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Enhancing Coordination and Decision Making in Humanitarian Logistics Through Artificial Intelligence: A Grounded Theory Approach

Author

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  • Panagiotis Pantiris

    (School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 18 Aristotelous St., 26335 Patras, Greece)

  • Petros L. Pallis

    (School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 18 Aristotelous St., 26335 Patras, Greece)

  • Panos T. Chountalas

    (School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 18 Aristotelous St., 26335 Patras, Greece)

  • Thomas K. Dasaklis

    (School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 18 Aristotelous St., 26335 Patras, Greece)

Abstract

Background: The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in humanitarian logistics is essential for improving coordination and decision making, especially in the challenging landscape of disaster-relief settings. However, the current literature offers limited empirical evidence with respect to the specific impact of AI on coordination and decision making for real-life humanitarian problems. Based on evidence from the humanitarian sector, this paper focuses on how AI could help humanitarian organizations collaborate better, streamline relief supply-chain operations and use resources more effectively. Methods: Twelve key themes influencing AI integration are identified by the study using a Grounded Theory (GT) approach based on interviews with experts from the humanitarian sector. These themes include data reliability, operational limitations, ethical considerations and cultural sensitivities, among others. Results: The findings suggest that AI improves forecasting, planning and inter-organizational coordination and is especially useful during the preparedness and mitigation stages of relief operations. Successful adoption, however, depends on adjusting tools to actual field conditions, building trust and training and striking a balance between algorithmic support and human expertise. Conclusions: The paper offers useful and practical advice for humanitarian organizations looking to use AI technologies in an ethical way while taking into account workforce capabilities, cross-agency cooperation and field-level realities.

Suggested Citation

  • Panagiotis Pantiris & Petros L. Pallis & Panos T. Chountalas & Thomas K. Dasaklis, 2025. "Enhancing Coordination and Decision Making in Humanitarian Logistics Through Artificial Intelligence: A Grounded Theory Approach," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-33, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:113-:d:1721909
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Muhammad Khan & Marwan Khan & Abbas Ali & Muhammad Imran Khan & Ihsan Ullah & Muhammad Iqbal, 2022. "Digitalization for Fast, Fair, and Safe Humanitarian Logistics," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-18, May.
    2. Barry Turner, 1981. "Some practical aspects of qualitative data analysis: One way of organising the cognitive processes associated with the generation of grounded theory," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 225-247, June.
    3. Muhammad Khan & Gohar Saleem Parvaiz & Abbas Ali & Majid Jehangir & Noor Hassan & Junghan Bae, 2022. "A Model for Understanding the Mediating Association of Transparency between Emerging Technologies and Humanitarian Logistics Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-23, June.
    4. Sarah Schiffling & Claire Hannibal & Matthew Tickle & Yiyi Fan, 2022. "The implications of complexity for humanitarian logistics: a complex adaptive systems perspective," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 319(1), pages 1379-1410, December.
    5. Kouhizadeh, Mahtab & Saberi, Sara & Sarkis, Joseph, 2021. "Blockchain technology and the sustainable supply chain: Theoretically exploring adoption barriers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    6. Helmer Paz-Orozco & Irineu de Brito Junior & Mario Chong & Yesid Anacona-Mopan & Jhon Alexander Segura Dorado & Mariana Moyano, 2023. "Earthquake Decision-Making Tool for Humanitarian Logistics Network: An Application in Popayan, Colombia," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-18, October.
    7. Birdoğan Baki & Nermin Abuasad, 2020. "The Evaluation of Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance Based On Balanced Scorecard-DEMATEL Approach," Alphanumeric Journal, Bahadir Fatih Yildirim, vol. 8(2), pages 163-180, December.
    8. Kovacs, Gyöngyi & Moshtari, Mohammad, 2019. "A roadmap for higher research quality in humanitarian operations: A methodological perspective," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 276(2), pages 395-408.
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