The first objective of this thesis is. to use qualitative research to investigate and analyse how simulations can facilitate agencies involved in flood hazards to respond more effectively. The author argued here that a new methodological framework is required to conduct flood simulation. The use of qualitative research for flood management and environmental simulations also emphasises risk communication. The second objective of this thesis is to provide a cross-cultural comparison between flood exercises in England and Taiwan. This facilitates a better understanding of cultural and social dimensions in the flood management systems. Best practice for future flood simulations are identified by examining these two cases. Current approaches to flood management use the Total Disaster Risk Management framework to integrate agencies involved within a holistic structure. However, with this approach there has still been an increase in loss of life and property. The use of a social and systems approach to risk is helpful to identify system failures. It is further argued that system failures continue to occur because people have not learned from experience. Simulation is the best vehicle to improve individual and organisational performance. Due to a lack of empirical and theoretical evidence, there is a need to look into flood simulations and their application. Through the analysis of specific cases, this thesis offers a new challenge for the future research of flood simulation: it designs a portable exercise to allow training of multi-organisational coordination and cooperation in a cost effective way.