TOWARDS A FRAMEWORK FOR AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM Manal M. Yunis Department of Computer Information Systems College of Business Administration University of Texas – Pan American 1201 West University Drive, Edinburg, Texas, 78541 E-mail: myunis@broncs.utpa.edu ABSTRACT Organizations from all sectors are increasingly relying on computer information and telecommunications technologies to run their operations. Concurrently, they are getting more exposed to threats posed by natural and man-made disasters. Such vulnerabilities have highlighted the importance of IT systems that can ensure the continuity of operations in organizations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variables that influence the design and development of effective IT emergency response systems. Drawing on the literature of emergency response systems, disaster recovery/business continuity planning, as well as inter-organizational and collaboration systems, the factors that should be considered to ensure the success of the system will be examined and analyzed. Based on the analysis, an integrated model that shows the interrelationships amongst the various components will be proposed to highlight the importance of these elements functioning altogether to generate a critical-time emergency response system for the IT resources of an organization. Key words : emergency response system, business continuity plan, disaster recovery plan, system and operation maintenance. 730