Training humanitarian professionals at a distance: testing the feasibility of distance learning with humanitarian professionals

Bollettino, Vincenzo; Bruderlein, Claude

doi:10.1080/01587910802395797

Cited by 13 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 9 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This concern was raised because the demand for qualified personnel significantly exceeded local capacity during the crisis, and international NGOs competed for the few professionals available against local NGOs, which could not match the salaries offered by INGOs Baharmand et al ( 2017 ) This study evaluated the transportation risks involved in humanitarian supply chains for logistics service providers. It was reported that providing trained human resources is a means of mitigating the risks related to unethical behaviors in HSC Bollettino and Bruderlein ( 2008 ) This article explored distance learning for training professional staff in the humanitarian field. It is argued that training is needed to ensure that staff members understand the mission and protocol of their organizations, and that distance learning is being adopted as a means of delivering the training and disseminating humanitarian principles to personnel.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The existence of courses and training is also important to improve the coordination of humanitarian supply chain members . Some specific examples of training initiatives were identified, such as using applied improvisation as a tool to develop adaptive skills (Tint et al 2015), and distance learning for training humanitarian staff and disseminating humanitarian principles to personnel (Bollettino and Bruderlein 2008).…”

Section: Results and Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The human side of humanitarian supply chains: a research agenda and systematization framework

Fiorini

Jabbour

et al. 2021

Ann Oper Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Humanitarian operations are increasingly receiving attention due to the numerous recent disasters and crises caused by both natural and man-made events, from mass human exodus to pandemics such as COVID-19. The successful management of humanitarian supply chains requires the effective use of human resource practices, which in turn requires strong leadership in the so-called ‘soft side’ of management. This study aims to investigate the current status of research on the human aspects of humanitarian supply chains. Through a systematic and comprehensive literature review, encompassing an original codification and in-depth analysis of journal articles, this work provides a research agenda and a number of lessons concerning human resource management (HRM) in humanitarian operations. The main findings reveal that: (i) HRM impacts the ability of humanitarian organizations to adequately prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters; (ii) training programs for aid personnel are a vital aspect of humanitarian responsiveness; (iii) humanitarian operations require a workforce with a variety of soft and hard skills; (iv) lack of trained staff is one of the main challenges in this field; and (v) building relationships and strengthening networks can enlarge the human resource pool available. Therefore, the findings of this study and its proposed research agenda have implications for both theory and practice. In terms of theory, this work provides seven recommendations, representing opportunities for scholars to advance this body of knowledge. For humanitarian practitioners, this paper offers insightful lessons to guide them in the management of human resources in humanitarian operations.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Results and Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The human side of humanitarian supply chains: a research agenda and systematization framework

Fiorini

Jabbour

et al. 2021

Ann Oper Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…While online humanitarian training has grown substantially over the past decade, this has been met with both skepticism and optimism. 15 Many online programs suffer from low engagement and lack of a clear instructional strategy. [16][17][18][19] Hands-off skills training could be less effective as the tactile and muscle memory does not occur.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Humanitarian Training With Virtual Simulation During a Pandemic

Kivlehan

Tenney

Plasmati

et al. 2021

Disaster med. public health prep.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

There is an ongoing and established need for humanitarian training and professionalization. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training programs designed to accomplish this goal, including the Humanitarian Response Intensive Course, which includes a three-day immersive simulation to prepare humanitarian workers for future field work. To provide program continuity, the three day simulation was quickly adapted to a virtual format using a combination of video conferencing, short messaging service, and cloud-based file storage software. Participants were geographically dispersed and participated virtually. Learning objectives were preserved while some components not amenable to a virtual format were removed. A virtual humanitarian training simulation is a feasible, acceptable, and affordable alternative to an in-person simulation. Participants were engaged and experienced minimal technological disruptions. The majority of students felt the format met or exceeded expectations. However, feedback also emphasized the importance of providing sufficient time for team collaboration and deliverable preparation in the simulation schedule. The virtual format was more affordable than the traditional in-person simulation and diverse expert faculty who could not have attended in-person were able to participate. This format could be used to overcome other barriers to in-person simulation training, including geographic, financial, time, or security.

show abstract

“…18 In addition, international humanitarian organisations have embraced distance learning, which might play an even more significant role in the future. 19 The current debate about professionalisation processes also addresses the absence of consistent occupational standards, the adoption of core humanitarian competences, the coherence of core content within humanitarian master's degree programmes and the creation of professional pathways. 20 Given the complexity and demands of the aid world, Slim identifies a range of key skills required by contemporary aid workers: 'informed political analysis, negotiation skills, conflict analysis management and resolution, propaganda monitoring and humanitarian broad-casting, broader understanding of vulnerability to include notions of political, ethnic, gender and class based vulnerability; human rights monitoring and reporting, military liaison; and personal security and staff welfare', as well as moral skills.…”

Section: Professionalisation Processesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Professionalisation Trends and Inequality: experiences and practices in aid relationships

Roth¹

2012

Third World Quarterly

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Training humanitarian professionals at a distance: testing the feasibility of distance learning with humanitarian professionals

Cited by 13 publications

References 9 publications

The human side of humanitarian supply chains: a research agenda and systematization framework

The human side of humanitarian supply chains: a research agenda and systematization framework

Humanitarian Training With Virtual Simulation During a Pandemic

Professionalisation Trends and Inequality: experiences and practices in aid relationships

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About