Sohrabizadeh, S; Jahangiri, K; Shafiei Moghaddam, P; Safarpour, H and Eskandari, Z (2019) Earthquake preparedness in higher education structures: A case study of an academic institute in Tehran, Iran. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 10(2-3), pp. 175-187. ISSN 1759-5916
Abstract
Purpose: Universities and higher education institutes are key pillars of all societies, as the result of their important roles in education, research and training of human resources. Nevertheless, similar to other social structures, universities need to be prepared for natural disasters. This study aims to measure and analyze the level of earthquake preparedness in a higher education institute in Tehran, Iran. Design/methodology/approach: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 in a higher education institute through three stages of tool, namely, development, preparedness evaluation and strength–weakness–opportunity–threat analysis. The valid and reliable tool was applied for assessment of college preparedness through a field survey. Factors affecting the obtained level of preparedness were categorized into internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) factors to decide on an appropriate strategy for promoting the preparedness level. Findings: Content validity index and content validity ratio of the tool were 88 and 98.85 per cent, respectively. The reliability of the tool was measured to be 98 per cent using the kappa coefficient. The level of preparedness was estimated to be weak. The final value of the matrix of internal and external factors was higher than average, which can be improved in the form of strength–opportunity strategy. Originality/value: It is highly suggested to allocate a specific budget for improvement and evaluation of preparedness measures in all parts of education systems. In addition, making the preparedness measures as the mandatory duty for educational structures can be considered by decision-makers and managers at the national and local levels.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | disaster mitigation; disaster preparedness; earthquake; ICS; structural assessment; SWOT |
| Index terms: | strategy, survey, manager, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, society, duty, methodology, human resource, validity, Tehran, higher education, case study, social structure, earthquake, disaster mitigation |
| Subjects: | educational institutions, communities and social development, environmental hazards, management, safety engineering, research methods, social theory, Geography, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, contractual role, practitioner |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Human Resources, Contract Administration, Education |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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