OMGT1021 Supply Chain Principles : Humanitarian Logistics

Introduction

Humanitarian logistics is process that ensures that good and material are able to move from the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to alleviate suffering of people who have been affected by a disaster through planning, implementation and controlling the whole process in a cost effective manner and proper storage of the goods and services (Robert E et al. 2013). The role of humanitarian logistics involves many activities such as getting prepared for a disaster, planning for the disaster, procurement processes, transportation of goods and materials, storage, tracking and tracing, and customs duties and clearance (Kovacs and Spens 2007).

Scope, importance and challenges of humanitarian logistics

Disaster relief programs mainly relies on humanitarian logistics because of a number of reasons which include the need to respond quickly for major humanitarian programs, which may include provision of basic needs, procurement and transportation of the goods and materials, this is the most costly process in relief effort, and lastly humanitarian logistics requires continuous tracking of goods through the supply chain which requires deep analysis of data which is useful for post learning (Cozzolino,  A.2012). Logistic mainly focuses on the efficiency and effectiveness of the whole process form the supplier, to the transporter, cost effectiveness and the timeliness of the response, the ability of the donated goods and services to provide the required relief , and proper management of information (Roh et al. 2012)

Humanitarian logistic chain supply management refers to delivery and warehousing of supplies during natural disasters or other complex emergencies (Christopher and Tatham 2011). Despite it being used in commercial supply chain logistic chain supply management is a useful tool in disaster relief operations for the purpose of responding to the needs of the beneficiaries (Howden, 2009). The humanitarian supply chain is all about relief. In case a disaster occurs, the agencies that run relief programs organizes a team of experts and sends them to the scene of the disaster to carry out an assessment of the level of damage and the number of victims. By assessing the extent to which the disaster has caused damage then the involved agencies are able to identify the specific items needed and their respective quantities that may be required to provide the immediate relief to the victims of the disaster. The agencies also send emergency stock of the required relief goods and materials to the warehouse which is close to the scene of disaster (Tomasini and Van Wasssenhove, 2009). The concerned agencies also look for ways to mobilize resources so as to relief the affected population. This is done by reaching out the donors, the government as well as the public to make contributions towards the program (Maon et, al. (2009)).

Suppliers and logistic providers from are identified and the mobilization of the required resources for relief begins. Storage, transportation and distribution of the donated supplies should be prepared in the local area or region that have been affected by the disaster (Nagurney, 2012). Each disaster is unique and have different requirements in terms on the expertise needed and items required for relief this is always a challenge for humanitarian logistics. The occurrence of a disaster at time will result to destruction of infrastructure including roads, bridges among others which makes it difficult to transport goods and materials to the site of disaster. Conflicts in the affected regions may affect the coordination between the humanitarian organizations and the national and local governments.

Factors affecting international humanitarian relief services

The occurrence of many disasters around the world simultaneously require urgent response however the resource needed may not be available (Robert E et al. 2013). The humanitarian organizations are forced to stretch their resources. The sector however needs to come up with plans that will enable them deliver efficient relief services and to respond to the increasing numbers of disaster victims (Heigh, 2012).

In the recent times donors are increasingly demanding for high performance as well as the impact of the relief programs. Increased number of humanitarian agencies around the world has led to increased competition for donor funds thus clear records and data is needed before donation are made (Peres et, al. 2012).

Challenges facing humanitarian logistics

Failure to identify the significance of logistics- in the management of disasters many agencies fail to involve logisticians in the process. Most of them main focus on short term relief programs instead of programs that will provide a long term solution (Herbinger 2013)

.Inadequate trained staff- most of the staffs working in humanitarian organizations lack the appropriate skills. Most of them with logistic responsibilities lack logistic skills (Herbinger 2013: Lars, G 2009)

Limited collaboration- the increased numbers of humanitarian organizations has left the heads of logistic with no other option rather than struggling alone due to lack of collaboration.

Thematic analysis of Christopher and Tatham

Thematic analysis of Ian Heigh (2012)

Thematic analysis of   Cozzolino,  A.(2012)

Thematic analysis of Kovacs and Spens (2007)

Thematic analysis of  Herbinger (2013)

Thematic analysis on Robert E et al. (2013)