Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Humanitarian logistics chains'

Current trends have seen a rise in the frequency and severity of disasters on a global scale, with disasters in recent years having some of the most devastating impacts ever seen on the societies they affect. As a result, there are increasing pressures on the Formal Humanitarian Sector (FHS) and their resources, resulting in a growing need to examine the logistical processes essential to humanitarian operations. Existing research within the humanitarian logistics (HL) domain has highlighted a plethora of challenges relating to the efficient and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected by disasters. Through a systematic literature review, it was discovered that current research predominantly focuses on the activities of humanitarian organisations (HOs); overlooking the social and logistical capacity already present within affected communities. In order to address the gap left by HO-centric HL research, this investigation approaches the challenges of efficient and effective humanitarian assistance from a novel perspective. Drawing upon the notion of Collaborative Aid Networks (CANs), this research explores the role of communities as drivers of HL processes, and of their own relief and recovery. In a field in which empirical data is lacking, this enquiry utilises a constructivist grounded theory methodology in order to gather empirical insights from post-earthquake Nepal. Interviews and observations were conducted over a period of seven weeks, with data being continuously analysed and refined throughout this process. The findings from this research culminated in the development of a theoretical framework which illustrates the interrelationships between CAN characteristics and their outcomes on HL. This study contributes to the emerging debates concerning community participation in disaster contexts, and provides revelatory insights regarding CANs’ unique attributes and competencies, which enable them to positively impact disaster affected communities. In levying CAN support, the FHS could increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their HL operations, whilst improving collaboration and communication between the FHS and the community; in turn supporting the legitimacy and downward accountability of FHS programmes.

Purpose: This thesis aims to develop a conceptual framework for the management of non-standard supply chains, based upon the concepts of wicked and messy problems and complex adaptive systems, and to validate it in a humanitarian logistics context. Whilst a general theory of wicked and messy problems is in existence, this has not been applied in a supply chain context. Humanitarian logistics presents a complex managerial challenge, in which standard logistics approaches and techniques have been applied with variable success. Here, the underlying generative mechanisms are explored. Design/ Methodology/Approach: This thesis adopts a critical realist approach. A conceptual framework for messy supply chains is developed based on a review of literature on logistics and supply chain management, as well as complex adaptive systems, and wicked and messy problems. This framework is explored in the context of humanitarian logistics. After an initial round of interviews, three case studies were conducted, focusing on humanitarian responses as the unit of analysis. In total, 44 semistructured interviews were conducted. An analysis of findings in each case is followed by the cross-case analysis of key themes, ultimately resulting in a revised framework. Findings: All of the proposed generative mechanisms underlying the messiness in humanitarian logistics are found to be relevant. The challenges for the management of such messy supply chains lie in the behavioural complexity they represent through the mechanisms of sociopolitical impact and the multitude of diverse stakeholder views they encapsulate. Logistics and supply chain management struggles to find holistic management approaches to address such behavioural complexity appropriately. Implications: This research has highlighted the strong element of behavioural complexity that underlies humanitarian logistics and other messy supply chains and is often inadequately addressed by managers and literature alike. The acknowledgement of all the different elements of messiness in humanitarian logistics and other scenarios, as well as the need for holistic management approaches, changes the way in which messy supply chains are seen. The revised conceptual framework presented in this thesis provides a foundation for further study of various messy supply chain contexts. Originality/Value: This thesis provides a novel view of supply chains that are inadequately captured by current frameworks and typologies. As the complexity of supply chain contexts intensifies, behavioural aspects become increasingly important. The framework provided represents a first application of the rich body of literature on wicked and messy problems, as well as complex adaptive systems in supply chain management.

Background Developing, emerging and developed countries are vulnerable to disasters and might require external assistance to cope with their aftermaths. It is forecasted that disasters will increase five-fold over the next 50 years. In an environment, which is characterized by many uncertainties, humanitarian supply chains are created to provide disaster relief in a highly complex and dynamic setting. This environment is unique for every disaster, where infrastructure, government, physical, socio-economic and security situational factors can either facilitate or restrict humanitarian operations. Agile supply chain principles enable humanitarian organizations to quickly respond to disasters. Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to explore and analyze the impact of external situational factors on the agility of humanitarian supply chains and humanitarian organizations’ actions taken to address those external situational factors during the immediate response phase of an emergency event. Methodology For the purpose of this study a combination of an inductive and deductive research approach was applied. The study was of exploratory and qualitative nature with a single case study in its focus. Empirical data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with nine respondents involved in the disaster relief operations of Haiti Earthquake 2010. Empirical findings were analyzed by using the template analysis. Conclusion External situational factors have a strong impact on capabilities enabling humanitarian supply chains to be agile during the immediate response phase. Humanitarian organizations are able to reduce the negative impact of external situational factors while in other cases the negative impact of external situational factors is further intensified by actions taken by humanitarian organizations. Furthermore, humanitarian organizations are able to utilize and enhance some of the positive impacts of external situational factors. However, the initially positive impact of some external situational factors may be reduced by inappropriate actions taken by humanitarian organizations. Therefore, understanding the context of the disaster’s broader environment is a prerequisite to an effective emergency response.

