Best practice relief supply for emergency services in a developed economy

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark M.J. Wilson ◽  
Peter Tatham ◽  
John Payne ◽  
Cécile L’Hermitte ◽  
Michael Shapland
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Emergency Relief ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emergency Logistics ◽  
Community Outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges inherent in planning and responding to disaster events in a multi-agency context where numerous governmental and non-governmental actors and agencies are involved in the planning and response phases. In particular, the authors examine a situation where a lead agency has recently been delegated the responsibility for emergency relief logistics and how it might determine and implement best practice. Design/methodology/approach Adopting an iterative inductive approach, the authors gather data and insights from academic literature, emergency management policies, frameworks and documents and exploratory in-depth interviews with 12 key informants who have considerable experience with the challenges of logistic preparation and response to disasters in a developed country context. The data and context are limited to developed counties, especially the state of Queensland, Australia. Findings The authors discuss the challenge of achieving coordinated supply chain management where mandated/lead response agencies are required to meet stakeholder and local community expectations and outcomes. From these findings, the authors offer 11 practical recommendations to assist the delivery of best practice in emergency logistics. Originality/value Humanitarian logistics is usually examined from a low/middle-income country perspective, yet an efficient and effective disaster response is no less important for developed economies. In this respect, the authors offer a fresh examination of the challenges of delivering best practice for emergency logistics in order to achieve expected community outcomes.

In-kind donations, cash transfers and local procurement in the logistics of caring for internally displaced persons

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech D. Piotrowicz
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Cash Transfers ◽  
Cash Transfer ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Conflict Zones ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate humanitarian supply chains in the context of the Ukrainian crisis as example of complex emergency. The paper focuses on a selection of support modes: in-kind donations, cash-based assistance and local procurement.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a case-study approach and interpretive paradigm. Findings are based on the analysis of primary sources including interviews with three Polish humanitarian organizations, internal documents, and secondary sources such as published reports.FindingsFindings indicate that in a middle-income urbanized country such as Ukraine non-standard modes such as cash transfer programs and local procurement can be employed, since the necessary infrastructure and market are operational. However, each mode has limitations, so they should match the local context and the needs of diverse social groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings and recommendations are specific to the case analyzed, Ukraine, and its socio-economic context. The research contributes to discussions about mode selection, stressing the links between mode, stage of the disaster response and local context.Practical implicationsApplying cash transfers and local procurement can reduce supply chain costs, such as transport and warehousing. Shortened supply chains enable faster responses and increased agility.Social implicationsCash transfers and procurement involve the local community and beneficiaries, and can better fulfill needs maintaining people’s dignity. However, for vulnerable groups and those in conflict zones, in-kind goods are a better option.Originality/valueThe author argues that the much-discussed dichotomy of cash or goods does not reflect reality; local and regional procurement should be added as important support modes in middle-income countries in crisis.

A gender justice approach to eliminating Sudan’s Savannah belt’s vulnerability to climate change

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mey Eltayeb Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Climate Justice ◽  
Social Forestry ◽  
Policy Document ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vulnerability To Climate Change

Purpose Arguing that a gendered invisibility surrounding climate justice contributes to the overall vulnerability and burden placed upon the ability of women from disadvantaged communities, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of developing a participative gender framework for climate justice with the potential to address the policy and programme vulnerability gap within climate change and conflict in Sudan’s Savannah Belt. Design/methodology/approach In utilising gender responsive discourse analysis, along with setting out the history of gender engagement within social forestry, this paper examines both the method of Sudan’s reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) development and its content. Findings The paper’s findings demonstrate that the REDD+ programme in Sudan provides ample evidence of the importance of integrating climate justice and gender approaches to policy, programming and projects through ensuring women and local community participation at all levels and interaction within policy and programme development, along with its implementation. Research limitations/implications The paper is theoretical in nature but did draw upon case studies and consultations, and the author was involved in some of the research. Originality/value The paper provides a positive and arguably original example of social forestry within the Savannah Belt and its utilisation as a best practice that has fed into Sudan’s REDD+ Proposal/Policy Document so as to potentially drive and streamline similar such initiatives across Sudan.

