Identification of key factors that support and limit action plan implementation after a SimEx and suggestions on how to overcome the challenges

Sammanfattning: It is difficult to prepare for events with large-scale consequences and low probability. Simulation exercises (SimEx) provide the opportunity to improve preparedness through strengthening capabilities before an actual emergency. Conducting a SimEx could be very expensive and therefore the SimEx should be thoroughly evaluated. Action plans (AP) determine the relevant recommendations to be implemented to address the gaps of the SimEx. However, the action plan is not always fully implemented, and the purpose of this master’s thesis was to better understand the factors supporting and limiting action plan implementation after a SimEx. The purpose was also to better understand how challenges related to action plan implementation could be overcome. To fulfil this purpose, one literature review and one interview study were conducted. This resulted in that 11 key factors could be identified that were categorized into five themes: Planning, Resources, Learning, Realism, and Priority. Failure in one theme could lead to action plan failure and it is recommended to consider all themes to increase the probability of AP implementation. Furthermore, there are many challenges related to action plan implementation and it is recommended to document successful ways to overcome the challenges. Lastly, action plans are connected to capacity development (CD) for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and factors that support and limit CD for DRR could be applicable to AP implementation e.g., clear terminology.