Adam Widera, Sandra Lechtenberg, Gaby Gurczik, Sandra Bähr, & Bernd Hellingrath. (2017). Integrated Logistics and Transport Planning in Disaster Relief Operations. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 752–764). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Decision making in the area of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management often suffers because of the interrelations between planning horizons, tasks, and crisis management lifecycle phases. In this paper, we present a method, an exemplary prototypical implementation and its evaluation within a relief organization. Based on a structured literature analysis (a review of existing information systems as well as a consideration of ongoing research projects), basic requirements for an integrated logistics and transport planning approach were derived. Together with end-user involvement, these results were used to design and prototype a concept of an appropriate information system, which was applied and evaluated in a tabletop exercise. The generated results are promising in terms of having a positive impact on the logistics effectiveness. In combination with the identified limitations, our results promise to have an impact on future ISCRAM research.
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Cécile L'Hermitte, William Wang, & Eric Deakins. (2018). Exploring the Physical Internet concept to improve disaster relief operations. In Kristin Stock, & Deborah Bunker (Eds.), Proceedings of ISCRAM Asia Pacific 2018: Innovating for Resilience – 1st International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Asia Pacific. (pp. 12–27). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: Successful disaster relief operations call for responsive and flexible movements of goods in order to make the relief items available when and where they are needed by the affected communities. The objective of this explorative research is to investigate the applicability of the Physical Internet to emergency relief operations. The Physical Internet is a groundbreaking logistical system in which standardised, modular packages are automatically routed from origin to destination through a hyperconnected network of logistics providers and facilities. Although the concept is receiving growing attention from academics, practitioners and policy makers, research in the disaster management context is virtually non-existent. Based on a review of the relevant academic literature and publicly available information from emergency responding agencies and the media, we firstly use the Kaikoura earthquake that occurred in the South Island of New Zealand on 14th November 2016 to identify six key requirements that support the efficient movement of relief items in the aftermath of a disaster. We then identify six characteristics of the Physical Internet and explore how these characteristics can support the requirements of emergency response operations. We conclude that the Physical Internet principles have the potential to enhance the speed, flexibility and reliability of emergency responses. In other words, a fully integrated and collaborative logistics system in which relief items and information move seamlessly across a web of interconnected transport modes and operators can increase the efficient deployment of urgently needed relief items. This study extends the Physical Internet principles to emergency relief operations and identifies new ways of improving and optimising the logistics of emergency responses. In doing so, this research aims to stimulate debate within the disaster relief sector.
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Anthony Charles, Matthieu Lauras, & Rolando Tomasini. (2009). Learning from previous humanitarian operations, a business process reengineering approach. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Uncertainty and risks are part of humanitarians' daily routine. Most of the time, infrastructures are damaged or non-existent, the political climate is highly volatile, communication means are insufficient, and so on. Therefore, humanitarian organizations often have to find original methods to implement their supply chains. They may also face recurrent problems, that requires them to change the way they operate. And yet, as they lack the time and resources to reflect on the lessons learnt, most of their best practices and issues are neither captured nor communicated. The aim of the study is thus to propose a framework to capitalize humanitarians' knowledge and know-how, to analyze both gaps and best practices and learn from one operation to another. To this end, we propose a framework derived from traditional Enterprise Modelling tools, adapted to fit relief chains' specificities. Field applications are then given to illustrate our approach and its beneficial effects.
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Christian Siemen, Roberto dos Santos Rocha, Roelof P. van den Berg, Bernd Hellingrath, & João Porto de Albuquerque. (2017). Collaboration among Humanitarian Relief Organizations and Volunteer Technical Communities: Identifying Research Opportunities and Challenges through a Systematic Literature Review. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 1043–1054). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Collaboration is the foundation to strengthen disaster preparedness and for effective emergency response actions at all levels. Some studies have highlighted that remote volunteers, i.e., volunteers supported by Web 2.0 technologies, possess the potential to strengthen humanitarian relief organizations by offering information regarding disaster-affected people and infrastructure. Although studies have explored various aspects of this topic, none of those provided an overview of the state-of-the-art of researches on the collaboration among humanitarian organizations and communities of remote volunteers. With the aim of overcoming this gap, a systematic literature review was conducted on the existing research works. Therefore, the main contribution of this work lies in examining the state of research in this field and in identifying potential research gaps. The results show that most of the research works addresses the general domain of disaster management, whereas only few of them address the domain of humanitarian logistics.
