Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Homeland Security (D.P.S.)

Department

Division of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security

First Advisor

Bernard Jones

Second Advisor

Brian Harte

Third Advisor

Christopher Cleary

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to apply Social Identity Theory concepts to a modified Technology Acceptance Model for existing application-based software technologies on android and iOS platforms in an effort to facilitate user expectations of reunification efforts for pre-planned or spontaneous evacuations of Outdoor Music Festivals (OMF). Geofencing technology combined with geolocation sharing software will enable users that “opt-in” the ability to interface, plan, and disseminate instructions when separated from their social groups. While the overarching goal will allow evacuees to maintain baseline situational/spatial awareness, the modified concept, when applied, functions as a pseudo-visual crowd analysis tool for evacuees to locate one another and report their safety status absent a formal or hasty reunification action plan. Enabling the crowd’s ability to increase decision-making skills and self-reporting adds additional layers of accountability and control for festival promoters, state, and local coordinating authorities. Using Firefly Music Festival, located in Dover, Delaware, the research examined a multiday OMF with an on-site camping component and a daily maximum capacity of 50,000 attendees to garner input for respondent data. Research findings demonstrated that the perceived usefulness of an app led to a positive attitude towards using the application and adoption, and thus developing positive intention for actual use of the Firefly Music Festival Mobile App during the festival, by festival attendees.

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