scholarly journals Integrating “self-efficacy” theory to the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) model to reveal factors that influence inclusive engagement within local community festivals

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Jepson ◽  
Alan Clarke ◽  
Gillian Ragsdell
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Cultural Anthropology ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Festivals

Purpose – This study lies within “classical discourse” (Getz, 2010) within festival studies as its context is firmly situated within cultural anthropology and sociology. Unlike previous studies this research is unique in that it integrates social cognitive theory (SCT) which is usually found in psychology discourses. The purpose of this paper is to propose how the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) model would benefit from integrating self and group efficacy theory. It achieves this by building on previous analysis of primary data collected in the field at the Utcazene, Street Music Festival, Veszprem, Hungary, (Jepson et al., 2013) using an adapted MOA model. Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyses previous studies which have tested the MOA model through primary data collection. Following this analysis best practice is and similarities are identified through discussion; then a case is then made to adapt the model to integrate and test Bandura's (1986) concept of self-efficacy based on the benefits it could provide to future research within community festivals and events. Findings – This paper has been framed by initial research by Jepson et al. (2013) and Hung et al. (2011) which after analysis revealed that the MOA model was still lacking in its ability to reveal “why” local people were motivated or empowered to engage in the planning of community festivals and events. It has become evident through discussion that measuring self-efficacy has much to contribute in regards to community engagement in the event planning process; moreover there is strong evidence to support its inclusion within the MOA model. It could be used to further inform on the synergy within and between the three disciplines underpinning the model such as the relationship between knowledge, opportunity and ability, as well as reveal new ones between self-efficacy and knowledge, opportunity and ability. Research limitations/implications – This is a conceptual paper and therefore is based on theoretical discussion but not on empirical data collected in the field of event studies. Originality/value – Very few studies have engaged measurement of community participation within festivals and events. This study is original as it is interdisciplinary and investigates the concerns the roles local community take (as stakeholders), meanings (how local community culture is represented within the festival) and impacts (internal and external festival impacts and how these effect the local community) through established planning frameworks and SCT.

scholarly journals Stress and stress management in European crisis managers

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirjam Haus ◽  
Christine Adler ◽  
Maria Hagl ◽  
Markos Maragkos ◽  
Stefan Duschek
Keyword(s):  
Stress Management ◽  
Crisis Management ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crisis Managers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine specific stressors and demands, perceived control, received support and stress management strategies of crisis managers (i.e. executives and supervisors of organizations involved in disaster response) in the context of large-scale missions. Design/methodology/approach – Totally, 31 semi-structured interviews with crisis managers were conducted in five European countries and analyzed with the qualitative text analysis method GABEK®. Findings – The sample reported high demands and various sources of stress, including event-specific stressors as well as group specific, occupational stressors such as responsibility for decision making, justification of failures or dealing with press and media. While possibilities for control were perceived as limited during large-scale missions, organizational and peer support played an important role in mitigating mission-related stress. Effective stress management strategies were reported as crucial to ensure successful crisis management, and a need for more comprehensive stress management trainings was emphasized. Originality/value – While stressors and coping strategies in first responders and emergency services personnel have been previously examined, corresponding research regarding the professional group of crisis management leaders remains scarce. Therefore, this study makes an important contribution by examining influential stressors within the work environment of crisis managers and by identifying starting points and requirements for stress management trainings and psychosocial support programs.

A framework for disaster resilience education with homeless communities

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Every ◽  
John Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Disaster Resilience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Homeless Services ◽  
Emergency Managers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a practice framework for disaster resilience education (DRE) with homeless communities. Design/methodology/approach A survey with 163 homeless service providers together with 45 interviews with people with a lived experience of homelessness, homeless service providers and emergency services. Findings Key principles for DRE with the homeless community were: safe relationships, collaboration, strengths-based, empowerment, providing essential resources, and inclusivity. Recommendations for the design of DRE foregrounded partnerships and knowledge sharing between the homeless community and emergency services. Locally relevant risk information and material supports, together with sharing stories and eliciting values were important considerations for developing DRE content. Preferred delivery methods were outreach to build on trusted relationships and existing services, together with written material in large font emphasising images for distribution through drop in centres, food vans and new tenancy packages. Practical implications The key principles, together with the detailed suggestions outlining ways to translate the principles into actions, can be used by emergency and homeless services to develop effective DRE materials and programmes. Social implications The proposed DRE framework aims to not only enhance disaster risk knowledge, but also address the exclusion, isolation and disempowerment experienced by people who are homeless. By building on an effective intervention models within homeless services (Trauma-Informed Care) DRE can enhance the social connection, self-confidence and well-being goals of homeless services and clients. Originality/value The DRE framework is based on the first comprehensive Australian research with homeless services, clients and emergency managers on best practice for improving extreme weather preparedness in the homeless community.

