Measuring while moving (humanitarian supply chain performance measurement – status of research and current practice)

Abstract

Purpose

Raising standards are leading humanitarians to become increasingly interested in measuring the performance of their supply chain. A few researchers have addressed this topic, building on classical measurement theories and trying to identify the salient features of the humanitarian sector. This young body of literature must now be tested against current practice. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The practitioners’ perspective is explored through a multiple case study, based on qualitative evidence, within three major humanitarian organizations. Results are discussed using a situation-actor-process – learning-action-performance model of inquiry. Preceding this investigation, a literature review delves into research on humanitarian supply chain performance measurement and presents the most relevant pieces in a general framework.

Findings

Humanitarians have elaborated measures whose essential focus is laid on service level. The more comprehensive approach advocated by researchers has received some consideration but is still poorly implemented. An issue that is given more priority by humanitarians is the accelerated supply chain integration they are going through.

Originality/value

In addition to an unprecedented literature review, this paper offers a comparative study of humanitarian organizations’ practices in the field of supply chain performance measurement. Humanitarian procurement centres, virtually ignored in literature until now, are scrutinized at a turning point of their evolution.

Citation

D'Haene, C., Verlinde, S. and Macharis, C. (2015), "Measuring while moving (humanitarian supply chain performance measurement – status of research and current practice)", Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 146-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-04-2013-0016