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Kelli de Faria Cordeiro, Maria Luiza M Campos, & Marcos R. S. Borges. (2014). Adaptive integration of information supporting decision making: A case on humanitarian logistic. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 225–229). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: There is an urgent demand for information systems to gather heterogeneous information about needs, donations and warehouse stocks to provide an integrated view for decision making in humanitarian logistics. The dynamic flow of information, due to the unpredicted events, requires adaptive features. The traditional relational data model is not suitable due to its schema rigidity. As an alternative, Graph Data models complemented by semantic representations, like Linked Open Data on the Web, can be used. Based on both, this research proposes an approach for the adaptive integration of information and an associated architecture. An application example is discussed in a real scenario where relief goods are managed through a dynamic and multi-perspective view.
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Douglas Alem, & Alistair Clark. (2015). Insights from two-stage stochastic programming in emergency logistics. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: This paper discusses the practical aspects and resulting insights of the results of a two-stage mathematical network flow model to help make the decisions required to get humanitarian aid quickly to needy recipients as part of a disaster relief operation. The aim of model is to plan where to best place aid inventory in preparation for possible disasters, and to make fast decisions about how best to channel aid to recipients as fast as possible. Humanitarian supply chains differ from commercial supply chains in their greater urgency of response and in the poor quality of data and increased uncertainty about important inputs such as transportation resources, aid availability, and the suddenness and degree of “demand”. The context is usually more chaotic with poor information feedback and a multiplicity of decision-makers in different aid organizations. The model attempts to handle this complexity by incorporating practical decisions, such as pre-allocation of emergency goods, transportation policy, fleet management and procurement, in an uncertainty environment featured by a scenario-based approach. Preliminary results based on the floods and landslides disaster of the Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, point to how to cope with these challenges by using the mathematical model.
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Mauro Falasca, Christopher W. Zobel, & Gary M. Fetter. (2009). An optimization model for humanitarian relief volunteer management. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: One of the challenges of humanitarian organizations is that there exist limited decision technologies that fit their needs. It has also been pointed out that those organizations experience coordination difficulties with volunteers willing to help. The purpose of this paper is to help address those challenges through the development of a decision model to assist in the management of volunteers. While employee workforce management models have been the topic of extensive research over the past decades, no work has focused on the problem of managing humanitarian relief volunteers. In this paper, we discuss a series of principles from the field of volunteer management and develop a multi criteria optimization model to assist in the assignment of volunteers to tasks. We present an illustrative example and analyze a solution methodology where the decision maker exercises his/her preferences by trading-off conflicting objectives. Conclusions, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.
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Jörn Franke, Adam Widera, François Charoy, Bernd Hellingrath, & Cédric Ulmer. (2011). Reference process models and systems for inter-organizational ad-hoc coordination – Supply chain management in humanitarian operations. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this work we present a general framework for process-oriented coordination and collaboration in humanitarian operations. Process management has been proven useful in many business domains, but humanitarian operations and disaster response management in general require different process management approaches. Related work has only recently introduced traditional process management approaches for emergency management. These traditional approaches have several limitations with respect to the domain of humanitarian operations and disaster management. Our approach points to design, run-time and monitoring of inter-organizational humanitarian logistics processes. It consists of two parts: A reference model for humanitarian logistics tasks and a system for ad-hoc process management of these tasks. We discuss how they can be integrated to provide additional benefits.
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Henning Gösling, & Jutta Geldermann. (2014). Methodological tool kit for humanitarian logistics. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 190–194). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Disasters trigger the need for relief items. The flows of relief items to the beneficiaries in the disaster area are determined by humanitarian logistics networks. The setup and operations of such networks can be supported by employing Operations Research models. Several models, based on different methodologies are available to support decision-making in the field of humanitarian logistics. This work-in-progress analysis suggests a structure of a methodological tool kit for humanitarian logistics. With its help, practitioners in the field of humanitarian logistics should be better equipped to find, compare, and apply available analytical models for their individual decision problem. To serve as an illustration, one OR model is presented in detail according to the proposed structure of the methodological tool kit.