Natural disaster hits and damages the lives thousand of human beings and their infrastructure. Natural disaster can not be stopped but we can minimize the volume of devastation and destruction caused by the disaster. Especially, in third world countries the level to respond the disaster is limited and narrow, so these countries have to suffer more then the developed countries, where as in developed countries valuable recourses and effective planning are existed to deal with natural disasters. So this thing insists me to write something just to get know how about all humanitarian and relief activities.I have utilized the SCM Supply chain management practices and techniques in order to conquer barriers faced by logistician of humanitarian response/ relief operation during disaster. I will use methodology of empirical data technique, barriers will be discovered and analyzed then proposed solutions would be picked up from the literature of supply chain management for the barriers to effective humanitarian logistics.There is a mixture of SCM principle from various organizations such as military, private sector and nonprofit organization in order to provide a utility to disaster/ response operations. The output of this research will show the easy makeup of SCM remedies to control the complexities and difficulties of logistics process during disaster relief operation in results and analysis chapter.Natural disaster hits and damages the lives thousand of human beings and their infrastructure. Natural disaster can not be stopped but we can minimize the volume of devastation and destruction caused by the disaster. Especially, in third world countries the level to respond the disaster is limited and narrow, so these countries have to suffer more then the developed countries, where as in developed countries valuable recourses and effective planning are existed to deal with natural disasters. So this thing insists me to write something just to get know how about all humanitarian and relief activities.I have utilized the SCM Supply chain management practices and techniques in order to conquer barriers faced by logistician of humanitarian response/ relief operation during disaster. I will use methodology of empirical data technique, barriers will be discovered and analyzed then proposed solutions would be picked up from the literature of supply chain management for the barriers to effective humanitarian logistics.There is a mixture of SCM principle from various organizations such as military, private sector and nonprofit organization in order to provide a utility to disaster/ response operations. The output of this research will show the easy makeup of SCM remedies to control the complexities and difficulties of logistics process during disaster relief operation in results and analysis chapter.

This master thesis is showing the humanitarian logistics as a complex and important part of the humanitarian response. The theoretical part explains the specifics of a humanitarian environment and compares humanitarian and enterprise logistics. A part of the theory is focused on the international humanitarian response of the Czech Republic and its financial aspects. The application part of the thesis analyses each phase of the humanitarian supply chain with practical examples and is followed by instruments of the enterprise logistics that can be applied on humanitarian sector and that help to optimize the humanitarian supply chain and enhance the efficiency of the response in emergencies. The thesis provides the reader with two case studies from the field built on the experience of the logisticians from two international non-governmental organizations and with an assessment of these according to the aforementioned instruments.

The aim of the diploma thesis is to propose assorted variants of the cold chain solution for the humanitarian projects in Iraq. Another target is to carry out a systematic analysis of Iraqi infrastructure. The application part is based on a personal interviews and information provided by the organization Doctors Without Borders. This data were supported by secondary and publicly available data and their subsequent processing and evaluation. Another aim pose the fact that ongoing humanitarian projects in some country do not automatically mean that the country has unusable infrastructure. These conclusions are not based on the outcomes and internal policies of organization Doctors Without Borders. At the end of the thesis, there are also presented proposals for future research in the field of humanitarian logistics and the outlines of the possible constraints related to them.

The Thesis is focused on non-traditional application of logistics on humanitarian aid, because it is inseperable part of the foreign policy of each country. The theoretical part is devoted to basic definitions of both sectors. The practical part of thesis presents schemes of supply chains of czech humanitarian aid. The aim is to characterize the process of supply chain in the sphere of humanitarian aid in the Czech republic and out of its territory with two case studies (the flood in Novojičínsko and disaster in Japan). Then the author can compare processes of giving humanitarian aid in the Czech republic and out of it, also the author can suggest recommendation fot better future and underline weaknesses, which this logistics system has.

Due to the unpredictable nature of sudden onset disasters the humans are often caught with surprise so are the humanitarian relief organizations. In order to quickly react to the emergencies, supply chain networks are built instantly by the actors of the relief management. Parallel to this process, need assessment is started with the help of local experts which also confirm that the response cannot be lingered on due a delay in need assessment. After wards the supply chain structure needs to be changed once the right information is gathered by the passage of time. This is not all, actually the situation of the disaster prone area and people also changes by that time which always brings a challenging scenario for humanitarian relief actors to develop the supply chain design with flexibility.Primary focus of this paper is to define right supply chain designs for disaster response and post disaster phases in humanitarian relief.

Humanitarian disasters are expected to increase 5-fold over the next 50 years. In 2010 a total of 385 separate disasters killed over 297,000 people worldwide, affected more than 217 million others and caused US$ 123.9 billion of economic damages. It is suggested that the scale of resource dedicated to logistics provision in response to disasters accounts for upwards of 80% of the total budget, hence humanitarian logistics both as a practice and a research topic is very much in the spotlight. Consequently, this research addresses what is argued to be the under-representation of humanitarian logistics in the literature and the associated lack of empirical research focussed on the management of the supply chain. Collaborative working has been promoted as a Silver Bullet in many areas of Supply Chain Management and is contended to be a mechanism to prevent organisations optimising solely their own results rather than integrating their goals and activities with others to benefit overall end user value. Collaborative techniques inherent within commercial supply chains have not been observed in the humanitarian relief chain. This study investigates why this is the case, as this lack of collaboration is reported to lead to inefficiency; which at worst results in increased humanitarian suffering and additional loss of life. Hence, the findings reveal ways to advance collaborative working within the humanitarian relief supply chain. Criticism is levelled at the predominance of quantitative methodologies in current research within humanitarian logistics. This study addresses this gap as well as the calls for more cross-organisational case studies within the field, by adopting a multi-case, qualitative approach based on the triangulation of data gathered during a series of in-depth interviews and focus groups across 4 separate humanitarian relief organisations. Data interpretation is through content analysis to identify specific patterns and themes. The research concerns itself with the response immediately following the onset of a disaster. This limited scope helps to address issues surrounding the generalisability of a purely qualitative approach whilst also maintaining control over data volume; however, there are still ample opportunities for significant theoretical and practical contribution. The findings identify specific barriers to collaborative working within the sector; in particular, themes and patterns within management and control, understanding and training, relationships, and military involvement have surfaced. Outcomes also have implications for commercial supply chain managers who are increasingly faced with challenges that no longer obey the traditional rules of forecast driven certainty and predictability, and are therefore, expected to adopt the more event driven, agile and flexible approaches that are already a reality for their humanitarian sector counterparts. The study concludes with the development of a conceptual generic model of the humanitarian supply chain that includes a number of significant issues which, if addressed will improve collaboration and thereby benefit overall efficiency and effectiveness to the general betterment of future relief provision.