An international comparative analysis of local hazard mitigation plan evaluation for flood

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 406-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hwayoung Kim ◽  
Ryuji Kakimoto
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Hazard Mitigation ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State And Local ◽  
International Comparative

Purpose This research aims to identify the qualitative differences between local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP) of the developing country when compared to those of developed countries. It also seeks to demonstrate the relative importance of public private partnership and the need for PPs to be integrated into LHMP because they help to create strong LHMP, thereby making communities will become more resilient to not only floods but also other natural disasters. It focuses on the components of hazard mitigation from a developed country perspective and how these influence the contents/focus of the LHMP especially when compared to those of a developing country. Design/methodology/approach Based on official information such as population, climate and major threat that has faced, research sites were selected. Each LHMP can be downloaded from the official city websites, except Korea. Through plan evacuation protocols the LHMP for each city – USA (Baltimore), Japan (Kumamoto) and Korea (Pohang) – were assessed three times by the research team. Plans were evaluated using a plan coding evacuation process. Findings The LHMP of the developing country did not contain maps illustrating to the people who are exposed to flood and evacuation routes and who are vulnerable (both economically and physically), when compared with the developed countries plan. However, quicker response because of simple political hierarchy can be possible in Japan and Korea when compared to the USA, which has three different tiers of political governments – federal, State and Local government – though Korea is a developing country. Originality/value In recent times, pre-disaster response, which is a proactive approach to natural disasters, is an emerging issue rather than post disaster response because of sustainable and resilient ideas of the locals that have repeatedly suffered from natural hazards. This study compares LHMPs of each country to better understand strengths and weakness, as well as to identify strategies that will enhance the quality of mitigation plan for the developed country and developing country. It is hoped that this study will inform and augment existing literature by assisting underdeveloped and developing countries suffering from floods with the preparation of their LHMPs based on the suggestion of this research.

The nature and characteristics of Japanese NGOs in international disaster response

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akiko Iizuka
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Secondary English ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Phases ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the nature of Japanese non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in international disaster response and analyzes their distinctive characteristics. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted of secondary English and Japanese sources including peer-reviewed journals, books, and non-academic journals published by government and NGOs. Findings First, Japanese disaster response NGOs are relatively young compared to Western ones and they continue to increase in number. Second, the scale of disaster response NGOs is much larger than that of other NGOs in the development field not only because of the availability of government funds but also because of the presence of internationally affiliated NGOs and religious-based organisations with strong fundraising programs. Third, Japanese disaster response NGOs have a long-term engagement with the local community, not only during the emergency phase, but also during the recovery and development phases in various fields. Finally, coordination NGOs play an important role in networking, advocating and supplementing NGOs that often lack financial and human resources. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study is the definition of Japanese NGOs in the context of international disaster response; therefore, this paper adopts MOFA’s definition, which includes NGOs engaged in overseas activities through direct intervention. Originality/value There has been little research in English on the scale and nature of Japanese NGOs involved in disaster response activities.

scholarly journals Global health, global surgery and mass casualties. I. Rationale for integrated mass casualty centres

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. e001943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tariq Khan ◽  
Leonidas Quintana ◽  
Sergio Aguilera ◽  
Roxanna Garcia ◽  
Haitham Shoman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Mass Casualty ◽  
Mass Casualties ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Efficient Care

