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IPSOS-REID / UBC POLL RESULTS
GLOBAL SECURITY
As you know, since the terrorist bombings of September
11th, 2001, the Canadian government has undertaken a
number of initiatives to ensure greater security for
Canadians. Based on how you feel right now, when you
think about your own personal security, would you say
you generally feel secure or not secure?
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Very Secure
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Somewhat Secure
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Not Very Secure
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Not At All Secure
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Do you agree or disagree with the following statements
about security issues?
1. I am prepared to accept the inconvenience of delays
and longer line-ups at airports and borders, if it means
I feel more secure when I’m traveling
2. Poverty and injustice are the major roots of hostility
towards the United States and other developed nations
3. I am prepared to accept some limits to my civil
liberties if it means I feel safer and more secure in
my daily life
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MILESTONES
Liu Centre launches Centre for Human Security, headed by
former United Nations executive Andrew Mack.
UBC responds to more than 100 media requests for expert commentary
following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Law students win mock NATO competition in Washington DC for
third year in a row.
Gyuto monks from Tibet spend week at UBC promoting global
spirituality as a solution to personal and world insecurity.
Global poll conducted by Liu Centre’s Angus Reid shows
that criminal violence, not terrorism, is the greater concern
in daily life.
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The events of September 11, 2001 changed
the way most Canadians feel about their world, and about their
own safety. But the lasting feelings of insecurity have grown
beyond fear of terrorist tactics. Personal security has also
been threatened - from fluctuating stock markets to job loss
as the economy stumbled in the wake of the attacks.
UBC believes the best way to address
security issues is to confront them through dialogue. From
there governments and individuals alike can make informed
decisions and take steps toward feeling safe on a personal,
national and global scale.
HOW CAN AIRPORTS BE MORE SECURE
WITHOUT SACRIFICING CONVENIENCE?
"We helped the Vancouver airport to find a way to improve
their security without leaving people frustrated in line-ups
all the time."
Mehmet Begen, Graduate
student and research
associate, Centre for
Operations Excellence
MEHMET BEGEN After September 11, security rules for
airports changed dramatically and colossal line-ups became
common in airports across North America. Vancouver International
Airport Authority (YVR) called upon UBC’s Centre for
Operations Excellence to help.
“We analyzed their processes and built a visual computer
simulation model,” says Mehmet Begen, who was initially
a graduate student with the Centre, and is now employed as
a Research Associate. “We identified bottlenecks and
determined optimal staffing levels for desired customer service.”
The team tested over 100 scenarios by repeatedly changing
variables and examining the effects. “For example, if
you double the staff, how much will waiting times decrease?
With the computer you can figure it out very quickly.”
The ultimate goal is to extend the study and develop staff
schedules for all airport gates. Begen believes their work
will make YVR - and hopefully other airports - safer. “If
we can schedule the staff better, they will not be as pressured
by long queues of people. Increasing the system’s efficiency
will also make it more effective.”
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