This thesis considers the design and analysis of humanitarian supply chains, by which we mean those systems that deliver goods and services in response to natural or man-made disasters as well as ongoing public health challenges. In the first part of the thesis, we introduce a class of problems motivated by humanitarian logistics systems with decentralized decision makers. In contrast to traditional optimization problems in which a centralized planner determines the actions of all entities in the system, decentralized systems are characterized by individual decision makers who make choices to optimize their own objectives and whose actions impact the overall system performance. Decentralized systems often perform poorly in comparison to centralized ones, but centralization is costly or impractical to implement in many circumstances. The goal of this part of the thesis is to characterize the impact of decentralized decision making and identify ways to mitigate this impact. Using concepts from optimization and game theory, we model systems in which individuals choose a facility to visit to receive service, such as during a disaster response, making their choices based on travel time, congestion, and weights on congestion. These weights represent the relative importance individuals place on congestion in their objectives. We provide an efficient algorithm for finding a stable, or equilibrium, solution from which no individual can improve her own objective value by switching unilaterally. We show that the worst- and best-case performances of decentralized solutions depend on the importance individuals place on congestion. Finally, we introduce a mechanism under which the central optimal solution is also an equilibrium. The mechanism acts by influencing the importance individuals place on congestion, and we characterize the values that this importance can and must be to achieve stability. We introduce models to find values of the mechanism that optimize particular policy objectives and show that these models can be solved efficiently. The second part of the thesis describes the application of the ideas developed in the first part to data from a large-scale effort to deliver a limited supply of products to a large number of people in a short time. The goal of this part of the thesis is to understand the impact of decentralized decision making on local access to an actual product and quantify correlations between inequities in access and socioeconomic variables. We find that both the centralized and decentralized systems lead to inequity in access, but the impact is greater in decentralized systems with user choice. The differences in access are correlated with several socioeconomic variables, but these relationships vary across geographic space. This study integrates tools from optimization, game theory, spatial statistics, and geographic information systems in a novel way. The results confirm the importance of accounting for decentralized behavior in system design and point to opportunities to use the mechanism from the first part of the thesis in future distribution efforts of this nature. The study also leads to policy recommendations, namely that planners consider the impact on equity prior to implementing distribution plans and work to recruit additional service providers in areas that have exhibited inequities in the past. The third part of the thesis employs empirical methods to characterize a successful humanitarian supply chain and identify practices from which other organizations can learn to improve their operations. The hurricane response process used by Waffle House Restaurants has been recognized nationally for its effectiveness. We document the process and describe the supply chain concepts that contribute to its success. Further, we place the company's practices in the context of the literature on supply chain disruption, crisis management, and humanitarian logistics. This study provides insight for other organizations that seek to improve their resilience to supply chain disruptions, whether these are caused by natural disasters or other events. The study also led to the creation of teaching materials to help business and engineering students identify the challenges faced in humanitarian supply chains, the ways that operations research methodologies can be used to improve decisions, and the opportunities for cross-learning between humanitarian organizations and the private sector.

The field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) suggests that transactions, collaboration, and value are important in the supply and delivery of products and services to meet the need of impoverished end-consumers. In many cases, the application of LSCM is paramount in most strategic decision-making efforts. Therefore, this research explores the applications of LSCM processes and activities within the community-based context. The methodology used to address the research questions consisted of a hybrid of mixed methods. This mixed methodology provides three essays that investigate the application and development of LSCM in the community-based context. The essays address the flow of charitable products and services through supply chains. The dissertation does not pay close attention to the first-tier suppliers’ suppliers, which is looking at the originating flow of goods and services (raw materials, manufacturing, etc.). However, the dissertation puts a focus on products and services supplied to focal organizations and how these products are then passed on to end-consumers. Essay I looks at the transaction (costs) that ensue from the supply of charitable products. Essay II analyzes a social service ecosystem and investigates how the network of organizations enable the distribution of charitable products and services. Lastly, Essay III examines the delivery of valuable services to the end-consumers, and what tools Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) should focus on to develop and retain end-consumers in impoverished communities. The research provides conceptual models that review some fundamental LSCM achievement gaps in supplying, delivering and providing social services to end users within impoverished communities. The dissertation draws upon literature from the fields of economics, marketing, social science, and logistics and supply chain management. The dissertation uses the primary research method of unstructured and semi-structured interviews, case studies, written survey instruments and system dynamics within three studies. The studies resolve to look into the term Community-Based Logistics and Supply Chain Management (CBLSCM) as employed by social service providers in the logistics and supply chain context and investigate how it applies to impoverished communities. The research identifies conceptual models that can be used to explain the role of LSCM within humanitarian aid context. The models offer insights on the managerial implications and evidence of using LSCM processes and techniques within impoverished communities. The research has considered that the type of transactional relationships, structure, shared value, service systems, and consumer value, retention and management mechanisms can be achieved utilizing LSCM.

To prevent loss of lives during seasonal disasters, relief agencies distribute critical supplies and provide lifesaving services to the affected populations. Despite agencies' efforts, frequently occuring disasters increase the cost of relief operations. The purpose of our study is to minimize the cost of relief operations, considering that such disasters cause random demand. To achieve this, we have formulated a series of models, which are distinct from the current studies in three ways. First, to the best of our knowledge, we are the first ones to capture both perishable and durable products together. Second, we have aggregated multiple products in a different way than current studies do. This unique aggregation requires less data than that of other types of aggregation. Finally, our models are compatible with the practical data generated by FEMA. Our models offer insights on the impacts of various parameters on optimum cost and order size. The analyses of correlation of demand and quality of information offer interesting insights; for instance, under certain cases, the quality of information does not influence cost. Our study has considered both risk averse and risk neutral approaches and provided insights. The insights obtained from our models are expected to help agencies reduce the cost of operations by choosing cost effective suppliers.