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Bernd Hellingrath, & Adam Widera. (2011). Survey on major challenges in humanitarian logistics. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this work we present the results of a survey on major challenges in humanitarian logistics. The survey was conducted among logistics managers of relief organizations, logistic service providers, and universities investigating in humanitarian logistics. The following issue areas were consulted: (1) Information and Technology, (2) Processes, Organization, Coordination, (3) Infrastructure, (4) Politics, Government. The results in the first issue area focus mainly on needs for action in the context of the transparency, compatibility, and functionality of IT-systems for humanitarian logistics. The transferability of classical and the establishment of specific concepts of logistics and supply chain management were identified as an important challenge in the second issue area. The need for an improved information situation was noticed within the areas “Infrastructure” and “Politics, Government”. Additionally, it can be highlighted that the assessments of the three questioned groups differ in important points, although a common ground for further research was identified.
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Gesine Hofinger, Robert Zinke, & Laura Künzer. (2011). Psychological requirements for crisis and emergency decision-support systems for public transport control centers. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Control center staff is used to working with software applications for e.g. surveillance of production processes, for controlling and timing of industrial logistics, and for recording and filing incidents and actions. Yet, decision-support systems for emergency situations pose additional demands on employees in this domain. This paper reports first findings for psychological requirements for decision support systems in the rise of emergencies as identified in a federal German research project in the domain of public transportation. In control centers both the humans on duty who have to intervene during an emergency, and the technical system which provides decision-alternatives for supporting the action are considered. Based on findings of the project, psychological, technical and organizational requirements identified in interviews, observations, document analysis and additional relevant literature are generalized.
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Hossein Baharmand, Kees Boersma, Kenny Meesters, Femke Mulder, & Jeroen Wolbers. (2016). A multidisciplinary perspective on supporting community disaster resilience in Nepal. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Fostering community resilience in the aftermath of a disaster constitutes a significant challenge and requires an adequate understanding of the community?s specific capabilities and vulnerabilities. We carried out a field study in Nepal as a multi-disciplinary research team that explored how the humanitarian response enabled community resilience after the devastating earthquakes. We explored three elements of resilience: persistence, adaptability and transformability by zooming in and out between the local community and humanitarian organizations operating at the national level. Our combined insights from three disciplines, social sciences, information management and logistics, show that humanitarian organizations operating in Nepal still primarily aimed to (re)build community resilience ?from above? instead of enabling communities to strengthen their own resilience in a bottom up way. In this paper we contend that fostering an inclusive and networked response has the potential to strengthen the adaptive capacity of humanitarian organizations and community groups and boost local resilience.
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Michael Howden. (2009). How humanitarian logistics information systems can improve humanitarian supply chains: A view from the field. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Humanitarian logistics represents a broad range of activities taking place within humanitarian organizations, the bulk of these activities are also components of a broader humanitarian supply chain – The network involved with providing physical aid to beneficiaries. Humanitarian logistics information systems improve information flows, which integrates logistics units more efficiently with non-logistics units within the humanitarian supply chains and provides better feedback to donors, ensuring more effective operations. Humanitarian logistics activities occur across the disaster management cycle. Humanitarian logistics information systems not only improve logistics activities in each phase, but can improve the continuity of humanitarian operations by sharing information throughout the transition of different disaster management cycle phases. Through collaboration between organizations, humanitarian logistics information systems also have the potential to reduce corruption and the market distortion which can occur during humanitarian operations.
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Soumia Ichoua. (2010). Humanitarian logistics network design for an effective disaster response. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper we address the problem of pre-positioning emergency supplies prior to a disaster onset. The goal is to ensure a fast and effective response when the disaster strikes. Pre-positioning of emergency supplies is a strategic decision aimed at determining the number and location of local distribution centers as well as their inventory levels for emergency supplies. These decisions must be made in a highly disruption-prone environment where a timely response is vital and resources are scarce. We present and discuss a scenario-based model that integrates location, inventory and routing decisions.
