Orla Stapleton

System dynamics for humanitarian operations

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the appropriateness of system dynamics (SD) methodology as a tool for humanitarian decision makers to understand the effect of their decisions on humanitarian operations. The authors seek to present the initial stages and preliminary findings of a SD model used to analyze a well‐defined subsystem of humanitarian operations, field vehicle fleet management; then build on this example by identifying an additional area of humanitarian operations for future research using the SD methodology., – Case‐based research was combined with SD methodology to examine the appropriateness of this methodology for use in humanitarian operations., – Humanitarian operations are characterized by multiple actors, feedback loops, time pressures, resource constraints and uncertainty. The authors find that SD has the capacity to accurately represent the dynamic complexity of humanitarian operations, and is therefore an appropriate tool to study these systems., – The well‐defined issue of field vehicle fleet management in humanitarian organizations is used to illustrate an application of SD for humanitarian operations. Due to the difficulty in obtaining necessary data to build the SD model, this study uses estimations based on over three years of research into fleet management in the humanitarian sector. The authors then present an example of a broader but less well‐defined subsystem in the humanitarian sector that can be analyzed using SD methodology to the benefit of the overall humanitarian relief operation., – Decision making in humanitarian operations is usually based on intuition and experience which are not always sufficient to fully understand the global impact of these decisions. SD provides humanitarian decision makers with a method to simulate and compare the impact of alternative decisions that would not be possible in real life situations., – This paper examines the appropriateness of SD methodology to help humanitarians improve the effectiveness of their relief and development programs through better‐informed decision making., – This paper presents one of the first attempts to use SD methodology to build a model for humanitarian operations using a well‐defined subsystem, field vehicle fleet management.

On the use of evidence in humanitarian logistics research.

This paper presents the reflections of the authors on the differences between the language and the approach of practitioners and academics to humanitarian logistics problems. Based on a long-term project on fleet management in the humanitarian sector, involving both large international humanitarian organisations and academics, it discusses how differences in language and approach to such problems may create a lacuna that impedes trust. In addition, the paper provides insights into how academic research evidence adapted to practitioner language can be used to bridge the gap. When it is communicated appropriately, evidence strengthens trust between practitioners and academics, which is critical for long-term projects. Once practitioners understand the main trade-offs included in academic research, they can supply valuable feedback to motivate new academic research. Novel research problems promote innovation in the use of traditional academic methods, which should result in a win-win situation: relevant solutions for practice and advances in academic knowledge.

Always Cola, Rarely Essential Medicines: Comparing Medicine and Consumer Product Supply Chains in the Developing World

The World Health Organization estimates that almost a third of the world’s population still lacks access to essential medicines. The distribution network for medicines is ineffective and inefficient in many developing countries. Discussions often centre on why the medicines supply chain cannot replicate the supply chain for consumer products and beverages. There is little understanding of the similarities and differences between the two supply chains. This article compares these two supply chains in developing countries from a structural and incentive perspective. It illustrates the complexity of medicine supply chains, and highlights the important differences between these and consumer beverage (soft drink) supply chains.

The Challenges of Matching Private Sector Donations to the Humanitarian Needs and the Role of Brokers

Based on prior research, we identify the advantages and disadvantages of different types of corporate donations to humanitarian response efforts. In this paper, we focus on the cash donation process of corporate donors to humanitarian organizations in the aftermath of a disaster. We find that in this context of high uncertainty and information asymmetry, the appeals and donations process presents significant challenges to both the donor and the recipient organizations. We discuss the role of broker organizations in addressing these challenges and expediting the donation process. We also suggest areas for further research on this topic.

The Challenges of Matching Corporate Donations to Humanitarian Needs and the Role of Brokers

Based on prior research, we identify the advantages and disadvantages of different types of corporate donations to humanitarian response efforts. In terms of cash donations, we find that in this context of high uncertainty and information asymmetry, the appeals and donations process presents significant challenges to both the donor and the recipient organizations. We discuss the role of broker organizations in addressing these challenges and expediting the donation process. We also suggest areas for further research on this topic.