Logistics service providers’ engagement in disaster relief initiatives: An exploratory analysis
International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences
ISSN: 1756-669X
Article publication date: 18 September 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of logistics service providers’ (LSPs) initiatives to disaster relief and how LSPs are engaged with humanitarian sector. In recent years, the importance of logistics services in disaster relief operations and the capacity of LSPs to improve humanitarian supply chain management have become an increasingly interesting topic for both professionals and academics.
Design/methodology/approach
This research follows a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies.
Findings
The current research, after considering the differences and similarities among collaboration, cooperation and coordination and underlining how crucial these mechanisms are in the humanitarian context, explains the contribution of LSPs to relief operations alongside humanitarians.
Research limitations/implications
There has been increased interest in humanitarian logistics on the part of international academic and professional communities. This study constitutes a first exploratory step in the research to build a platform for benchmarking analysis of logistics services that aims to ensure the effective implementation of social responsibility principles.
Practical implications
The managerial implications arising from the research offer a range of current responsible actions from which strategic and operative directions to contribute can be derived.
Originality/value
Humanitarian logistics represents a crucial field in logistics management. This paper addresses the innovative socially responsible initiatives undertaken by the main international LSPs in the area of humanitarian logistics.
Keywords
Citation
Cozzolino, A., Wankowicz, E. and Massaroni, E. (2017), "Logistics service providers’ engagement in disaster relief initiatives: An exploratory analysis", International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, Vol. 9 No. 3/4, pp. 269-291. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQSS-04-2017-0040
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited