Comparative analysis of the performance of humanitarian logistic structures using agent-based simulation

The post-disaster humanitarian logistic structure (PD-HL) used in a disaster determines the performance of the relief distribution, which impacts human suffering and loss of lives. This paper develops an Agent-Based simulation model to explore the performance of three different PD-HL structures: Agency Centric Efforts (ACEs), Partially Integrated Efforts (PIEs), and Collaborative Aid Networks (CANs). Using the proposed simulation framework, the authors analyze the role of information sharing and crowd movement in the distribution of relief supplies, and evaluate the ability of different PD-HL structures to respond to disasters of varying intensities. The performance of each PD-HL structure is measured using the social costs, i.e., the sum of logistic costs incurred by the relief organizations carrying out logistical activities, and the deprivation costs and walking costs of affected people. The study also discusses the humanitarian operations during the 2010 Port-au-Prince earthquake to demonstrate the real-world application of the simulation framework. The results suggest that sharing information can reduce the deprivation costs in general. However, as the level of information sharing increases, its marginal effect on deprivation costs decreases. Setting up temporary shelters to limit the movement of affected people can help reduce uncertainty in demands, thereby facilitating the distribution of relief supplies. The distribution capacity is the primary factor affecting the performance of the three PD-HL structures. The results indicate that CANs are particularly effective in responding to catastrophic disasters due to their high distribution capacity. However, ACEs and PIEs can also perform well in situations where their distribution capacities are adequate to ensure that available supplies reach the affected population. In addition, the waiting time of disaster-affected people at the points of distribution (PODs) significantly affects the distribution of relief supplies, while walking speed has no significant impact on the distribution of relief supplies.