Marcus Bowles

An integrated approach to agility in humanitarian logistics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose first, a comprehensive model of the concept of agility in a humanitarian logistics context, and second, to generate a research agenda to test and operationalise this model. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on the dynamic capabilities model originated by Teece and uses a topical literature review of research in various business disciplines in order to reflect on the concept of agility in a humanitarian logistics context, to demonstrate that its current scope needs to be widened, and to propose an alternative approach. Findings – The proposed model extends the existing concept of agility in a humanitarian logistics context by integrating agility drivers, responsive and flexible operations, agility enablers, and strategic level agility capabilities into a single model. Research limitations/implications – Further research should focus on the nature of the risks/uncertainties encountered by humanitarian organisations, the interactions between the s...

Classifying logistics-relevant disasters: conceptual model and empirical illustration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use a theory-based approach to develop a new classification model for disasters that reflects their logistics implications, and to contextualise the findings by applying the model to a particular disaster situation. Design/methodology/approach – A widespread literature review was conducted in order to conceptualise the proposed disaster classification model and a case study (the 2011-2012 Somali food crisis) was used to provide a practical illustration and an initial validation of the conceptual approach. Findings – The new classification model proposes a set of four categories of disasters based on two generic dimensions, whilst simultaneously integrating five situational factors that reflect the impact of the external environment on the logistics operations. The case study confirms that this systemic approach is necessary since, from a logistics perspective, a disaster should be considered in its entirety and within its contextual environment. Research limitatio...

Supply chain agility in humanitarian protracted operations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the concept of agility in humanitarian logistics beyond emergency operations. Since the humanitarian logistics literature focuses primarily on emergencies and sees longer term and regular operations as being conducted in relatively stable and predictable environments, agile practices are usually not associated with humanitarian protracted operations. Therefore, this paper explores the logistics and supply chain environment in such operations in order to identify their basic features and determine if agility is an important requirement. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study of the United Nations World Food Programme, the authors collected and analysed qualitative and quantitative data on the characteristics of protracted operations, the risks and uncertainties most frequently encountered, their impact, and the ways that field logisticians manage contingencies. Findings – The research demonstrates that unpredictability and disruptions exist in prot...

Developing organisational capabilities to support agility in humanitarian logistics: An exploratory study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying strategic mechanisms of agility in a humanitarian logistics context. Based on the research conducted in business disciplines, the paper empirically examines a set of four strategic dimensions (being purposeful, being action-focused, being collaborative, and being learning-oriented) and identifies an emergent relationship between these capabilities and agile humanitarian logistics operations. Design/methodology/approach – Leadership and management actions perceived to support the four capabilities were identified and used as a basis to complete the exploratory research. Specifically, a case study with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) was undertaken and, in this context, a qualitative analysis of 29 face-to-face interviews with humanitarian logistics experts working for WFP was conducted. Findings – The research corroborates the relevance of the four strategic-level capabilities to the humanitarian logistics context and confirms t...

Reviewing seafarer assessment methods to determine the need for authentic assessment

The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention set global, minimum standards of competence for seafarers. Maritime Education and Training institutes (METs) are responsible for ensuring assessment processes not only assure attainment of STCW outcomes but also produce competent graduates that meet the expectations of core stakeholders such as regulators and employers. A review of literature in this area, however, suggests that some current assessment methods employed by METs are largely failing on both accounts. This paper argues that STCW falls short in its ability to provide appropriate standards and looks at the need for authentic assessment in seafarer training. A brief review of authentic assessment presented herein highlights characteristics that may improve the shortcomings of current assessment methods and STCW. The paper proposes authentic assessment as a way to elevate the collection of evidence of a seafarers competence using methods that promote student engagement and transfer of competence in different contextual scenarios.

Management of berths at sea for seafarer students

Abstract Seafarer training in Australia is severely affected by the scarcity of training berths, which is due to the absence of sufficient berths on ‘blue water’ vessels in a declining Australian fleet. Analysis of responses from global maritime institutes provide evidence to suggest an inconsistency in approach and a global frustration with international regimes that enforce archaic training practices and time serving, which retard efforts to solve the issue of availability of sea time and applied training. Improved collaboration between key stakeholders, harnessing alternate means of training, recognition of prior learning, and innovative management of vessels providing sea time could be combined to reduce the current backlog of seafarers unable to obtain approved certificates of competence due to a lack of mandatory sea time. Issues associated with these alternative approaches will be discussed and the solutions that should be investigated and trialled in Australia identified.

Investigating the strategic antecedents of agility in humanitarian logistics

This study investigates the strategic antecedents of operational agility in humanitarian logistics. It began by identifying the particular actions to be taken at the strategic level of a humanitarian organisation to support field-level agility. Next, quantitative data (n=59) were collected on four strategic-level capabilities (being purposeful, action-focused, collaborative, and learning-oriented) and on operational agility (field responsiveness and flexibility). Using a quantitative analysis, the study tested the relationship between organisational capacity building and operational agility and found that the four strategic-level capabilities are fundamental building blocks of agility. Collectively they account for 52 per cent of the ability of humanitarian logisticians to deal with ongoing changes and disruptions in the field. This study emphasises the need for researchers and practitioners to embrace a broader perspective of agility in humanitarian logistics. In addition, it highlights the inherently strategic nature of agility, the development of which involves focusing simultaneously on multiple drivers.

A comparison of marine pilots' planning and manoeuvring skills: Uncovering mental models to assess shiphandling and explore expertise

This paper introduces an assessment methodology that can underpin the objective measurement of shiphandling skills and permit comparative analysis of manoeuvring plans against their execution in a full mission bridge simulator. It was hypothesised that expert shiphandlers would have shown a strong consistency between the initial plan provided and the following execution. Ten marine pilots participated in the study. Their performance was evaluated across several variables using data gathered during the planning and objective measurements completed during the execution on a simulator. A significant capability to match execution against the plan was evidenced by the group of pilots. The mathematical analysis proposed represents an objective approach that can assure a valid and reliable assessment when applied across different contexts and needs such as: selection, training and certification of pilots, port development, optimisation of bridge procedures and improvement of equipment design.

Improving the food safety in supply chain: the value of nanotechnology on a growing problem

Food safety requires more sophisticated and intelligent technology in the food supply chain management. The emergence and development of nanotechnology brings a good opportunity to improve the complex technical issues that food supply chain safety needed and may bring revolutionary changes to the food supply chain in the future. This paper reviews the current and potential application of nanotechnology to every aspect of food safety in supply chains, include the quality detection, packaging, storage and distribution, tracking and tracing. This review suggests that even with communication as to how nanotechnology may advantage food supply chain safety the next area of research must be to investigate if awareness of the technical advances and benefits alone will be sufficient to accelerate adoption of these technologies by businesses to improve product visibility and food safety, quality and security.

Bridging Research and Practice in Humanitarian Logistics: A Diagnostic Tool to Assess Organizational Agility

The humanitarian and academic communities exhibit fundamental differences. This chapter aims to provide an example of how research can be made more practice-oriented and, therefore, more useful to aid agencies by presenting a maturity test designed for humanitarian organizations to easily assess their built-in agility and identify ways in which it can be improved. This tool is based on 40 practices that reflect four strategic-level capabilities. It is designed as a quick and simple audit tool that is expected to provide both insight and practical guidance to those humanitarian organizations aiming to develop their agility and to better respond to the change and environmental turbulence affecting their supply chain operations.