected criteria were compared using pairwise comparison tables (pairwise comparison questionnaire), and the resulting data served as the basis for multi-criteria decision-making and AHP to prioritize the top criteria. The analysis of the research questions and questionnaires was conducted using EXPERT CHOICE and SPSS software. The prioritization of factors influencing the flood crisis indicates that support management and human resources have the highest importance and priority from the experts' perspective. Subsequent priorities include organizational structure and specialized equipment.

Article Details