What is an improvement that can be made to enhance the effectiveness of an incident management system?

Maintaining a manageable span of control is essential for improving the effectiveness of an incident management system because it ensures that each supervisor has a clear and achievable number of personnel directly reporting to them. By keeping this ratio appropriate, communication and decision-making can occur more efficiently, reducing confusion and enabling quicker responses during an incident.

When the span of control is too wide, managers may struggle to effectively monitor and support their team members, which can lead to misunderstandings, delays in response, and potential safety hazards. A manageable span allows supervisors to adequately guide their teams, providing necessary support and direction while also ensuring that every staff member remains focused on their tasks. This structure enhances coordination, fosters accountability, and ultimately leads to a higher level of operational effectiveness during incidents.

In contrast, increasing the number of personnel, reducing paperwork, or extending response times could introduce complications that may dilute the effectiveness of the system. Each of these alternatives can disrupt the streamlined process required for efficient incident management.