It has been well-documented recently that 5 billion people globally lack surgical care. Also well-documented is the need to improve mass casualty disaster response. Many of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030—healthcare and economic milestones—require significant improvement in global surgical care, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Trauma/stroke centres evolved in high-income countries with evidence that 24/7/365 surgical and critical care markedly improved morbidity and mortality for trauma and stroke and for cardiovascular events, difficult childbirth, acute abdomen. Duplication of emergency services, especially civilian and military, often results in suboptimal, expensive care. By combining all healthcare resources within the ongoing healthcare system, more efficient care for both individual emergencies and mass casualty situations can be achieved. We describe progress in establishing mass casualty centres in Chile and Pakistan. In both locations, planning among the stakeholders (primarily civilian and military) indicates the feasibility of such integrated surgical and emergency care. We also review other programmes and initiatives to provide integrated mass casualty disaster response. Integrated mass casualty centres are a feasible means to improve both day-to-day surgical care and mass casualty disaster response. The humanitarian aspect of mass casualty disasters facilitates integration among stakeholders—from local healthcare systems to military resources to international healthcare organisations. The benefits of mass casualty centres—both healthcare and economic—can facilitate achieving the 2030 UN SDGs.

Local responses to disaster

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raven Marie Cretney
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Community Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Responses

Purpose – When the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand on the 22 February 2011 the landscape of the city and its communities were irrevocably changed. The purpose of this paper is to provide case study evidence demonstrating the role of a grassroots organisation in shaping a community defined concept of resilience through self-organised disaster response action. Design/methodology/approach – The case organisation, Project Lyttelton is a community group, located in the suburb of Lyttelton, dedicated to building community and resilience through local projects and action. This case study was conducted through in-depth qualitative interviews with key members of the organisation, as well as key individuals in the broader community. Findings – This research has found that Project Lyttelton played a strong role in providing avenues for citizen participation post disaster. Of particular significance was the role of the timebank in providing an already established network for active participation by citizens in the response and recovery. Other findings outline the importance of pre-disaster community activity for facilitating social support and social learning. Originality/value – This research contributes to the literature by providing case study evidence for the value of a community led and defined framework of resilience. The findings of this work support the need for further integration and support for local community led preparedness and response initiatives and demonstrate the possible value of pre-disaster community preparedness activities. Consequently, this work is of use to academics interested in the role of community following disasters, as well as emergency management practitioners interested in possible pathways for fostering and encouraging locally focused disaster preparedness activities. The findings may also be of interest to community groups working in the sphere of community building and resilience.

Inclusion of people with psychosocial disability in low and middle income contexts: a practice review

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 72-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Lea Fernandes ◽  
Stephanie Cantrill ◽  
Raj Kamal ◽  
Ram Lal Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Psychosocial Disability ◽  
Practice Review ◽  
Mental Health Programs ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Much of the literature about mental illness in low and middle income countries (LMICs) focuses on prevalence rates, the treatment gap, and scaling up access to medical expertise and treatment. As a cause and consequence of this, global mental health programs have focused heavily on service delivery without due exploration of how programs fit into a broader picture of culture and community. There is a need for research which highlights approaches to broader inclusion, considering historical, cultural, social, and economic life contexts and recognises the community as a determinant of mental health — in prevention, recovery, resilience, and support of holistic wellness. The purpose of this practice review is to explore the experiences of three local organisations working with people with psychosocial disability living in LMICs: Afghanistan, India, and Nepal. All three organisations have a wealth of experience in implementing mental health programs, and the review brings together evidence of this experience from interviews, reports, and evaluations. Learnings from these organisations highlight both successful approaches to strengthening inclusion and the challenges faced by people with psychosocial disability, their families, and communities.  The findings can largely be summarised in two categories, although both are very much intertwined: first, a broad advocacy, public health, and policy approach to inclusion; and second, more local, community-based initiatives. The evidence draws attention to the need to acknowledge the complexities surrounding mental health and inclusion, such as additional stigmatisation due to multidimensional poverty, gender inequality, security issues, natural disasters, and additional stressors associated with access. Organisational experiences also highlight the need to work with communities’ strengths to increase capacity around inclusion and to apply community development approaches where space is created for communities to generate holistic solutions. Most significantly, approaches at all levels require efforts to ensure that people with psychosocial disability are given a voice and are included in shaping programs, policies, and appropriate responses.

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