IMSMA Training
(Source: GICHD: Operational Assistance & Research > Training )
Information management continues to play a key role in mine action providing managers and operations staff with support for a wide variety of analysis and decision support tasks. In support of these activities, the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Demining has developed and fields the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA). It is a tool to improve the operational management and recording of identified threats, ongoing and completed work at field level.
IMSMA is a software-based data management tool designed for use by mine action centres. It combines a relational database with a geographic information system. The system is used in almost all mine action programmes worldwide, as well as for training by a number of armed forces.
Training in IMSMA, which is provided free of charge, aims to assist programmes with the integration of information management into their daily operations with an emphasis on the sustainable use and support of IMSMA in the field. In order to achieve these objectives training focuses on the specific needs of individual programmes and staff members. Currently, areas covered by IMSMA training are: management; operations; database administration;
data entry and data use; and peace support operations staff (as part of the Partnership for Peace framework).
In order to ensure that operational IMSMA installations are provided training on a timely basis, participation in IMSMA training is by invitation only. In addition training is normally restricted to staff who currently work with the system or who will work with the system in the near future. Invitations are extended by the IMSMA Training Team based on the result of close coordination with national mine action authorities, and a detailed process of staff identification and needs assessment. For further information or to request IMSMA training, please contact the GICHD’s Regional Support Coordinator in your area.
Contact:
Ananda Millard, IMSMA Training Coordinator, at a.millard@gichd.ch
