Mustafa Alp Ertem

Models, solutions and enabling technologies in humanitarian logistics

We present a survey that focuses on the response and recovery planning phases of the disaster lifecycle. Related mathematical models developed in this area of research are classified in terms of vehicle/network representation structures and their functionality. The relationships between these characteristics and model size are discussed. The review provides details on goals, constraints, and structures of available mathematical models as well as solution methods. In this review, information systems applications in humanitarian logistics are also surveyed, since humanitarian logistics models and their solutions need to be integrated with information technology to enable their use in practice.

Multiple‐buyer procurement auctions framework for humanitarian supply chain management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the inefficiency in resource allocation for disaster relief procurement operations. It presents a holistic and reconfigurable procurement auctions‐based framework which includes the announcement construction, bid construction and bid evaluation phases.Design/methodology/approach – The holistic framework is developed in a way that auctioneers and bidders compete amongst each other in multiple rounds of the procurement auction. Humanitarian organization in disaster locations are considered as auctioneers (buyers) and suppliers are considered as bidders.Findings – Unique system parameters (e.g. announcement options, priority of items, bidder strategies, etc.) are introduced to represent the disaster relief environment in a practical way. The framework is verified by simulation and optimization techniques using the system characteristics of the disaster relief environment as an input. Based on the parameters and their values, behavioural changes of auctioneers...

An auction‐based framework for resource allocation in disaster relief

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the inefficiency problems in procurement operations in disaster relief logistics which are mainly due to the lack of coordination among less organized suppliers and partnerships. Such problems lead to poor responsiveness and hinder timely procurement of required goods.Design/methodology/approach – An auction‐based framework for procurement of goods, which is suitable for a single coordinating platform in disaster relief logistics, is proposed. Integer programming formulations are used in auctioning operations. A simulation model that generates problem instances is used to evaluate and tune system‐level design parameters.Findings – Design parameters greatly affect the behaviour and responsiveness of the system and the performance of the auction‐based framework in different problem instances. Combinations of those parameters may allow suppliers with limited capacities to become more involved in the bidding process. In addition, the procurement shares of bidd...

Intermodal humanitarian logistics model based on maritime transportation in Istanbul

Istanbul, the economic capital and most populated city of Turkey, is highly prone to earthquakes. When an earthquake occurs, required relief items are expected to be supplied from national and international sources. To alleviate human suffering following an earthquake, in this paper, we propose an intermodal relief item distribution model for Istanbul involving sea and land transportation with identified road vulnerabilities. The proposed mathematical model utilizes the seaports of Istanbul for maritime transportation and allows for the transportation of relief item between Istanbul’s European and Anatolian sides. We also use the seabasing concept for providing supplies to demand areas. The use of maritime transportation and seabasing provides flexibility for humanitarian logistical activities and the proposed model provides an effective and reliable disaster relief system for Istanbul as well as other disaster-prone cities with significant maritime transportation components.

Using containers as storage facilities in humanitarian logistics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of freight containers to store relief items instead of operating a permanent warehouse building. Design/methodology/approach – A mathematical model is developed to determine the location and quantity of containers as well as the type and amount of relief supplies to store in order to investigate the practicality of using freight containers for storage. The model is tested using earthquake risk data, estimates of population under risk, and the distances between cities. An experimental study is performed using Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (abbreviated as AFAD in Turkish) data for total number of relief supplies. Findings – Considering the earthquake risk of possible locations, the results of the study indicate the target locations for containers. The idea of using containers as storage facilities helped beneficiaries to be reached within a short distance and in an efficient way. Research limitations/implicat...

Read rate analysis of radio frequency identification systems for business applications

This paper presents a study on operational effectiveness of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems in a controlled environment. Logistic regression models are developed to capture the dynamic relationship among implementation factors affecting the performance of an RFID system. Distance and angle between tag and antenna, orientation and position of tag on the container are found to be important factors among other implementation factors. A test bed is used to represent the flow of tagged products on a rolling conveyor passing by an antenna. It is shown that controlled and designed experimentation about RFID yields valuable data that, subject to appropriate statistical models, may result in a better practical understanding of the technology. In addition to the performance assessment and evaluation for RFID systems with respect to various factors, this study also aims to establish a reliable literature base for the development of this technology in the future.

A Procurement Auctions-Based Framework for Coordinating Platforms in Humanitarian Logistics

This chapter focuses on an auction-based procurement framework for single coordinating platforms in humanitarian logistics. It first covers disaster relief operations, humanitarian logistics, and procurement in this context and illustrate many of the issues that make the management and coordination of procurement functions complex and challenging. Then the proposed framework along with the auction model is discussed including the unique design characteristics associated with disaster relief environment. Three-phase approach presents a complete representation of the procurement in humanitarian logistics. Results indicate that the proposed announcement options increase the fill rate. Announcement construction criteria allow coordinating platforms to use varying bundling choices.

Freight transportation using high-speed train systems

This study investigates the use of high-speed trains (HSTs) for transporting freight, such as small cargo and mail. A HST scheduling model is constructed to observe the effects of including freight in a passenger-only system. The proposed mathematical model is tested with an experimental study using the Turkish State Railways high-speed rail network and train sets. Freight transportation is analyzed in two cases, namely, adding separate freight trains to the system and using passenger trains for freight transportation. It can be concluded that dividing the sequences of cities into two allows for the completion of train services earlier in the day, and using the same train for transporting both passengers and freight provides more time saving in the system.