Exercise Evaluation Creating Knowledge to Improve Information Resilience

Abstract

Carrying out and evaluating exercises is typically seen as a very pragmatic means to improve performance of various security related organizations. In this research, we question this traditional perception of exercising and broaden the perspective to look at the evaluation of exercises as an integral part of the preparedness related knowledge management. This study utilizes as its theoretical framework a systemic model for information resilience created in the context of national preparedness by the Academy of Finland project IRWIN (Information Resilience in a Wicked Environment). The findings of the EU project INEGMA-E2 are used as study material to unveil the specific features of evaluation systematics in reflection to information resilience. Exercises are understood as systems and evaluation as a process that captures the influencing factors of this system. In connection to information resilience, exercise evaluation concepts need to consider e.g. individual agency and group decision making features, while reflecting them with the development goals of the exercise system. Improvement of exercise evaluation as a process enhances the creation of validated knowledge for systemic development of preparedness at all levels. Exercise evaluation can also contribute to improving information resilience in connection to preparedness related governance and decision making