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Multi objective optimization for humanitarian logistics operations through the use of mobile technologies

Marco Antonio Serrato-Garcia (Graduate Programs and Executive Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico)
Jaime Mora-Vargas (School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico)
Roman Tomas Murillo (Department of Industrial Engineering, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico)

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management

ISSN: 2042-6747

Article publication date: 5 December 2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the development and implementation of a multiobjective optimization model and information system based on mobile technology, to support decision making in humanitarian logistics operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The trade-off between economic and social (deprivation) costs faced by governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in humanitarian logistics operations is modeled through a Pareto frontier analysis, which is obtained from a multiobjective optimization model. Such analysis is supported on an information system based on mobile technology.

Findings

Results show useful managerial insights for decision-makers by considering both economic and social costs associated to humanitarian logistics operations. Such insights include the importance of timely and accurate information shared through mobile technology.

Research limitations/implications

This research presents a multiobjective approach that considers social costs, which are modeled through deprivation functions. The authors suggest that a future nonlinear approach be also considered, since there will be instances where the deprivation cost is a nonlinear function throughout time. Also, the model and information system developed may not be suitable for other humanitarian aid instances, considering the specific characteristics of the events considered on this research.

Practical implications

The inclusion of several types of goods, vehicles, collecting points off the ground, distributions points on the ground, available roads after a disaster took place, as well as volume and weight constraints faced under these scenarios, are considered.

Social implications

Deprivation costs faced by affected population after a disaster took place are considered, which supports decision making in governmental and NGOs involved in humanitarian logistics operations toward welfare of such affected population in developing countries.

Originality/value

A numerical illustration in the Latin American context is presented, the model and information system developed can be used in other developing countries or regions that face similar challenges toward humanitarian logistics operations.

Keywords

Citation

Serrato-Garcia, M.A., Mora-Vargas, J. and Murillo, R.T. (2016), "Multi objective optimization for humanitarian logistics operations through the use of mobile technologies", Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 399-418. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-01-2015-0002

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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