Humanitarian supply chain management: modeling the pre and post-disaster relief operations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sachin Agarwal ◽  
Ravi Kant ◽  
Ravi Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Facility Location ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Evacuation Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose This study proposed a mathematical model for decision-making in the pre- and post-disaster phases. This research aims to develop a mathematical model for three important fields in the context of humanitarian logistics; stock prepositioning, facility location and evacuation planning in the humanitarian supply chain (HSC) network design. Design/methodology/approach This study applied three optimization techniques; classical approach (CA), pattern search algorithm (PSA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) to solve the proposed mathematical model. The proposed mathematical model attempts to minimize the total relief items supply chain cost and evacuation chain cost of the HSC. A real case study of cyclone Fani, 2019 in Orissa, India is applied to validate the proposed mathematical model and to show the performance of the model. Findings The results demonstrate that heuristic approach; PSA performs better and optimal solutions are obtained in almost all the cases as compared to the GA and CA. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to deterministic demands in the affected regions, and different scenarios of the disaster events are not considered. Social implications The finding reveals that the proposed model can help the humanitarian stakeholders in making decisions on facility location, relief distribution and evacuation planning in disaster relief operations. Originality/value The results of this study may offer managerial insights to practitioners and humanitarian logisticians who are engaged in HSC implementation.

Modelling systems for an effective humanitarian supply chain for disaster relief operations in the SADC region

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jean-Claude Munyaka Baraka
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Disaster

The SADC region has seen both man-made and natural disasters killing over 90 thousand people and affecting millions in the past 33 years. Most of these deaths were as a result of lack of infrastructure and preparedness. Looking at the challenges for providing relief to victims/evacuees throughout the entire disaster and post-disaster periods in the region, the emphasis of this thesis is on last mile transportation of resources, victims, emergency supplies, aiming to optimize the effectiveness (quick­I response) and efficiency (low-cost) of logistics activities including humanitarian supply chain. A survey was used for data collection. Statistical analysis helped determine the impact of disaster relief chains and lead to the development of a mathematical model that shall equip the region with mechanisms for response and recovery operations. An EXCEL optimization tool was used to find the optimal way of transporting relief in the region in case of a disaster.

Logistics service providers’ engagement in disaster relief initiatives

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 269-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Cozzolino ◽  
Ewa Wankowicz ◽  
Enrico Massaroni
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of logistics service providers’ (LSPs) initiatives to disaster relief and how LSPs are engaged with humanitarian sector. In recent years, the importance of logistics services in disaster relief operations and the capacity of LSPs to improve humanitarian supply chain management have become an increasingly interesting topic for both professionals and academics. Design/methodology/approach This research follows a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies. Findings The current research, after considering the differences and similarities among collaboration, cooperation and coordination and underlining how crucial these mechanisms are in the humanitarian context, explains the contribution of LSPs to relief operations alongside humanitarians. Research limitations/implications There has been increased interest in humanitarian logistics on the part of international academic and professional communities. This study constitutes a first exploratory step in the research to build a platform for benchmarking analysis of logistics services that aims to ensure the effective implementation of social responsibility principles. Practical implications The managerial implications arising from the research offer a range of current responsible actions from which strategic and operative directions to contribute can be derived. Originality/value Humanitarian logistics represents a crucial field in logistics management. This paper addresses the innovative socially responsible initiatives undertaken by the main international LSPs in the area of humanitarian logistics.

The role of organizational culture and voluntariness in the adoption of artificial intelligence for disaster relief operations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhishek Behl ◽  
Meena Chavan ◽  
Kokil Jain ◽  
Isha Sharma ◽  
Vijay Edward Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
National Level ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Relief Operations

PurposeThe study explores the readiness of government agencies to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency of disaster relief operations (DRO). For understanding the behavior of state-level and national-level government agencies involved in DRO, this study grounds its theoretical arguments on the civic voluntarism model (CVM) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT).Design/methodology/approachWe collected the primary data for this study from government agencies involved in DRO in India. To test the proposed theoretical model, we administered an online survey questionnaire to 184 government agency employees. To test the hypotheses, we employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsOur findings confirm that resources (time, money and skills) significantly influence the behavioral intentions related to the adoption of AI tools for DRO. Additionally, we identified that the behavioral intentions positively translate into the actual adoption of AI tools.Research limitations/implicationsOur study provides a unique viewpoint suited to understand the context of the adoption of AI in a governmental context. Companies often strive to invest in state-of-the-art technologies, but it is important to understand how government bodies involved in DRO strategize to adopt AI to improve efficiency.Originality/valueOur study offers a fresh perspective in understanding how the organizational culture and perspectives of government officials influence their inclinations to adopt AI for DRO. Additionally, it offers a multidimensional perspective by integrating the theoretical frameworks of CVM and UTAUT for a greater understanding of the adoption and deployment of AI tools with organizational culture and voluntariness as critical moderators.

