Journal of Basic and Applied Research International

Research suggests that individual differences influence the ability to achieve similar levels of situation awareness for a given set of circumstances. This assertion has potentially profound implications when considering emergency response performance, particularly when assessing an individual or team of individuals. Without an objective and well defined process for assessing the performance in a simulated training environment, it may not be possible to predict how well individuals who are responsible for the safety of others will respond in an actual event. To explore the differences and whether it is possible to predict future performance, the objective of this study and evaluation of a real-world event were to explore an offshore installation manager (OIM) emergency management assessment process by identifying the criteria used by subject matter experts (SMEs) during performance evaluation. Four SMEs involved in the assessment of personnel in Canada completed semi-structured interviews in which they identified what constitutes acceptable performance of OIMs during simulated emergencies. The SME responses were thematically analyzed and then developed into mind maps and a situation awareness checklist. Results indicate that despite receiving similar training, SMEs differ in what they consider to be critical management characteristics during an emergency. Although limited to the training program in Canada, the SME’s utilize a similar set of evaluation criteria as those in the North Sea. Therefore, in an attempt to standardize the evaluation process, differences in the assessment process are used to highlight a need for an alternative/complimentary method that incorporates objective performance milestones.