Globalisation has made logistics more important than ever in developing countries. If one business function raises their costs on a service, the end customer will usually pay the price in the store. When the end customers cannot afford the end price on a product, they will turn to other alternatives. This thesis examines how process management would affect the local population within the Dominican Republic. By beginning to question why some functions exist the effect will be economically visible in a DuPont according to the theories. Supply chain management seeks to manage the whole processes from A to Z in the most efficient way possible. The study was conducted during 8 weeks in the Dominican Republic. Eleven managers were interviewed to see how important SCM is for DR. The conclusions of the study is that Supply Chain Management is very important for DR. Well managed supply chains allow higher quality goods such as medicine and food to be accessed at a lower price by the local population. By targeting the economical position of working capital in a process an organisation can reach an increased ROI without the use economical means (increase the income/delivery service or reduce the costs).
MFS study financed by the Swedish International Development cooperation Agency, SIDA

Humanitarian logistics and relief supply chain management is a relatively new area of investigation which is typically associated with unexpected disasters that require immediate actions and responses. It can be defined as “the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost-effective flow and storage of goods and materials, as well as related information, from point of origin to point of consumption for the purpose of meeting the end beneficiary‟s requirements” (Thomas, 2005).In both man-made and natural disaster relief processes, humanitarian logistics and relief supply chain operations have been hampered by a lack of information and coordination between actors. Especially in sudden-onset disasters, humanitarian logistics and relief supply chain teams have to be deployed in situations with destabilized infrastructure and with very limited knowledge about the situation at hand (Beamon 2004, Long and Wood 1995, Tomasini and Van Wassenhove 2004).This lack directly affects effective performance in terms of validity and reliability enhancement in which an adapted resiliency management in relief supply chain strategies could offer a solution to cover the problem.The purpose of study ahead is to underline the beneficial advantages offered by using resiliency methods in humanitarian logistics and relief supply chain operations, and enriching the existing benefits that relief chain management teams through the humanitarian logistics techniques have brought to satisfy the survival needs.In fact, the end result of the research will be in both fields of humanitarian logistics and relief supply chain management, and the use of resiliency theories to overcome on barriers and difficulties during relief and aid operations.

Chaque année, plus de 400 catastrophes naturelles frappent le monde. Pour aider les populations touchées, les organisations humanitaires stockent par avance de l’aide d’urgence dans des entrepôts. Cette thèse propose des outils d’aide à la décision pour les aider à localiser et dimensionner ces entrepôts. Notre approche repose sur la construction de scénarios représentatifs. Un scénario représente la survenue d’une catastrophe dont on connaît l’épicentre, la gravité et la probabilité d’occurrence. Cette étape repose sur l’exploitation et l’analyse de bases de données des catastrophes passées. La seconde étape porte sur la propagation géographique de la catastrophe et détermine son impact sur la population des territoires touchés. Cet impact est fonction de la vulnérabilité et de la résilience du territoire. La vulnérabilité mesure la valeur attendue des dégâts alors que la résilience estime la capacité à résister au choc et à se rétablir rapidement. Les deux sont largement déterminées par des facteurs économiques et sociaux, soit structurels (géographie, PIB…) ou politiques (existence d’infrastructure d’aide, normes de construction…). Nous proposons par le biais d’analyses en composantes principales (ACP) d’identifier les facteurs influents de résilience et de vulnérabilité, puis d’estimer le nombre de victimes touchées à partir de ces facteurs. Souvent, les infrastructures (eau, télécommunication, électricité, voies de communication) sont détruits ou endommagés par la catastrophe (ex : Haïti en 2010). La dernière étape a pour objectif d’évaluer les impacts logistiques en ce qui concerne : les restrictions des capacités de transport existant et la destruction de tout ou partie des stocks d’urgence. La suite de l’étude porte sur la localisation et le dimensionnement du réseau d’entrepôt. Nos modèles présentent l’originalité de tenir compte de la dégradation des ressources et infrastructures suite due à la catastrophe (dimension résilience) et de chercher à optimiser le rapport entre les coûts engagés et le résultat obtenu (dimension efficience). Nous considérons d’abord un scénario unique. Le problème est une extension d’un problème de location classique. Puis, nous considérons un ensemble de scénarios probabilisés. Cette approche est indispensable à la considération du caractère très incertain des catastrophes humanitaires. L’ensemble de ces contributions a été confronté à la réalité des faits dans le cadre d’une application au cas des crises récurrentes du Pérou. Ces crises, essentiellement dues aux tremblements de terre et aux inondations (El Niño), imposent la constitution d’un réseau logistique de premiers secours qui soit résilient et efficient
Every year, more than 400 natural disasters hit the world. To assist those affected populations, humanitarian organizations store in advance emergency aid in warehouses. This PhD thesis provides tools for support decisions on localization and sizing of humanitarian warehouses. Our approach is based on the design of representative and realistic scenarios. A scenario expresses some disasters’ occurrences for which epicenters are known, as well as their gravity and frequency. This step is based on the exploitation and analysis of databases of past disasters. The second step tackles about possible disaster’s propagation. The objective consists in determining their impact on population on each affected area. This impact depends on vulnerability and resilience of the territory. Vulnerability measures expected damage values meanwhile resilience estimates the ability to withstand some shock and recover quickly. Both are largely determined by social and economic factors, being structural (geography, GDP, etc.) or political (establishment or not relief infrastructure, presence and strict enforcement of construction standards, etc.). We propose through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify, for each territory, influential factors of resilience and vulnerability and then estimate the number of victims concerned using these factors. Often, infrastructure (water, telecommunications, electricity, communication channels) are destroyed or damaged by the disaster (e.g. Haiti in 2010). The last step aims to assess the disaster logistics impact, specifically those related to with: transportation flows capacity limitations and destruction of all or part of emergency relief inventories. The following of our study focuses on location and allocation of a warehouses’ network. The proposed models have the originality to consider potential resources and infrastructure degradation after a disaster (resilience dimension) and seek optimizing the equilibrium between costs and results (effectiveness dimension). Initially we consider a single scenario. The problem is an extension of classical location studies. Then we consider a set of probable scenarios. This approach is essential due to the highly uncertain character of humanitarian disasters. All of these contributions have been tested and validated through a real application case: Peruvian recurrent disasters. These crises, mainly due to earthquakes and floods (El Niño), require establishment of a first aid logistics network that should be resilient and efficient

