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Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - The Implications of Complexity for Humanitarian Logistics
T2 - A Complex Adaptive Systems Perspective
AU - Schiffling, Sarah
AU - Hannibal, Claire
AU - Tickle, Matthew
AU - Fan, Yiyi
PY - 2022/12/31
Y1 - 2022/12/31
N2 - In this study we argue that recognising humanitarian logistics (HL) as a complex system is a key step in developing supply chain design and management strategies that meet the needs of stakeholders. This study draws on complex adaptive systems theory to examine the characteristics and implications of complexity for HL. Through case-study research of humanitarian responses in Haiti and Pakistan, characteristics of complexity across organisational boundaries are identified. We find that the complexity of the context impacts the outcome of the humanitarian response and conclude that HL must not only react to its environment, it must also create its environment. As HL must work within significantly differing environments to create solutions, the standardised approaches used to manage supply chains are less desirable. While this paper focuses on HL, wider applicability to other complex logistics operations is also discussed, informing the design and management of contextually specific supply chains.
AB - In this study we argue that recognising humanitarian logistics (HL) as a complex system is a key step in developing supply chain design and management strategies that meet the needs of stakeholders. This study draws on complex adaptive systems theory to examine the characteristics and implications of complexity for HL. Through case-study research of humanitarian responses in Haiti and Pakistan, characteristics of complexity across organisational boundaries are identified. We find that the complexity of the context impacts the outcome of the humanitarian response and conclude that HL must not only react to its environment, it must also create its environment. As HL must work within significantly differing environments to create solutions, the standardised approaches used to manage supply chains are less desirable. While this paper focuses on HL, wider applicability to other complex logistics operations is also discussed, informing the design and management of contextually specific supply chains.
KW - Humanitarian logistics
KW - Complex adaptive system (CAS)
KW - Case study
KW - Supply chain management
U2 - 10.1007/s10479-020-03658-w
DO - 10.1007/s10479-020-03658-w
M3 - Journal article
VL - 319
SP - 1379
EP - 1410
JO - Annals of Operations Research
JF - Annals of Operations Research
SN - 0254-5330
IS - 1
ER -