Implementation of elements of preparedness: not-for-profits in the interrupted environment of humanitarian supply chain management

• Main Author: Khan, Soaleh Ahmed
• Other Authors: McLachlin, Ron (Supply Chain Management)
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Supply Chain Management; Logistics; Disaster Relief Logistics; Humanitarian Supply Chain Management; Disaster Management; Preparedness; Interrupted Environment; Disaster Logistics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/3164

This thesis addresses aspects of preparedness, by not-for-profit humanitarian relief organizations, for effectively responding to natural disasters. It asks how not-for-profit organizations, engaged in humanitarian supply chain management, develop capabilities and implement various elements of preparedness. The research methods consist of a combination of case-based research and grounded research in examining two very different organizations, one comparatively small and faith based and the other larger and secular. Data collection consisted of mostly open-ended interviews with representatives of the two organizations. The findings consist of a number of themes centred on the concept of a local focus on vulnerable communities. Associated themes include the importance of establishing a presence in the community, local capacity building, and early needs assessment. These themes are summarized as testable propositions. A summary framework is presented for the integration of international and local supply chains, in preparing to respond to natural disasters.