Mestrado em Gestão e Estratégia Industrial
Após a ocorrência de uma crise social, potenciada por um desastre natural ou por elementos humanos, é crucial o auxílio desenvolvido pelas Organizações Não Governamentais. Estas organizações, num curto espaço de tempo, conseguem colocar recursos humanos, comida, material e equipamento médico, bens essenciais e prestar socorro em qualquer ponto do planeta às populações em crise. Só com o apoio destas organizações, é que se torna possível, uma população garantir a sua subsistência, exatamente nos dias a seguir a uma catástrofe. Para que estas ONG´s sejam eficientes têm de ter uma gestão eficiente da sua cadeia de abastecimento para que com custos reduzidos, consigam prestar auxílio nestes países e assim, maximizarem a satisfação das necessidades das populações atingidas. Na gestão da cadeia de abastecimentos, a distância percorrida pelos veículos de auxílio e a localização do stock necessário para a prestação de socorro, são duas variáveis que, ao serem bem geridas, aumentam a eficiência da cadeia de abastecimento humanitária, que por sua vez, resulta num atendimento mais célere a uma população em perigo. Assim, foram simulados dois modelos de Programação Linear para serem desenvolvidas duas soluções ótimas para o processo de abastecimento e resposta à população afetada de um local. Foi também verificado que, a existência de centros de distribuição muito perto do epicentro do desastre, contribui para uma resposta mais célere e eficiente das cadeias de abastecimento das ONG´s.
In the inevitable social crisis, occurring as consequence of a natural disaster or human misdoing, help provided by Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) is crucial. Capable of a very rapid response, these organizations are able to provide human resources, food, all sorts of medical equipment and basic goods thus helping all needing populations, anywhere around the Globe. Only with the help of these organizations, it is possible to ensure people?s survival, on the next few days after catastrophic events. To achieve the efficiency of these NGO, they must have efficient management of its supply chains, with low costs, in order to effectively help those countries in need, and consequently maximize the satisfaction of populations in distress. While managing the supply chain, the distance traveled by aid vehicles and the location of the necessary stock of help goods, are two variables that, if well managed, increase the efficiency of the humanitarian supply chain, enhancing a more rapid response to those endangered populations. Therefore, two linear programming systems were developed, as to obtain optimal solutions for the supplying process and answer to affected populations of a given location on the planet.
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Une catastrophe naturelle, ou d'origine humaine, implique la mise en œuvre très rapide de chaînes logistiques éphémères. Les organisations humanitaires doivent intervenir de manière efficace, au bon moment et de façon cohérente, en évaluant les besoins prioritaires et en évitant les chevauchements et le gaspillage des moyens mobilisés, parfois à grand renfort d'appel à la générosité publique. La logistique d'entreprise et la logistique humanitaire ont plus d´éléments en commun que l´on n´a l'habitude de l'imaginer. Faire preuve de réactivité avec des coûts contrôlés (puisque les ressources financières des donateurs ne sont pas inépuisables) est l'affaire autant des organisations aidant les populations civiles que des fabricants ou des grands groupes industriels impliqués dans une guerre compétitive impitoyable, même si « les armes » utilisées restent évidemment spécifiques. Depuis ces quinze dernières années, la fréquence et l'ampleur des désastres d'une part, et les exigences des donateurs quant à l'usage des fonds et aux résultats des interventions d'autre part, ont incité le secteur humanitaire à évoluer vers plus de professionnalisation. En parallèle, le monde académique a montré, surtout depuis le séisme en Asie du Sud-est en 2004, un intérêt croissant pour la logistique humanitaire, ceci se manifestant par un nombre de plus en plus élevé d'articles sur le sujet dans les revues scientifiques. L'administration des Chaînes Logistiques Multi-Acteurs (CLMA) contribue directement à la performance des actions des organisations humanitaires
The purpose of this investigation is to underline the advantages offered by applying the collective strategy model in the context of humanitarian logistics, enriching the existing benefits that operations management and business logistics techniques have brought to the field. In both man-made and natural disaster relief, humanitarian logistics operations have been hampered by a lack of coordination between actors, which directly affects performance in terms of reactivity and reliability. Adapted collective strategies could offer a solution to this problem. A literature review deals with the issue of humanitarian logistics through an operational dimension, followed by a strategic approach. This is rounded out with a case study dealing with the Pisco earthquake in Peru (August 2007), which is based on a participant observation methodological approach.The research presented revealed that a collective action approach had a positive impact on the working of humanitarian supply chains, as long as a “hub” was used to provide accountability and reliability. If a technical approach, particularly in matters of operations management (optimization of transportation, location of regional warehouses, etc.) is essential to better manage humanitarian logistics, it must also be in the service of a collective strategy, notably in the pre-positioning of supplies and the coordination of relief efforts. The case study provides several ideas for improving operation coordination, particularly through direct “symbiotic partnerships” in vertical relations and direct “commensalistic partnerships” in horizontal relations

