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Do Optimization Models for Humanitarian Operations Need a Paradigm Shift?

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  • Harwin De Vries
  • Luk N. Van Wassenhove

Abstract

Optimization approaches for planning and routing of humanitarian field operations have been studied intensively. Yet, their adoption in practice remains scant. This opinion paper argues that effectiveness increase realized by such approaches can be marginal due to triviality of planning problems, external constraints, and information losses. Cost increases, on the other hand, can be substantial. These include costs of implementation and use, data gathering, and mismatches with organizational cultures. Though such costs are a key concern for humanitarian organizations, OR/MS studies typically consider effectiveness measures only. We argue a paradigm shift towards cost‐effectiveness maximization and increasing the strength of the presented evidence is needed and discuss corresponding future research needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Harwin De Vries & Luk N. Van Wassenhove, 2020. "Do Optimization Models for Humanitarian Operations Need a Paradigm Shift?," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 29(1), pages 55-61, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:popmgt:v:29:y:2020:i:1:p:55-61
    DOI: 10.1111/poms.13092
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Edward G. Anderson & David R. Keith & Jose Lopez, 2023. "Opportunities for system dynamics research in operations management for public policy," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 32(6), pages 1895-1920, June.
    3. Nawazish, Mohammed & Padhi, Sidhartha S., 2025. "Designing integrated relief aid procurement and last-mile distribution strategies for disaster response operations," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    4. Wang, Xihui & Li, Jun & de Vries, Harwin, 2026. "Quantifying human suffering for humanitarian logistics: deprivation cost versus deprivation level," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    5. Amaya, Johanna & Serrano, Ivan & Cantillo, Víctor & Arellana, Julián & Pérez, Cinthia C., 2024. "Implications of trust, preparedness, risk perceptions, and local context on deprivation costs and disaster relief planning," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    6. Moshtari, Mohammad & Altay, Nezih & Heikkilä, Jussi & Gonçalves, Paulo, 2021. "Procurement in humanitarian organizations: Body of knowledge and practitioner's challenges," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    7. Charles J. Corbett & Alfonso J. Pedraza‐Martinez & Luk N. Van Wassenhove, 2022. "Sustainable humanitarian operations: An integrated perspective," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(12), pages 4393-4406, December.
    8. Fernandez Pernett, Stephanie & Amaya, Johanna & Arellana, Julián & Cantillo, Victor, 2022. "Questioning the implication of the utility-maximization assumption for the estimation of deprivation cost functions after disasters," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    9. Phouratsamay, Siao-Leu & Scaparra, Maria Paola & Tran, Trung Hieu & Laporte, Gilbert, 2024. "Strategic flood impact mitigation in developing countries’ urban road networks: Application to Hanoi," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 319(3), pages 862-876.
    10. Tongxin Liu & Jun Li & Xihui Wang, 2024. "Enhancing the cost performance in regular humanitarian logistics: location-routing and delivery frequency optimization," Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, Springer, vol. 36(3), pages 1157-1185, September.
    11. Jérémie Gallien & Ngai‐Hang Z. Leung & Prashant Yadav, 2021. "Inventory Policies for Pharmaceutical Distribution in Zambia: Improving Availability and Access Equity," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(12), pages 4501-4521, December.
    12. Harwin de Vries & Joris van de Klundert & Albert Wagelmans, 2021. "Toward Elimination of Infectious Diseases with Mobile Screening Teams: HAT in the DRC," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(10), pages 3408-3428, October.
    13. Alekh Gour & Shikha Aggarwal & Subodha Kumar, 2022. "Lending ears to unheard voices: An empirical analysis of user‐generated content on social media," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(6), pages 2457-2476, June.
    14. Hossein Baharmand & Diego Vega & Matthieu Lauras & Tina Comes, 2022. "A methodology for developing evidence-based optimization models in humanitarian logistics," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 319(1), pages 1197-1229, December.
    15. Fan, Yu & Shao, Jianfang & Wang, Xihui & Liang, Liang, 2024. "Contract design between relief organisations and private-sector vendors: A humanitarian logistics framework," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    16. R. M. van Steenbergen & W. J. A. van Heeswijk & M. R. K. Mes, 2025. "The Stochastic Dynamic Postdisaster Inventory Allocation Problem with Trucks and UAVs," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 59(2), pages 360-390, March.
    17. Liu, Kanglin & Zhang, Hengliang & Zhang, Zhi-Hai, 2021. "The efficiency, equity and effectiveness of location strategies in humanitarian logistics: A robust chance-constrained approach," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    18. Harwin De Vries & Lisa E. Swinkels & Luk N. Van Wassenhove, 2021. "Site Visit Frequency Policies for Mobile Family Planning Services," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(12), pages 4522-4540, December.
    19. Lisanne van Rijn & Harwin de Vries & Luk N. Van Wassenhove, 2024. "Site Reassignment for Mobile Outreach Teams: Investigating the Effectiveness of Decentralized Decision Making," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 26(6), pages 2336-2350, November.
    20. Sharbaf, Maedeh & Bélanger, Valérie & Cherkesly, Marilène & Rancourt, Marie-Ève & Toglia, Giovanni Michele, 2025. "Risk-based shelter network design in flood-prone areas: An application to Haiti," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    21. Iana Shaheen & Arash Azadegan & Samuel Roscoe, 2021. "Who Takes Risks? A Framework on Organizational Risk‐Taking During Sudden‐Onset Disasters," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(11), pages 4023-4043, November.
    22. Hosseinifard, Zahra & Layaoen, Haerold Dean & Abareshi, Ahmad & Abbasi, Babak & Sheu, Jiuh-Biing, 2025. "A critical evaluation of non-profit organizations’ contributions to disaster management: Historical perspectives and future trends in operations management research," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    23. Hasti Seraji & Reza Tavakkoli-Moghaddam & Sobhan Asian & Harpreet Kaur, 2022. "An integrative location-allocation model for humanitarian logistics with distributive injustice and dissatisfaction under uncertainty," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 319(1), pages 211-257, December.
    24. Johannes Jakubik & Stefan Feuerriegel, 2022. "Data‐driven allocation of development aid toward sustainable development goals: Evidence from HIV/AIDS," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(6), pages 2739-2756, June.
    25. Stienen, Valentijn & den Hertog, Dick & Wagenaar, J.C. & de Zegher, J.F., 2022. "Enhancing Digital Road Networks for Better Operations in Developing Countries," Discussion Paper 2022-014, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.

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