Which statement below correctly describes how to manage span of control using the modular concept?
A) Span of control is less of a factor of concern for incidents that are resolved within the initial operational period.
B) Span of control may be extended beyond 1:10 in order to ensure that more resources can be deployed on complex, large incidents.
C) Span of control should be established without consideration of factors such as the type of incident, nature of the task, hazards, and safety factors.
D) Span of control is accomplished by organizing resources into Teams, Divisions, Groups, Branches, or Sections.
The correct answer is:
✅ D) Span of control is accomplished by organizing resources into Teams, Divisions, Groups, Branches, or Sections.
📌 What is Span of Control?
Span of control means how many people or teams a leader can manage effectively during an emergency or incident. It is a key part of the Incident Command System (ICS), which helps teams stay organized and work safely.
🧩 How the Modular Concept Helps Manage Span of Control:
The modular concept means breaking big tasks into smaller groups to handle them better. In large incidents, having too many people report to one leader can cause confusion and slow down the response.
To solve this problem, leaders divide the teams into different units, such as:
- Teams: Small groups of people working together on one task.
- Divisions: Groups working in specific areas of the incident.
- Groups: Teams focusing on specific jobs, like search and rescue.
- Branches: Larger units that manage many divisions or groups.
- Sections: Big parts of the organization, such as Operations, Planning, Logistics, or Finance.
📈 Why is Span of Control Important in Incident Management?
- Better Communication: Fewer people reporting to one leader means clearer messages.
- More Safety: Leaders can keep track of everyone and make sure they are safe.
- Faster Response: Teams can work quickly without confusion.
- Less Stress for Leaders: Leaders can focus on decisions, not managing too many people.
💡 Best Practice for Span of Control:
- The ideal span of control is 1 leader for every 3 to 7 people, with 5 people per leader being the best for most situations.
- If the incident grows, create more Divisions, Groups, Branches, or Sections to manage the teams.
🚫 Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- A) Span of control is always important, even during short incidents.
- B) Managing more than 10 people per leader is too risky and confusing.
- C) Span of control must always consider the type of task and safety issues.
📝 Conclusion:
The best way to manage span of control is by using the modular concept and organizing teams into Teams, Divisions, Groups, Branches, or Sections. This method helps ensure clear communication, safety, and fast response during emergencies.
📚 References
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2018). ICS 100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
National Incident Management System (NIMS). (2017). National Incident Management System: Third Edition. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (2020). Incident Command System for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (ICS 200).
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I am Smirti Bam, an enthusiastic edu blogger with a passion for sharing insights into the dynamic world of business and management through this website.
I hold a MBA degree from Presidential Business School, Kathmandu, and a BBA degree with a specialization in Finance from Apex College,
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