Cette thèse vise à contribuer à la compréhension des cycle de vie d’une opération humanitaire (HOLC). Gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement humanitaire (HSCM) dans un contexte de mise en perspective et dans l’objectif de proposer un modèle décisionnel qui s'applique aux phases de HOLC lors d’une situation réelle. Cela inclut la mise en oeuvre du modèle proposé pour concevoir et développer un outil d'aide à la décision afin d'améliorer les performances de la logistique humanitaire tant dans les opérations de secours nationaux qu’internationaux.Cette recherche est divisée en trois phases. La première partie vise à présenter le sens de l'étude ; la zone de recherche prise en compte pour la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement (SCM) doit être clairement définie. La première phase consiste à clarifier et définir le HSCM HL, la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement commerciale (CSCM) et le SCM, ainsi que la relation entre ces différents éléments. La gestion du cycle de vie du projet (PLCM) et les différentes approches sont également présentés. La compréhension de la différence entre la gestion du cycle de vie du projet (PLM) et la PLCM est également nécessaire, cela ne peut être abordé dans la phase de cycle de vie de l'opération humanitaire. De plus, les modèles Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) et l’aide à la décision concernant le HL sont analysés pour établir le fossé existant en matière de recherche. Les approches MCDM qui mettent en oeuvre le système d'aide à la décision (DSS) et la manière dont le MAS a été utilisé dans le contexte HSCM sont étudiées.La deuxième phase consiste en la proposition d’un modèle décisionnel fondé sur l’approche MCDM à l'appui de la décision du décideur avant qu'il/elle prenne des mesures. Ce modèle prévoit le classement des alternatives concernant l'entrepôt, le fournisseur et le transport au cours des phases de HOLC. Le modèle décisionnel proposé est réalisée en 3 scénarios. I. La décision en 4phases HOLC – opération de secours internationale de la Croix-Rouge Française (CRF). II. La décision en3phases HOLC – opération nationale dela Croix-Rouge thaïlandaise (TRC). III. La décision au niveau de la phase de réponse HOLC – opération internationale du TRC dans quatre pays. Dans cette phase, le scénario I et II sont réalisés étape par étape au travers de calculs numériques et formules mathématiques. Le scénario III sera présenté dans la troisième phase. Pour établir trois scénarios, les données internes recueillies lors des entretiens avec le chef de la logistique de la Croix-Rouge Française, et le vice-président de la fondation de la Coix-Rouge thaïlandaise, seront utilisées. Les données externes proviennent de chercheurs qui sont des experts dans le domaine HL ou le champ du HSCM, de la littérature, et de sources issues des organismes humanitaires (documents d’ateliers, rapports, informations publiées sur leurs sites officiels).Dans la troisième phase, une application Internet multi-critères (decision support system MCDSS WB) mettant en oeuvre le modèle proposé est élaborée. Afin d'atteindre une décision appropriée en temps réel, le WB-MCDSS est développé sur la base d’un protocole client-serveur et est simple à utiliser. Le dernier mais non le moindre ; une application de validation du modèle est réalisée à l'aide de l'approche de l'analyse de sensibilité
This thesis aims to contribute to the understanding of HOLC in context of the HSCM and to propose a decision model which applies to the phases of HOLC the decision making regarding a real situation . This include the implementation of the proposed model to design and develop a decision support tool in order to improve the performance of humanitarian logistics in both national and international relief operations.This research is divided into three phases; the first phase is to clarify and define HL among HSCM, commercial supply chain management (CSCM) and SCM and their relationship. Project Life Cycle Management (PLCM) approaches are also presented. The difference between project life cycle management (PLM) and PLCM is also required to distinguish a clear understanding which can be addressed in the phase of humanitarian operation life cycle. Additionally, the literature of Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) models and existing decision aid system for HL are analyzed to establish the research gap. The MCDM approaches which implement the decision support system (DSS) and lastly how DSS has been used in the HSCM context.The second phase is to propose a decision model based on MCDM approaches to support the decision of the decision maker before he/she takes action. This model provides the ranking alternatives to warehouse, supplier and transportation over the phases of HOLC. The proposed decision model is conducted in 3 scenarios; I. The decision in 4-phase HOLC, international relief operation of French Red Cross (FRC). II. The decision on 3-phase HOLC, national operation by the Thai Red Cross (TRC). III. The decision on response phase HOLC, international operation by the FRC in four countries. In this phase, the scenario I and II are performed step by step though numerical calculation and mathematical formulas. The scenario III will be presented in the third phase.In the third phase, an application of web-based multi-criteria decision support system (WB-MCDSS) which implement the proposed model is developed. The web-based multi-criteria decision support system is developed based on the integration of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and TOPSIS approaches. In order to achieve an appropriate decision in a real time response, the WB-MCDSS is developed based on server-client protocol and is simple to operate. Last but not least, a validation application of the model is performed using the sensitivity analysis approach

