Supply Chains in Humanitarian Operations: Cases and Analysis

Efficiency in logistics is a key success factor because it ensures the proper flow of goods and services in a complex supply chain. Considering the need to quickly prepare humanitarian operations in response to a disaster, this paper presents an analysis of the logistics procedures adopted for the distribution of emergency reliefs in four major international disasters. Based on the analysis of these procedures, some basic guidelines for the supply chain distribution process in humanitarian operations were identified, which can support the development of models for rapid response to other similar events.