Development of decision support tools for post-disaster infrastructure reconstruction and recovery: a scoping study

Abstract

ABSTRACT A structured decision support system is imperative for guiding implementation of the dynamic and complex Post-disaster infrastructure reconstruction (PDIR) projects. This study attempts to appraise the scientific trend in the development decision support tools (DSTs) for PDIR during the last two decades and scope for future research. A detailed content analysis of literature extracted from online databases is performed to comprehend their objectives, methodologies along with typology and structure of DSTs. An objective analysis of research trend is performed using comprehensive science-mapping tool, ‘Bibliometrix’, followed by synthesizing the adaptability of DSTs in the present context .The scoping study has comprehended the scientific trends on developing DSTs as well as various approaches, methods and tools adopted in the field. The findings also deciphered the emerging research themes corroborating the need to develop better DSTs. The study recognizes potential research gaps in the development of DSTs globally and suggests future research directions.