Au cours de la dernière décennie, le secteur de l’humanitaire d’urgence n’a cessé de se transformer. Les ONGs humanitaires d’urgence doivent repenser leurs stratégies et modes d’interventions afin de répondre à ces évolutions. Le développement de formes nouvelles d’assistance – telle que l’e-assistance – offre aux ONGs des alternatives à la classique aide directe et en nature. Ces alternatives permettent aux ONGs de se désengager de la gestion complexe des opérations logistiques. Loin d'être anecdotique, ce constat provoque un changement de paradigme au sein du secteur et suscite un intérêt du chercheur en Sciences de Gestion mais interroge aussi le professionnel du secteur qui voit dans ces évolutions une forme de désopérationnalisation et donc une « délogistisation » de l’aide humanitaire. Cette thèse sur travaux, constituée de deux communications et un article, a pour objectif de répondre à la question de recherche : « Humanitaire d’urgence : Quelle supply chain pour quelle stratégie d’intervention ? » La recherche porte dans un premier temps sur la compréhension de l'articulation entre stratégie d’intervention et stratégie logistique au sein des ONGs d’urgence. Ensuite, à travers une analyse prospective, elle tente d’évaluer comment la logistique va évoluer et se transformer. La méthodologie est qualitative, elle s’appuie sur des entretiens et sur des observations menées dans un cadre professionnel en adoptant le prisme du chercheur-acteur. Il ressort de cette thèse que la logistique devrait prendre plusieurs formes différentes en mobilisant divers dispositifs en fonctions du contexte d’intervention, des besoins des bénéficiaires et des caractéristiques de l’ONG
Over the past decade, under the combined effects of several factors, the humanitarian sector has been subject to deep transformation. Emergency humanitarian NGOs must rethink their strategies and methods of intervention in order to respond to these changes. The development of new forms of assistance such as the e-assistance, offers to the NGOs alternatives to the very traditional direct and in-kind assistance. These alternatives allow NGOs to disengage from the costly and complex management of logistics operations. Far from being anecdotal, this observation provokes a paradigm shift within the sector and arouses the particular interest of the researcher in Management Sciences but also questions the professional who sees in these developments a form “delogistisation” of the humanitarian aid. This thesis, based on publications consisting of two conference papers and an article, aims to answer the research question: Emergency humanitarian: Which supply chain for which intervention strategy? The research focuses first on understanding the articulation between intervention strategy and logistics strategy within emergency NGOs. Through a prospective analysis, it tries to evaluate how logistics will evolve and transform. The methodology is qualitative, based on interviews and observations conducted in a professional setting adopting the prism of a researcher-actor. This thesis shows that logistics should take several different forms by mobilizing various mechanisms depending on the context of the intervention, the needs of the beneficiaries and the characteristics of the NGO

Entidades humanitárias, organizações privadas e governos atuam constantemente no atendimento a vítimas de desastres que aumentam continuamente e atingem milhares de pessoas todos os anos. O objetivo da presente pesquisa é analisar os mecanismos de coordenação e as formas de colaboração na cadeia de suprimentos humanitária. Para tanto, foi realizado o levantamento e análise do referencial teórico para se permitir a caracterização dos cenários de desastres; a identificação e compreensão dos desafios de gerenciamento da cadeia de suprimentos humanitária; a identificação dos indicadores de desempenho inerentes à gestão desta cadeia específica; os mecanismos de colaboração existentes e utilizados; e a importância de simuladores organizacionais para análise da tomada de decisão e dos jogos de empresa para vivências. A partir da análise do referencial teórico, foi desenvolvido um esquema conceitual simplificado dos mecanismos de coordenação descentralizado e centralizado, incluindo a análise dos stakeholders envolvidos (agentes humanitários locais, agentes humanitários coordenadores, beneficiários e prestadores de serviço de armazenagem, transporte e aquisição), das decisões tomadas por cada um, das etapas logísticas e dos indicadores importantes para garantir o atendimento dos beneficiários. A partir do desenvolvimento do esquema conceitual simplificado dos mecanismos de coordenação, foi desenvolvido um modelo conceitual de simulador logístico humanitário, tendo como objetivo permitir a análise das operações logísticas em cenários de desastres e para servir como base para desenvolvimento futuro de um simulador matemático para análise da tomada de decisão. Por fim, foi desenvolvida uma proposta de jogo logístico humanitário para permitir a vivência da tomada de decisão em cenários de desastres. Para validação do esquema conceitual simplificado, do modelo conceitual de simulador e da proposta de jogo humanitário, estes foram aplicados a dois estudos de caso relacionados ao combate à fome na África (UNICEF Plumpy\'Nuts) e no Brasil (Bancos de Alimentos).
Humanitarian entities, private organizations and governments operate constantly to attempt victims of disasters, that increases continuously and affect thousands of people every year. The objective of this research is to analyze the coordination mechanisms and modes of cooperation in the humanitarian supply chain. For this purpose, a survey and an analysis of the theoretical framework were performed to characterize scenarios of disasters, an identification and understanding of the management challenges on a humanitarian supply chain, an identification of performance indicators related to the management of this particular chain, mechanisms available and organizational collaboration used, besides the importance of simulators and business games to analyze decision making and to experiences. With this analysis, a simplified conceptual draft of decentralized and centralized coordination mechanisms was developed, including an analyses of the stakeholders involved (local humanitarian agents, coordination of humanitarian agents, beneficiaries, along with providers of warehousing, transport and acquisition), the decisions for which each one, logistics steps and main performance indicators to guarantee the aid to beneficiaries. As from a simplified conceptual scheme of coordination mechanisms, a conceptual model of humanitarian logistics simulator was developed to analyze logistic operations in disaster scenarios and to use as a base to the future development of a mathematic simulator to decision-making analysis. Lastly, a proposal of a humanitarian logistics game was developed to allow experiences in disaster scenarios. For validating the simplified conceptual scheme, the conceptual model of a simulator and the proposal of a humanitarian logistic game, it was applied to two case studies regarding fighting hunger in Africa (UNICEF Plumpy\'Nuts) and in Brazil (Bancos de Alimentos).

This thesis addresses aspects of preparedness, by not-for-profit humanitarian relief organizations, for effectively responding to natural disasters. It asks how not-for-profit organizations, engaged in humanitarian supply chain management, develop capabilities and implement various elements of preparedness. The research methods consist of a combination of case-based research and grounded research in examining two very different organizations, one comparatively small and faith based and the other larger and secular. Data collection consisted of mostly open-ended interviews with representatives of the two organizations. The findings consist of a number of themes centred on the concept of a local focus on vulnerable communities. Associated themes include the importance of establishing a presence in the community, local capacity building, and early needs assessment. These themes are summarized as testable propositions. A summary framework is presented for the integration of international and local supply chains, in preparing to respond to natural disasters.

