The Humanitarian Supply Chain Assessment Tool (HumSCAT)

Abstract

Purpose An understanding of the “AS-IS” stage of a relief operation is the basis for further action in humanitarian supply chain management. The purpose of this paper is to develop a toolbox called the Humanitarian Supply Chain Assessment Tool (HumSCAT). This toolbox is comprised of a set of basic tools which can be classified into each phase of disaster relief. Design/methodology/approach The HumSCAT is proposed by paralleling frequently used tools in commercial supply chains with the objectives and characteristics of relief phases. A case study was used to validate the HumSCAT along with six tools provided in the preparation phase. Findings The HumSCAT consists of seven tools in the preparation phase, nine tools in the response phase and ten tools in the recovery phase. The case study illustrates how to use the HumSCAT and the six tools. The latter were found to be useful for improving the relief chain. Research limitations/implications The list of tools is not exclusive. Other tools might be applicable as long as they meet the objectives and characteristics of the phase. A tool should be adjusted accordingly to the contexts. Tools in other phases should be validated in future research. Practical implications The HumSCAT may serve as a reference toolbox for practitioners. Its output can be used for further designing of the “TO-BE” status of humanitarian relief chains. Originality/value The HumSCAT is proposed as a toolbox for academics and practitioners involved in humanitarian supply chains.

Mitigating Risks in the Disaster Management Cycle

“…e preparation phase refers to activities taken before a disaster occurs to avoid possible consequences and prepare all relevant organisations and communities by learning from the past [10]. e literature suggests common preparedness activities, namely developing information and communication, developing collaboration and coordination between relevant organisations and people, training and practicing relief services with communities, designing physical networks, and stockpiling supplies and equipment [10,11,23].…”

“…Relief efforts are carried out to rescue and delivery basic supplies to the highest possible number of beneficiaries as well as to restore the essential services and infrastructures in the shortest time possible [10,11]. In this phase, it is also important to assess the disaster situation and keep relevant people (e.g., beneficiaries and relief staff) updated on the disaster situation and the current relief efforts [23]. erefore, coordination and collaboration among all organisations and actors involved is key to successful relief efforts [10,24].…”

“…(3) Recovery. e recovery phase refers to activities involving reconstructions and rehabilitations operated in the aftermath of a disaster and carried out to recover the situation back to the default state [10,23]. erefore, activities are undertaken in this phase to address the problems from a long-term perspective [10].…”

Sustainable disaster supply chain management for relief operations in Bangladesh

“…Eventually the need of an improved and developed disaster supply chain management for immediate relief operations and rehabilitation are getting importance. Hence DSCM is a key area for academicians and industry practitioners to focus on and to provide organized and effective relief operations (Banomyong et al, 2019).…”

“…The studies were mainly focused on the commercial supply chain. Despite having rising demand, there is lack of studies in DSCM context (Damoah, 2021) Moreover, all elements of commercial supply chain and disaster supply chain are not similar and humanitarian and DSCM has lately gain much attention (Banomyong et al, 2019;Botchie et al, 2021). Ergun et al (2007) and Whybark (2007) pointed out a few factors to be crucial for disaster occurrence such as rapid growth of population, human access into risky areas and (Damoah, 2021) changing climate patterns.…”