This thesis focuses on three topics relevant to humanitarian applications: (i) stable and complete assignment of staff members to field offices, (ii) bottleneck management for transportation networks, and (iii) performance measurement of the food assistance supply chain. The assignment and reassignment of personnel to jobs is a large-scale problem faced by many organizations including the military and multi-national organizations. Although successful algorithms have been developed that can ensure matchings that are stable (without incentive to deviate), not all practical concerns have been addressed by these algorithms. For example, the gap we study is that when staff members do not provide preference lists covering all jobs, a complete stable matching is not guaranteed. In the first part of the thesis, we model negotiations, which occur in practice, as part of the problem of matching all agents. We introduce algorithms and structural results for when the organization negotiates with specific agents to modify their preference lists and the centralized objective is to minimize the number or cost of negotiations required to achieve complete stable matchings. An uncertain environment with disruptions is a reality faced by many humanitarian operations but not fully addressed in the literature. Transportation delays are often driven by reliability issues (e.g., customs delays, strikes, and the availability of transport), and the length of wait time can be influenced by congestion. In the second part of the thesis, we describe a queuing model with breakdowns to model delays in port and transportation corridors (the overland travel from discharge ports to delivery points). Using the model, we gain insights into where delays are most detrimental to system performance (i.e., the network's "bottleneck") in port and transportation corridors. We then include our delay modeling in a convex cost network flow model that determines optimal routing when several port and corridor options are available. Finally, we examine a resource allocation model for where to invest in improvements to minimize delay. Throughout, we compare solutions using the optimal approach to rules of thumb and identify important factors that might be missing in practical decision making currently. Third, we present a case study on the implementation of supply chain key performance indicators (KPIs) at a large humanitarian organization. We describe (i) the phases necessary for a full implementation of supply chain KPIs at a humanitarian or non-profit organization, (ii) how to address strategy, mindset, and organizational barriers, and (iii) how to adapt commercial supply chain KPI frameworks to the humanitarian sector, factoring in implementation constraints present in the humanitarian sector that may impact KPI development. Last, a conclusion chapter discusses areas where this research may or may not generalize for each of the three topics studied.

Background: Local and international non-governmental organizations play a pivotal role in a relief operation. However, as the number of disasters and their complexity is increasing, the challenges these organizations face during a relief operation are also growing exponentially. It is crucial for relief organizations to not only understand but also to prioritize the factors, which can make their supply chain work better. Therefore, this research aims at understanding the relationship between the key success factors, which can dramatically enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the relief operation. Moreover, this study also highlights how LNGOs and INGOs differentiate between these KSFs and how they rank them. Methods: To address the objective of this study, the Likert scale style questionnaire was developed and distributed online to all such NGOs (worldwide), which take part in the relief operation. The collected data was then tested for its empirical significance on SPSS using Spearman's Rho, Pearson Chisquare, to understand the relationship and importance of these factors. Whereas, the odds ratio was calculated to rank each KSF. Results: The results of the study indicate that there exist strong correlation among all selected factors and all KSFs affect INGOs supply chain at least twice as much as they do of LNGOs. Conclusion: According to our findings and in the light of literature discussed in this research, a successful relief supply chain depends not only on greater and stronger coordination & collaboration but also on sharing information and resources among LNGOs and INGOs.

This master thesis is showing the humanitarian logistics as a complex and important part of the humanitarian response. The theoretical part explains the specifics of a humanitarian environment and compares humanitarian and enterprise logistics. A part of the theory is focused on the international humanitarian response of the Czech Republic and its financial aspects. The application part of the thesis analyses each phase of the humanitarian supply chain with practical examples and is followed by instruments of the enterprise logistics that can be applied on humanitarian sector and that help to optimize the humanitarian supply chain and enhance the efficiency of the response in emergencies. The thesis provides the reader with two case studies from the field built on the experience of the logisticians from two international non-governmental organizations and with an assessment of these according to the aforementioned instruments.

