Essay Sample on Interconnectivity of Infrastructures

Introduction

Interconnectivity of structures refers to the interaction of the parts of a system which rely on each other in their functions to form a significant network. The resulting system cannot be analyzed using its parts as the subsystems are closely linked to each other. One of the examples of the interconnectivity is in the airline sector, where flights from different countries are connected to firm a single flight network (Janic, 2007). Each country or state has regional and major flights which transport passengers to various destinations. Interconnectivity is introduced by connecting the regional airlines with international flights where the regional one aid passengers from local towns to connect to major cities and board the international flights.

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Interconnectivity has been witnessed in power grids where electric utilities in various regions are connected before the power is distributed to the consumers (Voropai, Podkovalnikov, & Osintsev, 2018). It is evident that power stations generate different levels of energy depending on their size and capability. Some regions are hit by fluctuating water levels which lead to changes in the power produced while others produce a lot of power due to high water levels and additional sources such as wind and solar power. The energy generated is directed to a common point and passed to the electrical interconnectors. Interconnectivity introduces an aspect of power stability and economies of scale where power is purchased from large and efficient sources preventing power shortages.

Vulnerability on Major Infrastructures

Although interconnectivity has introduced efficiency in systems, it has also increased the vulnerability of major infrastructures. It should be noted that interconnectivity comprises of stable systems and less stable ones to optimize the output. However, there are times where the less stable systems develop complications which affect the vital infrastructures. For example, the Colgan air flight crash tainted the image of continental airlines whom they had entered an airline partnership. Rudari, Johnson, Geske, and Sperlak (2016) note that although the continental airlines were strict on the safety precautions, Colgan air flight pilots did not follow the required emergency measures. As such, interconnectivity leads to sharing of losses as mishaps experienced on one of the systems affects the primary infrastructure.

Centralization and Decentralization in CIP Management Model

A CIP management model should be a combination of both centralization and decentralization to ensure an efficient preparedness and quick responses to accidents involving each critical infrastructure. It should be noted that the CIP contains many infrastructures such as transportation, power, emergency services, and banking and finance. These sectors are under different bodies and contain different vulnerabilities. With decentralization, each agency will concentrate on their area of specialization and is in the best position to identify the most probable accidents and impose counteractive measures. On the other hand, a centralized model consists of an overall body that ensures that the individuals tasked with managing each unit are working as expected by comparing their performances.

Relevant Management Practice

An example of the application of the centralized and decentralized CIP model is the joining of all the critical infrastructure sectors to form one central body. The different sectors currently recognized include public works, emergency services, fire departments, and power among others. Currently, each sector has an organization which oversees the vulnerabilities present and accidents likely to occur. Although the formation of the national infrastructure protection plan has been suggested, a body to manage these bodies has not been formulated. Currently, each body works independently and reports to the government once it identifies vulnerabilities. Without close surveillance, one agency may lag in its operation and fail to detect a slowly developing leeway for an accident. An overall organization should be established where all the bodies in charge of each sector will be reporting. The whole body will identify the most common type of vulnerability and formulate a standard solution.

Critical Infrastructures in My Town

There are five types of critical infrastructures in my town and include the emergency services, public health and healthcare, Food and agricultural sector, water and wastewater, and the transport sectors. The emergency services sector is under the department of homeland security which contains facilities such as fire departments, fire stations, and security organizations. It also comprises of highly skilled personnel such as providers of emergency medical facilities and defense police who offer medical care to the affected individuals and assist in evacuations. There is one water and wastewater department involved in water treatment to ensure it is safe for use. It also treats wastewater before it is released in the environment to avoid contaminating water sources.

Food and agricultural sector, public health and healthcare and the transport sector are also found in my town. The Food and agricultural sector is responsible for food security in the area and boasts of three food processing, five manufacturing, and four storage facilities. In health matters, the public health and healthcare sector is in charge of hazards such as natural disasters and the outbreak of infectious diseases. In my town, there are two government-owned hospitals and numerous privately-owned healthcare facilities. These facilities comprise of a team of qualified doctors who respond to health emergencies. The transport sector is under the transportation department and consists of state-owned transport facilities such as trains and buses which provide a safe and quick mode of transport.

References

Janic, M. (2007). The sustainability of air transportation: A quantitative analysis and assessment. Aldershot: Ashgate.

Rudari, L., Johnson, M., Geske, R., & Sperlak., L. (2016). Pilot Perceptions on Impact of Crew Rest Regulations on Safety and Fatigue. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics and Aerospace, 3(1), doi.org/10.15394/ijaaa.2016.1096.

Voropai, N., Podkovalnikov, S., & Osintsev, K. (2018). From Interconnections of Local Electric Power Systems to Global Energy Interconnection. Global Energy Interconnection, 1(1), 4-10.