Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Outcomes
This workshop design allows for experts in particular arenas (e.g., response, plan-
ning, recovery, public information) to work together to find new changes and solu-
tions in a short period. Other outcomes include the following:
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Provides the opportunity for corrections and updates to be made to the exist-
ing plan.
◾
Provides the opportunity for experts to develop an outline of a public infor-
mation and media plan.
◾
Provides the opportunity to define the roles and responsibilities of the partici-
pating organizations including the new water and wastewater utilities.
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Prepares and trains the participants for more advanced exercises.
Variations on a Theme
For breakout groups, consider having poster boards outlining the issues placed near
each group. Have the players document their observations and suggestions on the
poster boards, whiteboards, or flip charts along with the number or description of
the question that is addressed and the initial of the person making the comment.
Throughout the workshop, have the breakout groups rotate to another table to
address a new set of questions and consider the findings documented by the pre-
vious group. This methods works well if there is a short list of questions for each
breakout group, where face-to-face contact and relationships need to be developed,
and where the breakout group topics are general enough for various groups to con-
sider. For example, if the breakout group subject is transportation and ice/snow
removal procedures, the hospital breakout group will not be capable of providing
much input into this breakout group subject.
Tabletop Exercises
A TTX is a facilitated, stress-free analysis of plans, policies, and procedures within
the context of a brief scenario. It is designed to elicit constructive discussion between
participants as they examine and resolve problems based on draft or existing opera-
tional plans. The difference between the workshop and tabletop is that the tabletop
is more focused on executive decision making and addresses issues at a much higher
level (does not go into details of each step of a plan).
The success of the exercise is largely determined by group participation in the
identification of problem areas and opportunities for improvement and refinement.
Participants are typically those persons in decision-making positions and roles,
persons responsible for directing staff or activities, elected or appointed officials,
or other key personnel in an informal group discussion centered on one or more
scenarios.