Title: Humanitarian Supply Chain: Improvement of lead time effectiveness and cost-efficiency. A multiple case study on the preparedness stage of humanitarian organizations with their partners. Authors: Ester Lisnati Jayadi, Hugo Richit, Najmus Sadat. Background: 315 natural disasters events were reported, causing 11,804 deaths, affecting 68 million people, and costing US$131.7 billion in economic losses worldwide. This fact emerges the importance of humanitarian organizations (HOs) to act in reducing suffering and improving peoples’ life. However, the greater donations and support to HOs still do not solve this enormous issue at all which forces HOs to pursue greater accountability by improving their effectiveness and efficiency in terms of time and cost in disaster activities, especially in preparedness activities. No single actors like HOs have sufficient resources to solve the disaster problem alone; thus, they need partners to work hand in hand to relieve the suffering. Performance measurement through integration called performance management process is the key to enabling HOs and their partners to achieve the lead time effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Purpose: The purposes of the study are to explore which performance measurements are needed between humanitarian organizations with their partners and to explore how to integrate their relationship to improve lead time effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Then, the suggestions can be made by fulfilling the purposes. Method: A multiple case study by utilizing qualitative data through semi-structured interviews. Findings and Conclusions: RQ 1. What HSC (humanitarian supply chain) performance measurements are needed in the HSC’s preparedness stage in order to achieve the lead time effectiveness and cost efficiency? The performance required measurements in HSC’s preparedness stage to achieve lead-time effectiveness, and cost-efficiency are organizational procedures, learning and evaluation, HO’s mission, feedback, budgeting, fund management, sourcing, human and resource management, IT utilization, infrastructure utilization, human resources utilization, delivery time, knowledge management, information sharing, and employee management. RQ 2. How to integrate the HSC performance management process in the HSC’s preparedness stage to improve the lead time effectiveness and cost efficiency? By implementing a proposed performance management process, aligning vision and mission, trusting each other, utilizing IT technologies, improving the language, and applying standardization in HSC. Keywords: Humanitarian Supply Chain Management. Humanitarian Supply Chain. Preparedness Stage. Natural Disasters. Humanitarian Organizations. Partners. Dyads. Multiple Case Studies. Performance Measurements. Performance Management Process. Supply Chain Process Integration

The field of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management is increasingly the subject of research. Even though there has been some research in the field in the past, the necessity for more research related to the measurement of the effectiveness of humanitarian supply chains is required. Humanitarian supply chain management deals not only with natural disasters but also with man-made disasters. Thus, different types of disasters create different challenges for humanitarian aid. Moreover, the different stages of the disasters require different courses of action. The lack of extended research in the field of humanitarian supply chain and logistics, the increase of the impact of disasters as well as the differences between the commercial and the humanitarian supply chains, make it clear that the sector should find ways to improve its efficiency. Tools and metrics can be used to measure and improve the efficiency of the supply chains. According to literature there are no sophisticated measures of effectiveness for humanitarian logi stics and supply chains. The purpose of this thesis is to identify the main challenges in humanitarian supply chains and what is the role of performance measurements in humanitarian operations. Moreover, the thesis aims to identify an appropriate model for measuring and thus, enhancing performance in the humanitarian supply chains. The research strategy chosen for this study is a holistic multiple case study. The empirical data is collected through interviews. For this research in total 3 organisations’ representatives and 2 volunteers were interviewed. The collected data have been analysed by combining theories and previous studies in the literature. The main findings from analysing the empirical data revealed that, depending on the disaster phase, humanitarian organisations face different challenges in their supply chains. By implementing appropriate performance measurements, the humanitarian organisations can limit the impact of the challenges in the supply chain operations, gain more relevant and precise information regarding the humanitarian operations, and enhance supply chain coordination among different stakeholders. As an outcome, by implementing appropriate performance measurement systems, the humanitarian organisations can overcome some of these challenges in their supply chains, and therefore enhance the overall supply chain performance.

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.

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.