scholarly journals Agility in humanitarian supply chain: an organizational information processing perspective and relational view

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rameshwar Dubey ◽  
David J. Bryde ◽  
Cyril Foropon ◽  
Gary Graham ◽  
Mihalis Giannakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
Humanitarian Organizations ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Organizational Information ◽  
Swift Trust ◽  
Relief Operations

Abstract Humanitarian organizations are increasingly facing challenges in terms of improving the efficiency and the effectiveness of their disaster relief efforts. These challenges often arise due to a lack of trust, poor collaboration and an inability to respond to disaster affected areas in a timely manner. Our study attempts to understand how these challenges are overcome by seeking answers to questions related to the topics of swift-trust, collaboration and agility in humanitarian supply chains. For instance, in our study we have attempted to examine how information sharing and supply chain visibility in humanitarian supply chains improve the swift-trust among the humanitarian actors engaged in disaster relief operations. Further, we attempt to understand how-swift trust, commitment and collaboration among the humanitarian actors improve the agility in humanitarian supply chains. In our study we provide both theoretical and data-driven answers to our stated research gaps. Our theoretical model is firmly grounded in organizational information process theory and relational view. We tested our research hypotheses using variance based structural equation modelling with survey data collected using a web based pre-tested instrument from 147 NGOs respondents drawn from the National Disaster Management Authority database. Our results help to advance the theoretical debates surrounding “swift-trust”, “collaboration” and “agility” in humanitarian settings. We further provide direction to managers engaged in disaster relief operations. The humanitarian actors engaged in disaster relief often fail to understand how to build swift-trust. Moreover, how swift-trust further affects commitment and collaboration which in turn further affect agility in humanitarian supply chains. Thus humanitarian organizations must understand how information sharing and supply chain visibility is key to swift-trust among humanitarian actors and agility in humanitarian supply chains. Finally, we outline the limitations of our study and offer some future research directions for investigation.

Framework to manage humanitarian logistics in disaster relief supply chain management in India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saurav Negi ◽  
Gaurav Negi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Relief Supply Chain

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the issues and challenges in humanitarian logistics and to develop a framework for effectively managing the humanitarian logistics in disaster relief supply chain operations in India.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a framework to manage humanitarian logistics effectively in disaster management through qualitative analysis. First, the author examines the challenges facing the humanitarian logistics and supply chain through the reviews of the literature on various disasters. Then, the author presented a framework based on the best practices and initiatives taken worldwide in the preparedness and response stage of the humanitarian supply chain to manage and reduce the aftermath of any disaster in context to India.FindingsA framework has been developed to manage humanitarian logistics in the disaster relief operation, which would improve the humanitarian supply chain in India and help to effectively manage natural disasters in the preparedness and response stage at the state and district levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper mainly emphasises on the preparedness and response stage of disaster supply chain management in Indian context.Practical implicationsNone of the disaster incidents can be stopped from taking place, but the impact can be minimised by proper preparedness and effective response during the operations of humanitarian logistics. With this hope, the framework has been developed, which if implemented would help to plan and manage any disaster incident in an effective manner, which ultimately would save millions of lives and cost in terms of infrastructure, property, assets etc.Originality/valueAs natural disaster incidents are occurring frequently in Indian states, there is an urgent need for a framework to manage the logistics operations effectively and efficiently during any disaster relief operations. Limited literature is found on developing and presenting a framework focusing on the preparedness and response phase of disaster supply chain management in context to India. Hence, this paper is believed to be the first to fulfil this gap with main emphasis on the preparedness and response stage of disaster supply chain management in Indian scenario.

