An Optimization Method for Distributing Emergency Materials Which Balances Multiple Decision Criteria

Abstract

In emergency rescue operations, it is very important for emergency management to arrange emergency materials scientifically and reasonably according to emergency needs. However, the decision criteria for emergency material distribution are often diverse, coupled with the lack of information acquisition due to the suddenness and development complexity of disasters, which makes the scientific decisions about emergency material distribution face great challenges. This paper proposes a multi-criteria decision optimization model of emergency material distribution under uncertainty that combines the 4E criteria of performance evaluation (economic criterion, efficiency criterion, effectiveness criterion and equity criterion). Then, the solution method of the multiple decision criteria model is designed. Finally, a case study of emergency medical material distribution during COVID-19 in China was conducted for model verification. The results show that different decision criteria have an important impact on the distribution of emergency materials, and the proposed model has significant advantages in the allocation of large-scale disaster relief materials, which can provide a useful reference for emergency material distribution under uncertain information conditions.

A Novel Computational Mathematical Model for Team and Route Selection of the Emergency Response Operations

“…For example, in emergency operations, rescue agencies must organize staff and materials quickly and coherently according to the emergency needs. However, the decision criteria for the distribution of emergency resources are often diverse, along with a lack of information acquisition due to the complexity of the event [8]. In this impasse, multicriteria methods, such as AHP and ELECTRE-II, may contribute to modeling these problems.…”

A multi-period optimal distribution model of emergency resources for responding to COVID-19 under uncertain conditions

“…In addition, due to the suddenness of the pandemic and urgency of emergency rescue, as well as the rapid impact of transmission and spread, accurately obtaining relevant information during the rescue operations is usually impossible. This compounds the difficulties to emergency resource distribution [ 8 ]. Therefore, formulating a scientific and reasonable optimal decision scheme for emergency resource distribution and achieving a multi-period effective supply of rescue resources under various information uncertainties are important issues in epidemic emergency rescue.…”