Focusing on the specific challenges of research design and exploring the opportunities of conducting research in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management, this handbook is a significant contribution to future research. Chapters include extensive descriptions of methods used, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and the challenges in scoping, sampling, collecting and analysing data, as well as ensuring the quality of studies. Covering a wide variety of topics including risk and resilience and the impact of humanitarian logistics on capacity building, sustainability and the local economy, it also explores the need for scalability and co-ordination in the humanitarian network. Contributors provide important insight on future directions and offer crucial guidance for researchers conducting projects within the field.

The management of supplies, whether from an external source, in most cases is a complex logistical problem that should not be left to improvised decision making. The acquisition, storage, mobilization and distribution of supplies to the victims of a disaster require a minimum framework of organization that permits efficient handling and better use of resources. This new book provides guidelines to manage this process. It points out that countries and organizations should incorporate the topic of logistics into their planning and preparedness for disasters. It also underlines the fact that each step in the supply chain should be seen as a critical and interrelated link.

"This book examines urban logistics and resilience with a focus on sustainable urban logistics, humanitarian logistics in urban areas (both for crisis or long-term) and planning for resilient urban development"--

This book presents healthcare logistics solutions that have been successfully implemented at a variety of healthcare facilities. In each case, a major challenge is presented, along with the solution approach and implementation steps, followed by the impact on hospital operations. Problems encountered when implementing the results in practice are also discussed. Much of the work presented is drawn from the experiences of members of the Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR) at Twente, along with the CHOIR spin-off company, Rhythm.

Imagine planning an event like the Olympics. Now imagine planning the same event but not knowing when or where it will take place, or how many will attend. This is what humanitarian logisticians are up against. Oversights result in serious consequences for the victims of disasters. So they have to get it right, fast.

A comprehensive, best practices resource for public health and healthcare practitioners and students interested in humanitarian emergencies.