Steps in writing an effective Master Scenario Events List

Ralph Renger, PhD, MEP; Jessica Wakelee, MPH; Jillian Bradshaw, MBA, MEP; Lisle Hites, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2009.0039

Authors

Ralph Renger, PhD, MEP
Jessica Wakelee, MPH
Jillian Bradshaw, MBA, MEP
Lisle Hites, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2009.0039

Keywords:

master scenario events list, exercise design

Abstract

Planning and conducting effective operationsbased exercises is a complex and resource intensive process. The US Department of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) describes many key elements in successfully planning and conducting operations-based exercises. The Master Scenario Events List (MSEL) is integral to the successful conduct of operations-based exercises. The MSEL is the exercise blueprint, consisting of messages, or injects, designed to test exercise objectives and drive continual exercise play. Surprisingly, there is little guidance provided in the exercise development literature or by HSEEP about how to create an effective MSEL. This article discusses essential elements for a MSEL, offers recommended steps for writing a MSEL, and then illustrates these steps using an example from an operations-based exercise.

Author Biographies

Ralph Renger, PhD, MEP

Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

Jessica Wakelee, MPH

Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

Jillian Bradshaw, MBA, MEP

MEP Consulting, Vail, Arizona.

Lisle Hites, PhD

College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

References

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