Mathematical Models in Humanitarian Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

In the past decade the humanitarian supply chain (HSC) has attracted the attention of researchers due to the increasing frequency of disasters. The uncertainty in time, location, and severity of disaster during predisaster phase and poor conditions of available infrastructure during postdisaster phase make HSC operations difficult to handle. In order to overcome the difficulties during these phases, we need to assure that HSC operations are designed in an efficient manner to minimize human and economic losses. In the recent times, several mathematical optimization techniques and algorithms have been developed to increase the efficiency of HSC operations. These techniques and algorithms developed for the field of HSC motivate the need of a systematic literature review. Owing to the importance of mathematical modelling techniques, this paper presents the review of the mathematical contributions made in the last decade in the field of HSC. A systematic literature review methodology is used for this paper due to its transparent procedure. There are two objectives of this study: the first one is to conduct an up-to-date survey of mathematical models developed in HSC area and the second one is to highlight the potential research areas which require attention of the researchers.

Multi-Objective Optimization Model of Emergency Organization Allocation for Sustainable Disaster Supply Chain

“…Accordingly, it can be inferred that the need for modeling EO for not only traditional disaster supply chain but also SDSC is pressing. This claim is also supported by Galindo et al [8], Habib et al [10], Caunhye et al [11], Wex et al [12].…”

“…Furthermore, for SDSC, Equation (21) is obtained after summing two sides of Equation (20) Thus, it must be acknowledged that Constraint (11) is equivalent to Constraint (12). In addition to that, the following Equation can be otained acocording to Equation (10).…”

“…In this context, Constraints (8) and (10) are only considered or retained in solving original model. The equivalent integer programming model is defined by Formulas (1)- (8), (10), and (14)-(18).…”

Development of Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance Conceptual Framework in Creating Resilient Logistics Network

“…Through these processes the envisaged information could be augmented as advisory points by National Disaster Management Agency (Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara) as well as by other lead agencies during the outbreak of a relevant disaster. Developing a systematic process and procedure for measuring relief chain performance especially for delivery of aid to the victims can provide the key stakeholders the information required to maximize the effort taken in relief operations during disaster [20]. With a clear perspective of what might transpire during the actual event, a list of proven and tested on the ground metrics, definitional dimensions, and weight of importance, the humanitarian relief operation management key players could better anticipate and approach certain scenarios which were not comprehended before.…”

An Integrated Location-Allocation Model for Temporary Disaster Debris Management under an Uncertain Environment

“…A humanitarian supply chain consists of four phases: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery [9]. The mitigation phase includes actions performed to reduce the severity of a disaster [10,11]; the preparedness phase consists of activities that increase a community's ability to respond in case a disaster occurs [12][13][14][15][16]; the response phase addresses immediate threats after a disaster [17][18][19]; and the recovery phase consists of restoring the infrastructure to return a community to a near-normal condition [20,21].…”