Critical success factors for epidemic emergency management in colleges and universities during COVID-19: A study based on DEMATEL method

Colleges and universities are considered as one of the “main battlefields” of epidemic prevention and control, wherein, they have difficulty in clarifying and identifying the critical points for emergency management due to the complexity and multiplicity of influencing factors. Therefore, this study aims to identify the most effective Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for COVID-19 prevention and control in China. This study uses the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. This study has finally identified five Critical Success Factors (CSFs), which are 1) the training of emergency management professionals, 2) the cultivation of coordinating abilities, 3) the establishment of an epidemic prevention and control leadership team, 4) the development of corresponding responsibility awareness, and 5) the regulation of online public opinions. By focusing on these five CSFs, it can effectively facilitate colleges and universities to optimize their entire emergency management system in the process of normalization and professionalization of campus emergency management.