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.

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.

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.

"This book furthers the scholarly understanding of SCM in disaster relief, particularly establishing the central role of logistics in averting and limiting unnecessary hardships"--Provided by publisher.

This book discusses emerging themes in the area of humanitarian logistics. It examines how humanitarian logistics and supply chains play a key role, focusing on rapidly delivering the correct amount of goods, people and monetary resources to the locations needed to achieve the success of relief efforts in response to global emergencies such as flood, earthquakes, wars etc. With an increase in the frequency, magnitude and impact of both natural and manmade disasters, effective delivery of humanitarian aid is an issue that is becoming increasingly important in the context of disaster management. The book focuses on how logistics systems and supply chains responsible for delivering this aid from origin to recipients can be made more effective and efficient. It also discusses how the development of information technology systems that can provide visibility to the disaster relief supply chain marks a huge step forward for the humanitarian sector as a whole. As more organizations begin to adopt and implement these systems and visibility is established, the use of key performance indicators will then become essential to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these supply chains.

In 2007, there were 34 armed conflicts worldwide. That same year, a total of 414 natural disasters affected 211 million people. Overall, these natural disasters resulted in 16,847 deaths, and caused $74.9 billion in damages. Humanitarian Logistics examines the key challenges facing those whose role it is to organize and distribute resources in the most difficult of situations. This multi-contributor title includes insights from some of the world's leading experts in humanitarian logistics. It examines key issues including, warehousing, procurement and funding. With particular focus on pre-disaster preparation, rather than post-disaster assistance, Humanitarian Logistics provides current thinking as well as best practice for those who need to understand the many challenges and ways to respond effectively in this crucial area.