HumOSCM for pandemic response

Abstract

Purpose Humanitarian organizations have faced the unprecedented consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this article, the authors therefore discuss how epidemics and pandemics, specifically Ebola and COVID-19, have affected humanitarian operations and supply chain management (HumOSCM), and how HumOSCM has contributed to preparedness for and response to epidemics and pandemics. The authors present lessons learned from responses to Ebola and COVID-19.Design/methodology/approach For this study, the authors review the scholarly HumOSCM literature, use documentary evidence from practitioner literature and apply a theory synthesis approach to derive recommendations on how HumOSCM could strengthen future responses to epidemics and pandemics.Findings The conceptualizations highlight the importance of strengthening collaboration, capability and capacity for the response to epidemics and pandemics. Furthermore, the components that can enhance the degree of collaboration, and hence, response formation, are discussed.Research limitations/implications As a non-empirical article, it suffers from the limitations of conceptual research. Hence, empirical testing of the proposed framework is recommended. The framework and propositions can serve as a basis for future studies.Practical implications The conceptual framework can help humanitarian organizations and other actors in the humanitarian sector to better understand how to prepare for future responses to epidemics and pandemics, in particular by considering the components that enhance the degree of collaboration, as well as through capability development and capacity building.Originality/value This article begins a discussion of how HumOSCM should evolve to better respond to future epidemics and pandemics.

Guest editorial: Bridging the research-practice gaps in supply chain management: lessons from COVID-19

“…Based on the interpretivism philosophy, we have accepted nine articles. The authors have used qualitative interviews to derive their research propositions (see, Shareef et al , 2021; Modgil et al , 2021; Ashraf et al , 2021; Castka et al , 2021; Klymenko and Halse, 2021; Hohenstein, 2022; Wagner et al , 2022; Kohl et al , 2022; Song et al , 2022). Two articles based on pragmatism philosophy were accepted (see, Nayal et al , 2021; Kumari et al , 2021).…”

A cross-sectional study of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on camped refugees in Ghana

“…Evidence suggests that although these preventive measures are important for slowing the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, they are difficult to adhere to as they have significant social impacts, particularly among vulnerable populations such as camped refugees with limited resources and dependent on humanitarian aid [ 12 – 15 ]. Decline in humanitarian assistance due to limited activity of agencies, the fear and anxiety associated with the disease has the potential to impact the psychological wellbeing of camped refugees [ 16 – 21 ].…”