Understanding Decision Support in Large-Scale Disasters: Challenges in Humanitarian Logistics Distribution

Mohammad Tafiqur Rahman*, Tina Comes, Tim A. Majchrzak

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Disasters are characterized by conflicting, uncertain, or lacking data. Nevertheless, humanitarian responders need to make rapid decisions. This is particularly true for the immediate response to a sudden onset disaster. Since most humanitarian decision support systems (DSS) make important assumptions on data availability and quality that are often not fulfilled in practice, decision-makers are largely left to their experience. In this paper, we identify three major challenges for an operational DSS to support distribution planning: (i) deep uncertainty; (ii) reflecting field conditions and constraints; and (iii) rapid humanitarian logistics modeling. We review the relevant theories and provide an outline of the system requirements to develop a system for operational responders to achieve targeted service level on distribution of disaster relief through proper utilization of resources, time and scheduling.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInformation Systems for Crisis Response and Management in Mediterranean Countries - 4th International Conference, ISCRAM-med 2017, Proceedings
PublisherSpringer
Pages106-121
Number of pages16
Volume301
ISBN (Print)9783319676326
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Event4th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management in Mediterranean Countries, ISCRAM-med 2017 - Xanthi, Greece
Duration: 18 Oct 201720 Oct 2017

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Business Information Processing
Volume301
ISSN (Print)18651348

Conference

Conference4th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management in Mediterranean Countries, ISCRAM-med 2017
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityXanthi
Period18/10/1720/10/17

Keywords

  • Decision support systems
  • Deep uncertainty
  • Disaster response
  • Humanitarian logistics distribution
  • Rapid decision-making

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