Strategies to Recover from Satellite Communication Failures

Strategies to Recover from Satellite Communication Failures by Charles Lomotey MS, University of Liverpool, 2007 Diploma, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, 1994 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Information Technology Walden University June 2019 Abstract In natural and manmade disasters, inadequate strategies to recover from satellite communication (SATCOM) failures can affect the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide timely assistance to the affected populations. This single case study explored strategies used by network administrators (NAs) to recover from SATCOM failures in humanitarian operations. The study population wereIn natural and manmade disasters, inadequate strategies to recover from satellite communication (SATCOM) failures can affect the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide timely assistance to the affected populations. This single case study explored strategies used by network administrators (NAs) to recover from SATCOM failures in humanitarian operations. The study population were NAs in Asia, the Middle East, Central Africa, East Africa, and West Africa. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 9 NAs and an analysis of network statistics for their locations. The resource-based view was used as the conceptual framework for the study. Using inductive analysis, 3 themes emerged from coding and triangulation: redundancy of equipment, knowledge transfer, and the use of spare parts to service the SATCOM infrastructure. The findings showed that the organization’s use of knowledge, and collaboration among NAs and nontechnical staff improved the organization’s ability to recover from SATCOM failures. The implication of this study for social change was the reduced cost of satellite services due to the efficient use of the bandwidth. These savings can be channeled into the purchase of vaccines, shelter, and the improvement in the quality of water and sanitation for displaced persons in humanitarian disasters, which improve the organization’s delivery of humanitarian services to the affected populations in the disaster. Strategies to Recover from Satellite Communication Failures by Charles Lomotey MS, University of Liverpool, 2007 Diploma, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, 1994 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Information Technology Walden University June 2019 Dedication I dedicate this study to the glory of God who sustains me in all aspects of my life. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my Chair Dr. Bob Duhainy, who provided guidance and encouragement during the study and helped it come to fruition. You were always available and provided brilliant advice when I was stuck in various portions of this journey. I would like to thank my committee member, Dr. Steven Case for his patience and direction to set me on the right course, especially at the onset of the study when I could not get my prospectus right. I would also like to thank my university research reviewer, Dr. Gary Griffith for taking the time to ensure that my study was of quality and without errors. To my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dodu Lomotey, you instilled the discipline of hard work and dedication in me which has been extremely instrumental in helping me achieve my career goals. To you, I say thank you. To my children, Leroy, Adriel, Gavril and Shavon, I hope this achievement will encourage you to reach for the stars and believe that with God, all things are possible. I now promise to make up for the quality times I have missed to help you in your hobbies, school work, and planning towards your future. To my wife Cecilia, on my knees, I present this achievement to you. You are the one who suggested I take this program. You challenged me to work hard and provided emotional and physical support. You made incredible financial sacrifices and concurrently, kept the household running while I was engrossed in the program. In local parlance, I say “Ayekoo” and want you to know that all you have invested in me will bear fruit in ways that you cannot imagine. I love you.