Extracting Resource Needs and Availabilities From Microblogs for Aiding Post-Disaster Relief Operations

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 604-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moumita Basu ◽  
Anurag Shandilya ◽  
Prannay Khosla ◽  
Kripabandhu Ghosh ◽  
Saptarshi Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Resource Needs ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Post Disaster

Understanding Humanitarian Supply Chain Through Causal Modelling

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-329
Author(s):  
Vinaytosh Mishra ◽  
Mohita G. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Social Welfare ◽  
System Dynamics ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Supply Chain System ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain ◽  
Slow Onset

Research Questions: Does being in the social welfare slow-onset disaster quadrant help in garnering resources during the sudden disaster? Theory: Humanitarian supply chain has been traditionally explained as a system involved in mobilizing people, resources, skills and knowledge for disaster relief operations. The established classification of disasters includes natural and man-made disasters. These are further classified into sudden- and slow-onset disasters. Social welfare supply chains happen to be a distinctive type of humanitarian supply chain working in slow-onset disasters such as poverty and drought. To understand the complex systems like humanitarian supply chain, system dynamics modelling is used. Type of the Case: Study of a phenomenon. Basis of the Case: In this study, we proposed a humanitarian supply chain case and system dynamics model that works as a social welfare supply chain. In the face of a calamity, operations are ramped up for the sudden-onset conditions. After the initial phase is over, operations are ramped down and again become stable. Protagonist: Absent. Findings: The study tests the results of four policy measures (a) increasing goodwill, (b) decreasing stringent directive, (c) increasing donor attitude and (d) a combination of all of these measures. These measures are additive in nature, and a humanitarian supply chain can use these policy measures to respond to a sudden disaster. Discussions: The case discusses various policy measures taken by the humanitarian supply chain during a sudden disaster. It also explores whether being in the slow-onset quadrant helps tack sudden disasters like earthquakes or terrorist attacks. An organization can start with decreasing the stringent measures in the case of a sudden disaster. Increasing donor attitude and goodwill requires long-term outreach efforts.

Using containers as storage facilities in humanitarian logistics

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayşenur Şahin ◽  
Mustafa Alp Ertem ◽  
Emel Emür
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Earthquake Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Security Planning ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Real Earthquake ◽  
Storage Facilities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of freight containers to store relief items instead of operating a permanent warehouse building. Design/methodology/approach – A mathematical model is developed to determine the location and quantity of containers as well as the type and amount of relief supplies to store in order to investigate the practicality of using freight containers for storage. The model is tested using earthquake risk data, estimates of population under risk, and the distances between cities. An experimental study is performed using Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (abbreviated as AFAD in Turkish) data for total number of relief supplies. Findings – Considering the earthquake risk of possible locations, the results of the study indicate the target locations for containers. The idea of using containers as storage facilities helped beneficiaries to be reached within a short distance and in an efficient way. Research limitations/implications – The presented model is not implemented in real life disaster relief operations even if it is tested with real earthquake risk, demand and distance data. Practical implications – To apply this model in practice, the container locations within cities should be determined and managerial operations such as maintenance, environmental, and security planning have to be considered. Originality/value – This study presents the first analysis of three sub-topics’ intersection: warehousing, pre-positioning in disaster relief, and containerization. To the best of authors’ knowledge, containers have not been considered for storage of relief items in humanitarian logistics before.

scholarly journals Challenges in disaster relief operations: evidence from the 2017 Kermanshah earthquake

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Maghsoudi ◽  
Mohammad Moshtari
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Modelling Studies ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
Relief Operations

PurposeThis paper identifies the challenges during a recent disaster relief operation in a developing country where the humanitarian response is dominated by national actors, with international actors having a minor role.Design/methodology/approachA case study design is used; the main data sources are semi-structured interviews with 43 informants involved in the 2017 Kermanshah earthquake relief operation.FindingsThe findings suggest that humanitarian practitioners deal with multiple challenges during disaster relief operations. One group of challenges relates to humanitarian logistics (HL) like needs assessment, procurement, warehousing, transportation and distribution, all widely discussed in the literature. Another involves the growing use of social media, legitimacy regulations and the engagement of new humanitarian actors (HAs) like social media activists and celebrities. These factors have not been extensively studied in the literature; given their growing influence, they require more scholarly attention.Practical implicationsThe findings will help humanitarian practitioners and policymakers better understand the challenges involved in disaster relief operations conducted by multiple actors and thus help them improve their practices, including the creation of proper regulations, policies and logistics strategies.Originality/valueThe study uses primary data on a recent disaster to assess and extend the findings of previous studies regarding HL challenges. It also elaborates on the critical non-logistical challenges that influence aid delivery in emergency responses, including the growth of social media, regulations and the engagement of new HAs. The results may motivate future empirical and modelling studies to investigate the identified challenges and identify practices to mitigate them.

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