Special issue on developments in humanitarian logistics

Citation

(2009), "Special issue on developments in humanitarian logistics", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 14 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/scm.2009.17714daa.001

Special issue on developments in humanitarian logistics

Article Type: Call for papers From: Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Volume 14, Issue 4

Call for papers for International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Guest Editors: Peter Tatham and Dr Stephen Pettit

One of the most serious problems affecting the modern world is the vulnerability of human populations to natural disasters and man-made crises. Disaster events occur randomly in both timing and location, and the scale of such events can vary substantially – although recent data would indicate that they are occurring more frequently and with an increasing impact on the affected population. In recent years the importance of supply networks and their ability to support humanitarian aid operations in all the phases of disaster preparation, response and recovery has come under increasing scrutiny. In doing so, it has been recognised that the key factors which determine the movement of goods through such networks operating in stable situations may not be the same as those which affect rapid response in circumstances that are unfavourable to stable operations.

A significant number of questions need to be addressed. The principal theories on which logistics and supply network management practices are based relate to relatively stable commercial environments. Most humanitarian aid is not, however, delivered in stable environments. Rapid response, damaged physical and communications infrastructure, lack of transport, poorly functioning government, the presence of many injured and traumatised individuals, looting and pilfering, and the threat of violence all contribute to unstable conditions in which these networks have to operate. In parallel, and especially in rapid onset disasters, the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply networks are being closely scrutinised by the media, governments and the general public.

Therefore, are current theory and practice genuinely able to address the challenges which face humanitarian aid logisticians working in unstable environments? Are the strategies used by business a sound basis on which to set up humanitarian supply networks and their associated information systems, or do theoretical approaches and practices need to change? The objective of this special issue is to facilitate a critical discussion and analysis of the role which logistics and supply network management practices play in delivering humanitarian aid in a rapid, efficient and effective manner. We encourage authors to submit manuscripts which address developments in this important field, and potential topics include, but are not limited to:

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  Conceptual models

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  Quantitative and qualitative studies.

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  Modelling and simulation .

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  Improvements to the current needs assessment methodologies .

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  Performance measurement .

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  The interdependence of material, financial and information flows .

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  Supply network integration and cooperation .

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  Humanitarian NGO – private logistics company partnerships .

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  Technological advances in humanitarian logistics .

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  The applicability of logistics concepts .

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  Gender issues .

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  The interface between military organizations and humanitarian NGOs.

Manuscripts should comply with the scope, standards, format and editorial policy of the International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management. In preparation of their manuscripts, authors are asked to follow the Author Guidelines closely.

All papers will be reviewed through a double-blind peer review process. A guide for authors, sample articles and other relevant information for submitting papers are available at: www.emeraldinsight.com/ijpdlm.htm

Submission deadline: 30 October 2009

Guest Editors Peter Tatham, Centre for Human Systems, Cranfield University, DCMT Shrivenham, Swindon SN6 8LA, UK E-mail: p.h.tatham@cranfield.ac.uk

Dr Stephen Pettit, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff CF10 3EU, UK E-mail: pettit@cardiff.ac.uk