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Humanitarian Logistics: A New Field of Research and Action

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  • Apte, Aruna

Abstract

Recent natural disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Katrina in the United States, tsunami in the Indian Ocean, the earthquake in Pakistan, and numerous humanitarian challenges arising from such conflicts as that in Sudan have exposed the shortcomings in planning for disasters. In addition to the natural disasters, the homeland security issues related to domestic as well as international terrorism have increased the fear factor and have made 'readiness' the principal priority. Humanitarian logistics is a critical element of an effective disaster relief process. The objective of this monograph is to discuss research issues and potential actions surrounding the new field of humanitarian logistics. We define humanitarian logistics as that special branch of logistics which manages response supply chain of critical supplies and services with challenges such as demand surges, uncertain supplies, critical time windows in face of infrastructure vulnerabilities and vast scope and size of the operations. We survey case studies to learn from the past experience and review analytical models from the literature to understand the state-of-the-art in humanitarian logistics. We recommend further research in the fields of operations management and operations research to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian logistics. We conclude that though humanitarian logistics is inherently chaotic and complex, and it is difficult to do research in this area, the complexity and obstacles can be dealt with by the researchers.

Suggested Citation

  • Apte, Aruna, 2010. "Humanitarian Logistics: A New Field of Research and Action," Foundations and Trends(R) in Technology, Information and Operations Management, now publishers, vol. 3(1), pages 1-100, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:now:fnttom:0200000014
    DOI: 10.1561/0200000014
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    Cited by:

    1. Alizadeh, Morteza & Amiri-Aref, Mehdi & Mustafee, Navonil & Matilal, Sumohon, 2019. "A robust stochastic Casualty Collection Points location problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 279(3), pages 965-983.
    2. Vasileios Kosmas & Michele Acciaro & Maria Besiou, 2022. "Saving migrants’ lives at sea: Improving search and rescue operations," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(4), pages 1872-1889, April.
    3. Farzaneh, Mohammad Amin & Rezapour, Shabnam & Baghaian, Atefe & Amini, M. Hadi, 2023. "An integrative framework for coordination of damage assessment, road restoration, and relief distribution in disasters," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    4. Liang, Liang & Wang, Xihui & Gao, Jianguo, 2012. "An option contract pricing model of relief material supply chain," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 40(5), pages 594-600.
    5. Huang, Kai & Jiang, Yiping & Yuan, Yufei & Zhao, Lindu, 2015. "Modeling multiple humanitarian objectives in emergency response to large-scale disasters," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 1-17.
    6. Wang, Xihui & Li, Feng & Liang, Liang & Huang, Zhimin & Ashley, Allan, 2015. "Pre-purchasing with option contract and coordination in a relief supply chain," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 170-176.
    7. Mahmoud, Hussam & Kirsch, Thomas & O'Neil, Dan & Anderson, Shelby, 2023. "The resilience of health care systems following major disruptive events: Current practice and a path forward," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    8. Xihui Wang & Yunfei Wu & Liang Liang & Zhimin Huang, 2016. "Service outsourcing and disaster response methods in a relief supply chain," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 240(2), pages 471-487, May.
    9. Alexander Fekete & Lisa Bross & Steffen Krause & Florian Neisser & Katerina Tzavella, 2021. "Bridging Gaps in Minimum Humanitarian Standards and Shelter Planning by Critical Infrastructures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-17, January.

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