Last month our discussion on resubmissions focused on the second three of nine knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). This month I will continue our discussion on common errors with the emergency management essay by focusing on the last three of nine KSAs.

Covered in Past Issues

Previously we learned the first three Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities are: (1) demonstrated ability to develop a solution for the stated problem; (2) demonstrated knowledge of the Prevention phase of disaster/emergency management and activities; and (3) demonstrated knowledge of the Mitigation phase of disaster/emergency management and activities. The second three KSAs are: (4) demonstrated knowledge of the preparedness phase of disaster/emergency management and activity; (5) demonstrated knowledge of the Response phase of disaster/emergency management and activity; and (6) demonstrated knowledge of the Recovery phase of disaster/emergency management and activity.

The Last Three KSAs

The last three KSAs, which I will discuss in detail here, are: (7) demonstrated knowledge of the organization and the environment in which it operates; (8) demonstrated knowledge of codes, legislation, regulations, plans, policies or procedures which impact the disaster/emergency management function; and (9) demonstrated skill in written communication as evidenced by the essay that demonstrates your ability to present information in a logical, clear manner.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the organization and the environment in which it operates. The scenario states that you are the new emergency manager for an organization. It does not specify anything about that organization. This allows you to select any organization you wish. You may be creative here too.
• Organizations from successful essays have been described as counties, cities, states, countries, hospitals, military, large and small businesses, and native tribes and villages. Some have even described organizations such as cruise ships, space ships, a space station, and various planets (real or made up). The chosen organization itself is not critical, but it does provide context to the rest of the essay.
• For this KSA, the Commissioners want to see a detailed description of the organization that hired you to lead their emergency management program. Briefly describe the organization, the emergency management program you evaluated, and where the emergency management program fits into the overall structure. Also, briefly describe how the emergency management section or department is organized and funded.
• The introductory paragraphs are the perfect place to provide this description. It doesn’t have to be based on a real organization. Your description could be entirely made up. Just remember that your introduction sets the stage for the remainder of the essay by providing the limits and constraints to your discussion. Providing only a couple of sentences to describe your organization usually results in a score of 0 to 1 point. Including a more detailed description of your organization usually results in a score of 1 to 2 points. If you fail to describe the organization, you will earn zero (0) points for that KSA!
• Demonstrated knowledge of codes, legislation, regulations, plans, policies, or procedures which impact the disaster/emergency management function. This KSA allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of emergency management-related codes, legislation, regulations, plans, policies or procedures that impact your problem and solution. As with the previous KSA, you may describe real ones or made-up ones. 
  • Should you choose to relate real codes, legislation, etc., ensure that your description and analysis is accurate. Many Commissioners are familiar with the ones you will describe, as well as the ones you do not describe, and will catch material errors. If you choose to describe made-up ones, provide enough detail so the Commissioners know you know how those codes, legislation, etc., impact your problem and solution. Make it plausible. 
  • Commissioners know that every problem will be impacted by some codes, legislation, etc., so they will be looking for your accurate description and analysis of them. Simply mentioning the titles of a couple of codes, legislation, etc., usually results in a score of 0 to 1 point. Describing a few codes, legislation, etc., and their impact on your problem and solution will usually result in a score of 1 to 2 points. If applicable codes, legislation, etc., are not addressed, you will earn zero (0) points for that KSA!
• Demonstrated skill in written communication as evidenced by the essay that demonstrated your ability to present information in a logical, clear manner. For this KSA, Commissioners want to see a well-written essay. That means that your descriptions should flow (read) well from beginning to end. It means that your essay has a beginning (introduction); a middle (body paragraphs covering the six design elements and incorporating the nine KSAs); and an end (conclusion that flows logically from the body paragraphs, does not introduce new information or discussion, and provides a satisfactory end to your story).
  • Commissioners also want to see that your essay was properly edited. Run your spell checker and grammar checker. Correct all of the identified errors. Go back and read your essay again, looking for additional errors. Look for other spelling and grammar errors (a misplaced comma or period can completely change your intended meaning). Look for logic errors, look for missing data, and ensure you covered all six design elements and incorporated the nine KSAs. Then fix the identified errors.

You may ask someone else to read your essay and repeat back to you the general ideas to see if others understand your meaning. If the other person gets it wrong, you may need to go back and edit your essay again. This person also may identify additional grammar and spelling errors that you previously missed. Having someone else read your essay and offer suggestions does not prevent you from signing the Independent Work Statement. The essay is still your individual work product, as you are free to accept or reject the offered suggestions.

Commissioners suggest that you allow someone else to read your  essay, because it helps to ensure a well-written essay. When you are satisfied you have a good essay that will earn at least 18 out of the 24 available points, check the margins and double-spacing. Make sure the essay’s title is placed at the top of your essay and the required Independent Work Statement is included and signed (physically or electronically) at the end.

As a last step, you should review your resubmission letter and ensure that all comments and suggestions have been addressed. The Commissioners will pay particular attention to this letter and will be looking for those corrections/additions specifically. When you are satisfied, your essay is ready for resubmission.

Most Common Errors

The most common errors that Commissioners encounter with these last three KSA’s are:

• The organization is not named or described.
• Codes, legislation, etc., applicable to the identified problem are not addressed or they are addressed incorrectly.
• The essay is poorly written with grammar and spelling errors, as well as containing logical errors in the problem-solving process.

Conclusion

Remember, paying attention to detail, as found in the essay instructions and scenario, will go a long way towards writing a successful essay the first time. Incorporating all of the suggestions and comments from the resubmission letter in your revised essay will help ensure that you are successful this time so you do not receive a rejection letter.

In the Next Issue

IAEM is implementing the new online CEM®/AEM® exam in March, so I will describe this process in next month’s IAEM Bulletin. As usual, please send any questions you have about the examination or the certification process to me at info@iaem.com, and I will address them in future articles.

IAEM Bulletin, March 2019

Back to CEM Corner