Digital technologies in crisis management

Abstract

Crisis management has become a critical aspect of modern business and public administration, especially in the face of global crises such as economic recessions, pandemics, and natural disasters. In this context, digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role, providing new tools and approaches for effective crisis management. The definition of crisis management includes a set of measures aimed at identifying, assessing and neutralizing crisis situations, as well as minimizing their negative consequences. It is a management discipline that covers strategic, operational and tactical actions that allow organizations to respond quickly to changes in the external and internal environment. The role of digital technologies in modern management cannot be overestimated. They provide tools for the rapid collection, analysis and processing of information, which is critical in crisis situations. For example, Big Data management systems allow analyzing huge amounts of information in real time, which contributes to a more accurate assessment of the situation and informed decision-making. Cloud technologies provide access to resources and data from anywhere in the world, which is especially important in a crisis when it is necessary to ensure the continuity of business processes and the work of teams on a remote basis. Big data analytics is one of the key components of digital technologies in crisis management. It allows collecting and analyzing data from various sources, including social media, news, internal company systems, etc., to identify potential crises at early stages and predict their development. This enables organizations to respond quickly to threats and minimize negative consequences. Cloud technologies provide flexibility and scalability of the IT infrastructure, allowing organizations to quickly adapt to changes in the external environment and ensure business continuity. They also help reduce IT infrastructure costs and increase resource efficiency. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are powerful tools for automating crisis management processes. They can be used to analyze large amounts of data, detect anomalies, predict the development of crisis situations, and support decision-making. Machine learning algorithms can analyze historical data to identify patterns that precede crises and recommend appropriate actions to prevent them. Digital platforms and tools for communication and collaboration, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, ensure continuous interaction between employees and teams, which is critical in crisis situations. They allow for quick information exchange, virtual meetings, and coordination of actions, which contributes to more effective crisis management. Practical cases of successful use of digital technologies in crisis management include the experience of large corporations, government organizations, and international organizations. For example, Microsoft uses Azure cloud technologies to ensure business continuity during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Government agencies, such as the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), use big data management systems and analytics to coordinate actions during natural disasters. Practical cases of successful use of digital technologies in crisis management include the experience of large corporations, government organizations, and international organizations. For example, Microsoft uses Azure cloud technologies to ensure business continuity during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Government agencies, such as the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), use big data management systems and analytics to coordinate actions during natural disasters. Recommendations for the implementation of digital technologies in crisis management include strategies and steps for successful implementation, the role of management, IT department and employees, as well as planning and preparation for implementation. It is important that the organization's management understands the importance of digital technologies in crisis management and provides the necessary resources for their implementation. The IT department should be prepared to quickly deploy new technologies and ensure their smooth operation. Employees should be trained to use new tools and technologies, which may require additional training and professional development. Planning and preparation for implementation include the development of a detailed action plan that covers all stages of digital technology implementation, from needs assessment and technology selection to deployment and integration into existing business processes. It is also important to ensure monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the implemented technologies in order to be able to identify and eliminate possible problems in time. The conclusions summarize the importance of digital technologies for crisis management, the main results of the study, and prospects for further research in this area. In particular, it is noted that the use of digital technologies allows organizations to more effectively manage crisis situations, reduce risks and minimize negative consequences. Prospects for further research include the study of new technologies, such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), and their potential for crisis management.