Decision Support for the Planning of Humanitarian Relief Operations

Chua Kia Min

Abstract

Natural disasters and humanitarian crises affecting millions of people worldwide are occurring more frequently. Nations need to be prepared in response to such events in a timely and efficient manner. As a result of the Asian tsunamis in 2004, humanitarian logistics has received increasing interest both from logistics academics as well as practitioners. The speed of humanitarian operations after a disaster strikes depends on the ability of logisticians to procure, transport and receive supplies at the disaster site. This project aims to study and understand the complex process of planning and carrying out logistics operations in disaster relief that involves multiple nations, organizations and stakeholders. The objective of this project is to develop a general framework for the planning of humanitarian relief operations. Specific optimization models, such as inventory planning, shipments, and scheduling of personnel, will be developed. Data from recent disaster events will be used to test the proposed planning framework and models.