Research

Michael A. Erskine’s current research explores spatial decision support systems, disaster information management and the impact of instructional technologies on student success. A passion for understanding how information systems are utilized and a strong interest in spatialdecision support systems (SDSS), geographic information systems (GIS) and online mapping provide the motivation for exploring how such systems empower individuals and groups toperform effective and efficient decision-making. Prior professional experience in the surveyingand mapping industry provides a unique background toward this investigation.

Alternately, a design-science approach is utilized to examine how disaster information management can be optimized to ensure timely response to large natural and man-made disasters. This research involves the development of software systems and applying thesesystems to measure human-computer interaction effects. Real-world implementations areevaluated, since the complexity of modern distributed systems can be extremely hard to capture through simulation or experiments alone. Furthermore software artifacts, which result from such implementations, are an essential contribution of design-science research that drives both product development and future research.

Finally, a research stream exploring instructional technologies is fostered through over 10 yearsof managing and developing technologies to support academic initiatives within highereducation. Having led, or been an integral part of various technology implementations within higher education, provides a unique opportunity to research such systems using a case study approach. The primary motivation for this research is the rapid adoption of technologies that support teaching and learning while ensuring that teaching and learning remain effective.