Blockchain technology has proven to be an effective tool to increase performance in for-profit supply chains. Yet, we lack deep understanding of its impact on the humanitarian supply chain. This thesis aims at addressing this gap through a qualitative research. Evidence from expert interviews and secondary reports suggests that blockchain technology positively impacts the information and resource flow in humanitarian supply chains by either replacing traditional intermediaries or enhancing transparency. It further reveals that the impact on supply chain actors is very individual. Donors can particularly benefit from the increased transparency as this empowers them to track their donations. Humanitarian organizations can improve their internal efficiencies and enhance their collaboration with external stakeholders. For beneficiaries, blockchain technology offers a new infrastructure to access humanitarian services which are more dignified and empowering. The empirical findings of this thesis enhance our general understanding of blockchain technology in the humanitarian sector. Furthermore, this research provides concrete strategies for humanitarian organizations to leverage the full potential of blockchain technology. Thus, it is of particular relevance for humanitarians aiming to address current challenges in the humanitarian supply chain.
A tecnologia blockchain provou ser uma ferramenta eficaz para melhorar a performance das cadeias de abastecimento. No entanto, não existe um entendimento profundo do seu impacto na cadeia de abastecimento humanitária. Esta tese visa abordar essa lacuna através de uma pesquisa qualitativa. Entrevistas realizadas com especialistas e relatórios secundários sugerem que a tecnologia blockchain afecta positivamente o fluxo de informações e recursos nas cadeias de abastecimento humanitárias, substituindo os intermediários tradicionais ou aumentando a transparência. Além disso, revela que o impacto sobre os actores da cadeia de abastecimento é muito individual. Os doadores beneficiam do aumento da transparência, pois melhora a capacidade de monitorização das doações. As organizações humanitárias podem incrementar a eficiência interna e aprimorar a sua colaboração com as partes interessadas. Para os beneficiários, a blockchain oferece uma nova infra-estrutura para tornar os serviços humanitários mais dignos e com maior impacto. As descobertas empíricas desta tese fortalecem o entendimento geral do impacto da TBC no sector humanitário. Adicionalmente, esta pesquisa fornece estratégias concretas para as organizações humanitárias aproveitarem todo o potencial da tecnologia blockchain, sendo particularmente relevante para ultrapassar os desafios actuais na cadeia de abastecimento humanitária.

This research starts by introducingthe topic ofdisaster relief management and underlines theimportance of logistics and supply chain in the humanitarian context. It thenfocuses on describingfour of the main chronic challenges hindering the humanitarian relief effectiveness and efficiency, by providing an overview of eachandthe recent solutions and progressesachieved in each of those areas. The former is supported by data on real disaster scenarios,and when possible, is inserted in the context of the relief upon the Mozambican cyclonesin 2019. Follows a compilation of themain results of such analysis, and recommendations to NGOs on how to further improve the performance of their relief operations.Concludes by presenting the shortcomings of the concern research and potential directions forfuture similar studies.

The thesis develops a coherent and comprehensive supply chain management framework for managing health care goods provided as humanitarian assistance in complex political emergencies. The objective of the research is improving the effectiveness and efficiency of logistics services which enable humanitarian organizations to reduce suffering, morbidity, disability and mortality of populations affected by armed conflicts. The framework is deduced from models and concepts developed for commercial logistics and supply chain management by considering the objectives and constraints of humanitarian organizations, the context in which they work as well as the characteristics of health care goods. For the logistics processes of item selection, sourcing, storage, transport and customer service frameworks are developed at the levels of supply network design, supply chain planning and supply chain operations. For each category, decision criteria are proposed according to the phase of the crisis, the distance from the crisis area as well as the criticality of health care goods. The framework allows humanitarian organizations to develop strategic, tactical as well as operational plans for providing logistical support to specific humanitarian assistance programmes within their constraints and in the context of the respective complex political emergency. (author's abstract)

O mundo é frequentemente alvo de cenários instáveis e aleatórios provenientes de catástrofes naturais e humanas. No alerta de emergência, os intervenientes humanitários têm a árdua tarefa de procurar soluções que minimizem o sofrimento das vítimas em contextos onde as necessidades são constantemente alteradas e os recursos são escassos. A logística é descrita por diversos autores como uma atividade fundamental na gestão e coordenação de processos humanitários, no incentivo à preparação para o desastre e consequentemente na procura de maior sucesso de resposta no local afetado. O presente trabalho procura, através da revisão da literatura, compreender e identificar elementos logísticos essenciais neste setor. Pretende, também, realizar uma análise qualitativa destes elementos nos websites de algumas organizações de modo a perceber a importância que é atribuída à logística humanitária. Verifica-se então, uma tendência crescente na valorização deste serviço na cadeia de abastecimento em missões de emergência.
The world is often subject to unstable and random scenarios due to natural and human disasters. When emergency strikes, humanitarian actors have the arduous task of finding solutions that minimize the suffering of victims in contexts where the needs are constantly changing and resources are scarce. Logistics is described by several authors as a key activity in the management and coordination of humanitarian processes, encouraging preparedness for disaster and consequently demand the most successful response to the affected place. This study aims, through literature review, to understand and identify key elements in the logistics sector. Therefore, intends to conduct a qualitative analysis of these elements in several organizations’ websites in order to realize the importance that is given to the humanitarian logistics. It was clear that, there is an increasing trend to give value to this service in the supply chain in emergency missions.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Technology: Industrial Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2014.
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.
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