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Kathrin Eismann, Melanie Reuter-Oppermann, & Kai Fischbach. (2019). Towards Social Media Decision Support for Joined EMS and Crisis Logistics. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate how social media can be utilised to support the integration of emergency medical services (EMS) and crisis management activities. We explore the literature both on social media in crisis management and on EMS logistics to elaborate on their potential to support EMS logistics planning based on the experiences from crisis management. We then discuss how social media data can be used for tactical and strategic decision-making using location data to improve demand forecasting and planning for both routine emergencies and crises.
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Laura Laguna Salvadó, Matthieu Lauras, & Tina Comes. (2016). Towards a Monitoring System for American IFRC Logistics Network. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), is one of the many humanitarian organizations that are further developing their logistics network more decentralized structures with sub-regional networks. One of the main challenges identified is the need of monitoring tools to have a real-time overview of the whole logistics network state, and optimization of the associated operations through real-time decision support systems. Logistics departments of humanitarian organizations have not adopted the technological developments that are standard in the commercial sector due to critical differences, and the IFRC is not an exception. This paper presents a case study conducted with the American and Caribbean IFRC. We present user requirements and specifications for the design of a real-time monitoring system dedicated the sub-regional network. It particularly addresses the challenges to simplify remote data collection, visualization and analysis.
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Laura Laguna Salvadó, Matthieu Lauras, Tina Comes, & Mathieu Grenade. (2016). A Study on the Sub-Regionalization of Humanitarian Supply Chain: the IFRC Case. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Humanitarian Supply Chain (HSC) performance is a key factor for disaster response. In order to be more responsive, the typical humanitarian supply strategy has evolved from a centralized to a decentralized network, generally at regional level. The objective was to reduce lead-times and costs. However, after a decade of working, organizations like the Americas and Caribbean International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) have noticed that those objectives are only partially reached and have decided to go further in the evolution by developing sub-regionalized networks. In this study, we analyse the HSC sub-regionalization process to better understand the challenges and opportunities for humanitarian organizations. Three key aspects are point out: implementation, real-time monitoring and operations? cost-efficiency. Based on these results and considering the law maturity level of humanitarian organizations in terms of Information and Decision-Support Systems, we conclude with giving concrete guidelines for designing and developing ad-hoc monitoring and orchestrating systems.
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Matthias Lendholt, & Martin Hammitzsch. (2011). Generic information logistics for early warning systems. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The delivery of user-tailored warning messages for heterogeneous user groups is a challenge rarely covered by hazard monitoring and early warning systems. While attention is mostly focused on sensor measurements and disaster prediction, warning message dissemination is often based on technical terminology and is not appropriate for the majority of interested user groups. This article describes the concepts of generic information logistics developed for the distant early warning system (DEWS). It is designed to not be limited to specific hazard types, languages or other deployment specifics. Instead, it enables the generation of user-tailored warning messages that account for specific needs and it provides several filter mechanisms to avoid unintended message flooding in emergency situations. Moreover, the importance of spatial references in messages is highlighted and accounted for in both automatic message processing and message reception by humans. Warning messages are based on the common alerting protocol (CAP) to allow interoperability with other early warning systems.
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Fabiana Santos Lima, Bernd Hellingrath, Adam Widera, & Mirian Buss Gonçalves. (2013). A systemic process model for procurement decisions in humanitarian logistics. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 688–692). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The relief organizations work in volatile environments involving a variety of actors with different skills and knowledge. The service of emergency for victims of natural disasters requires a rapid decision-making. The objective of the approach presented in this paper is to develop a Systemic Process Model (SPM) for procurement decisions in humanitarian logistics. The SPM aims to support procurement tasks of humanitarian organizations during the response phase in disaster relief. The approach provides a decision support tool using an appropriate quantitative model reflecting the specific area of humanitarian logistics processes.
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Daniel Link, Kenny Meesters, Bernd Hellingrath, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2014). Reference task-based design of crisis management games. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 592–596). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Serious games are an effective tool for giving players a hands-on, immersive experience of crisis situations. To simplify the design of such games while ensuring their relevance, we propose a design method that is based on reference tasks. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by the improved design of the serious game “Disaster in my Backyard” that has been played during ISCRAM Summer school 2013. The design incorporates humanitarian logistics, search-and-rescue and coordination tasks. We also present the lessons learned from this instantiation of the game and give an outlook towards future research, such as the evaluation of tools for crisis response and management through the use of serious games and reference tasks.
