Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a system for the performance evaluation of humanitarian supply chains. The system will help humanitarian organizations (HOs) to make better decisions, improve their performance, and provide accountability, as well as helping them measure their operational performance during disaster response and reconstruction projects. Design/methodology/approach – A holistic and implementable performance measurement system was developed to measure the operational performance of HOs during disaster response and reconstruction projects. The system is divided into five categories with several key performance indicators (KPIs) being identified for each; identifiers are qualitative and quantitative, as well as financial and non-financial. Findings – Empirical testing of the system demonstrated the low use of existing performance indicators in humanitarian supply chains and the possible added value for HOs to improve their operational efficiency. Social implications – The performance measurement system could help HOs improve their operations and resource allocation. Originality/value – The paper is one of the first research contributions in which a sample of developed KPIs is empirically tested in various HOs. Prior to this paper, a limited number of articles examined the performance of HOs, and no defined system of KPIs existed. By analyzing real results in the field of the humanitarian projects and applying the proposed performance measurement system, it will be possible to define a set of best approaches to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian supply chains.

Traditionally, the traceability system is performed through the asynchronous fulfilment of checkpoints (i.e. doorways) by materials. In such cases, the tracking is manual, executed by operators that manually trace the path. Often, companies are not aware of the inefficiencies because of these traceability systems such as low precision and accuracy in measurements (i.e. no information between doorways), more time spent by operators and costs (due to the full effort of operators who have to search for the good positions and movements). In order to overcome these limitations, automatic identification procedures have been introduced in many service industries, purchasing and distribution logistics, manufacturing companies and material flow systems. Automatic identification procedures can also be applied to the packaging of products, instead of to each item contained in the package. Sometimes, products are very expensive, and packages contain important and critical goods (e.g. dangerous or explosive materials); thus, the tracking of goods – and packages in particular – is a critical function. In order to analyse the traceability of the packaging system, the authors have developed an innovative system based on Radio Frequency IDentification-Ultra Wide Band (RFID-UWB) technology. A prototype of this system has been realized and used for an experimental research that has consisted of several tests (static and dynamic), tracing the position (static) and movements (dynamic) of products and in particular packages in indoor environments, in continuous and in real time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are devices that allow intensive storage of materials. They can improve the supply chain performance, assuring more available volume for storage, lower labour costs and higher handling throughput of warehousing. Furthermore, the automated control allows the probability of errors in storage and retrieval to be minimised, along with the probability of product damage during movements. The purpose of the paper is to find the best solution in order to find the optimal dwell point policy, among different rules, able to minimise the travel time and distance travelled by stacker cranes, and consequently warehousing costs. An original and innovative model was developed in order to investigate the dwell point position for random allocation of unit loads. A software platform was developed to validate the proposed model by computer simulations. The performance of the system was analysed in a parametric/continuous way, varying at the same time the number of spans and levels, the height of the input/output point and the interval between requested missions. The results show that the developed model allowed convenience areas to be identified among the policies in which the travel time, distance travelled, and consequently warehousing costs are minimised, by varying different parameters.

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This book is destined to deliver important information and input regarding the questions arising with sustainability in humanitarian logistics from different angles. The individual chapters are therefore sequenced according to three main streams, providing a holistic view regarding the combination of humanitarian aid and sustainability concepts: Part I outlines Basic Concepts and Strategies for sustainable humanitarian logistics, starting with a first introduction chapter by the editors, addressing foremost the question why sustainability aspects are important in humanitarian logistics and how long-term approaches can benefit humanitarian operations. Three further chapters by Aimen Reminda regarding systemic approaches in this matter, Richard Olorunttoba regarding an empirically based framework as well as Matthias Klumpp transferring the topic into a basic definition and questions regarding research into sustainable humanitarian logistics. Part II describes specific problems and implementation concepts of sustainable management in procurement and preparedness in humanitarian supply chains. First of all, Jacob Hasselbalch, Nives Costa and Alexander Blecken from UN UNOPS discuss hurdles for sustainable procurement options in the UN organizations. Second, Bernd Hellingrath, Teo A. Babun, James F. Smith and Daniel Link describe important research results in preparing airports and seaports for disaster reaction in the early stages of humanitarian supply chains. Third, Chenrong Ni, Robert de Souza, Qing Lu and Mark Goh complement this view towards sustainability and preparedness with system dynamics applications in this field. Finally, an optimization approach with a cooperative warehouse hub concept for humanitarian aid operations from Germany is discussed by Hella Abidi, Christof Kandel, Solveig Zinnert and Matthias Klumpp in order to increase sustainability in preparedness for humanitarian organizations. Part III outlines specific experiences and detailed questions of achieving sustainability in humanitarian operations "on the ground". Therefore, first Dorit Bölsche discusses the crucial question and role of dangerous goods in humanitarian logistics; this in itself can be expected to be along-lasting sustainability question within humanitarian operations for many decades. Furthermore, Alberto Regattieri, v

Internet. It allows people to exchange goods with low time or distance barriers. E-commerce creates new opportunities; meanwhile, it also presents new challenges in terms of supplying chain management, particularly regarding the packaging system. Packaging functions have had to develop along with the new requirements enforced by e-commerce (i.e., increased amounts of packaging materials for each product, an increased need to protect items, end-life management, environmental sustainability, etc.). In this paper, the authors propose an original reference framework for the design of a product packaging system that can be applied to e-operations. According to the framework, the authors have developed a mathematical model for evaluating the cost that a company has to sustain when partaking in e-commerce business. In conclusion, the paper discusses the application of both the framework and the mathematical model to a case study in order to develop an innovative packaging solution for e-commerce.

The chapter discusses the important role of packaging as part of a company's market and operations management. Packaging has been evolving for centuries and continues to do so, forcing consumers to change their habits. From simple protection tools to safeguarding carried items, packaging has become a marketing and communication instrument as important as contents. E-commerce and onlineretailers growth change again the packaging role during purchasing, bring it back as mere logistics and protection tool. In the first basic section, a brief history of packaging is described. Starting from the most important steps, which characterize packaging from the very beginning, in prehistory, followed by the commercial discoveries of the Middle Ages, the industrial revolution, until the present day with the newest and most ingenious packaging solutions. With a focus on marketing, design, logistics, environmental impact, and costs, a complete reference framework underlining how each of these aspects change along the supply chain steps is presented. The advanced and second section of the chapter presents case studies, models and methods for packaging costs evaluation and unit load design. Logistics and packaging are fundamental business leverages for a modern company, therefore any improvements can represent opportunities and generate profits. The chapter ends with a discussion about state-of -the-art research in packaging: the last decade showed a strong development of the e-commerce market, and the central role of packaging changed. Furthermore, the evolution of technologies, materials and Internet Communication Technologies in the last few years have improved the packaging world as well creating, for example, intelligent packaging that can communicate with consumers or interact with products, allowing the traceability of a single item within the entire supply chain. Packaging is a fundamental resource for end-customers and all actors involved in the entire supply chain.

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