Game theory applications in humanitarian operations: a review

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarize ways in which game theory has been or could be utilized within the humanitarian sector and to identify future research opportunities in this field. Game theory is a tool for modeling systems in which multiple decision makers act according to their own objectives and where individual choices affect system outcomes. Humanitarian logistics systems are often characterized by the presence of many such decision makers. Design/methodology/approach – The authors synthesize literature from operations research, humanitarian logistics, and the political and management sciences that describes either game theory models or settings in which game theory has the potential to contribute practical insights. Papers are categorized based on the types of decision makers highlighted and the facets of humanitarian operations described. Findings – The review of literature indicates that applications of game theory to humanitarian supply chain systems are limited to date but that many components of humanitarian operations can benefit from such study. Research limitations/implications – The literature on game theory in humanitarian supply chains is still emerging. The findings imply opportunities for researchers to advance both theoretical and practical understanding in this area. Practical implications – Current research provides some managerial insights to humanitarian practitioners, but future practice-driven research could increase the impact of game theory models in the humanitarian sector. Originality/value – This work reviews past research contributions in the area of game theory and humanitarian operations and recommends areas for future research.

A Stochastic Disaster Relief Game Theory Network Model

“…Since various governmental and non-governmental agencies are involved in the humanitarian supply chain, each with its limitations and goals, game theory is a powerful tool to address the interactions among them. However, [36] in their survey of game theory and humanitarian operations noted that the associated literature has been limited. Seaberg, Devine, and Zhuang [61], more recently, reviewed 57 papers from 2006 to 2016 on disaster management and game theory and noted that the response phase of disaster management had been the phase researched the most intensively.…”

“…Muggy and Heier Stamm [36] recognized that relief agencies compete for media exposure as well as for financial funds. Zhuang, Saxton, and Wu [67] and Toyasaki and Wakolbinger [64] developed game theory models of humanitarian organizations competing for donations.…”

“…Coles and Zhuang [10], earlier, discussed the potential of cooperative game theory in disaster recovery operations and provided a critique. Muggy and Heier Stamm [36] had also emphasized that cooperative models may assist in the identification of methods for partnering agencies to achieve greater impact than what is possible individually and independently. Nagurney and Qiang [48] identified potential synergies associated with the possible teaming of humanitarian organizations from a supply chain network perspective.…”

Data Analytics of Social Networking sites using Game Theory Model

“…[9] In this paper the author has review game theory and innovation related papers published in the past three decades. [10] Game theory model is a system in which multiple decision makers act according to their own objectives and where individual choices can affect system outcomes. [11] This paper is an application of a game theory model with an objective to develop the optimal strategy for innovative products manufacturing at the enterprise level.…”

“…After carrying the regression analysis, the intercept payoff matrix for both the players is given below. Thus it is a 7x7 game theory model on a non-cooperative basis as these players do not share their internal policies [10]. The common features are the interaction points between these two players.…”