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Marlen Hofmann, Stefan Sackmann, & Hans Betke. (2015). Using Precedence Diagram Method in Process-Oriented Disaster Response Management. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: When planning and modeling disaster response processes (DRP), the unpredictability of disasters precludes accounting for all eventualities in advance. DRPs are thus typically concretized and adapted after the disaster and during the process?s run-time. Since time is critical and uncertainty typical, planning of DRPs requires methods and tools that support disaster managers in process analysis, process adaptation, and decision making. This contribution presents an approach for identifying concurrent activities that, in needing identical resources at the same time in different locations, are jeopardized by such place-related conflicts. As solution, the approach allows managers to calculate valid execution sequences, eliminate place-related conflicts, and prioritize activities by total execution time. Results are shown to form a novel, reliable basis for contributing to disaster managers? decision support.
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Oscar Rodríguez-Espíndola, Pavel Albores, & Christopher Bewster. (2015). A multi-agency perspective to disaster preparedness. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: The increasing number of victims from disasters in recent years results in several challenges for authorities aiming to protect and provide support to affected people. Humanitarian logistics represents one of the most important fields during preparedness and response in cases of disaster, seeking to provide relief, information and services to disaster victims. However, on top of the challenges of logistical activities, the successful completion of operations depends to a large extent on coordination. This is particularly important for developing countries, where disasters occur very often and resources are even scarcer.
This paper assumes a multi-agency approach to disaster preparedness that combines geographical information systems (GIS) and multi-objective optimization. The purpose of the tool is to determine the location of emergency facilities, stock prepositioning and distribution allocation for floods. We illustrate the application and the results using a case study centred on Acapulco, México.
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Robin E. Mays. (2010). A planning approach to humanitarian logistics. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In humanitarian events, logistics is traditionally considered at time of crisis, and at the tail-end of a project design with little to no strategical, logistical forethought applied. Introducing risk assessment and integrating logistics planning with program plans and training to these plans prior to disaster striking offers a more impactful response at time of disaster. This can be introduced in high risk countries through one on one training, simple templates, spreadsheets and standardized processes.a low to no technological, and highly relational method of building capacity and increasing the impact of an organization.s response to beneficiaries.
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Beate Rottkemper, & Kathrin Fischer. (2013). Decision making in humanitarian logistics – A multi-objective optimization model for relocating relief goods during disaster recovery operations. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 647–657). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Disaster recovery operations rarely proceed smoothly and disruptions often require the redistribution of relief items. Such a redistribution has to be carried out taking into account both the current disruption and the uncertainty regarding possible future incidents in the respective area. As decisions have to be made fast in humanitarian operations, extensive optimization runs cannot be conducted in such a situation. Nevertheless, sensible decisions should be made to ensure an efficient redistribution, considering not only satisfaction of needs but also operational costs, as the budget is usually scarce in the recovery phase of a disaster. In this work, different scenarios are generated and then solved with a multiobjective optimization model to explore possible developments. By evaluating the results of these scenarios, decision rules are identified which can support the decision maker in the actual disaster situation in making fast, but nevertheless well-founded, decisions.
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Sandra Lechtenberg, Adam Widera, & Bernd Hellingrath. (2017). Assessing Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) for Humanitarian Organizations. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 765–774). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Logistics activities are of high importance for the success of a humanitarian operation and can be responsible for up to 80% of its costs. Vendor Managed Inventory, a concept successfully applied in commercial logistics, might be a possibility to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian logistics operations. However, there is a lack of an appropriate assessment of the VMI applicability for a humanitarian organization. We propose an adjusted VMI Readiness Score for humanitarian organizations, a tool adapted from a commercial context for the specific requirements of humanitarian scenarios, to gain a general impression of the suitability of VMI. The tool is applied exemplary to the IFRC and the result indicates that it is worthwhile to further investigate the applicability of VMI for humanitarian organizations.
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