Entidades humanitárias, organizações privadas e governos atuam constantemente no atendimento a vítimas de desastres que aumentam continuamente e atingem milhares de pessoas todos os anos. O objetivo da presente pesquisa é analisar os mecanismos de coordenação e as formas de colaboração na cadeia de suprimentos humanitária. Para tanto, foi realizado o levantamento e análise do referencial teórico para se permitir a caracterização dos cenários de desastres; a identificação e compreensão dos desafios de gerenciamento da cadeia de suprimentos humanitária; a identificação dos indicadores de desempenho inerentes à gestão desta cadeia específica; os mecanismos de colaboração existentes e utilizados; e a importância de simuladores organizacionais para análise da tomada de decisão e dos jogos de empresa para vivências. A partir da análise do referencial teórico, foi desenvolvido um esquema conceitual simplificado dos mecanismos de coordenação descentralizado e centralizado, incluindo a análise dos stakeholders envolvidos (agentes humanitários locais, agentes humanitários coordenadores, beneficiários e prestadores de serviço de armazenagem, transporte e aquisição), das decisões tomadas por cada um, das etapas logísticas e dos indicadores importantes para garantir o atendimento dos beneficiários. A partir do desenvolvimento do esquema conceitual simplificado dos mecanismos de coordenação, foi desenvolvido um modelo conceitual de simulador logístico humanitário, tendo como objetivo permitir a análise das operações logísticas em cenários de desastres e para servir como base para desenvolvimento futuro de um simulador matemático para análise da tomada de decisão. Por fim, foi desenvolvida uma proposta de jogo logístico humanitário para permitir a vivência da tomada de decisão em cenários de desastres. Para validação do esquema conceitual simplificado, do modelo conceitual de simulador e da proposta de jogo humanitário, estes foram aplicados a dois estudos de caso relacionados ao combate à fome na África (UNICEF Plumpy\'Nuts) e no Brasil (Bancos de Alimentos). / Humanitarian entities, private organizations and governments operate constantly to attempt victims of disasters, that increases continuously and affect thousands of people every year. The objective of this research is to analyze the coordination mechanisms and modes of cooperation in the humanitarian supply chain. For this purpose, a survey and an analysis of the theoretical framework were performed to characterize scenarios of disasters, an identification and understanding of the management challenges on a humanitarian supply chain, an identification of performance indicators related to the management of this particular chain, mechanisms available and organizational collaboration used, besides the importance of simulators and business games to analyze decision making and to experiences. With this analysis, a simplified conceptual draft of decentralized and centralized coordination mechanisms was developed, including an analyses of the stakeholders involved (local humanitarian agents, coordination of humanitarian agents, beneficiaries, along with providers of warehousing, transport and acquisition), the decisions for which each one, logistics steps and main performance indicators to guarantee the aid to beneficiaries. As from a simplified conceptual scheme of coordination mechanisms, a conceptual model of humanitarian logistics simulator was developed to analyze logistic operations in disaster scenarios and to use as a base to the future development of a mathematic simulator to decision-making analysis. Lastly, a proposal of a humanitarian logistics game was developed to allow experiences in disaster scenarios. For validating the simplified conceptual scheme, the conceptual model of a simulator and the proposal of a humanitarian logistic game, it was applied to two case studies regarding fighting hunger in Africa (UNICEF Plumpy\'Nuts) and in Brazil (Bancos de Alimentos).

Entidades humanitárias, organizações privadas e governos atuam constantemente no atendimento a vítimas de desastres que aumentam continuamente e atingem milhares de pessoas todos os anos. O objetivo da presente pesquisa é analisar os mecanismos de coordenação e as formas de colaboração na cadeia de suprimentos humanitária. Para tanto, foi realizado o levantamento e análise do referencial teórico para se permitir a caracterização dos cenários de desastres; a identificação e compreensão dos desafios de gerenciamento da cadeia de suprimentos humanitária; a identificação dos indicadores de desempenho inerentes à gestão desta cadeia específica; os mecanismos de colaboração existentes e utilizados; e a importância de simuladores organizacionais para análise da tomada de decisão e dos jogos de empresa para vivências. A partir da análise do referencial teórico, foi desenvolvido um esquema conceitual simplificado dos mecanismos de coordenação descentralizado e centralizado, incluindo a análise dos stakeholders envolvidos (agentes humanitários locais, agentes humanitários coordenadores, beneficiários e prestadores de serviço de armazenagem, transporte e aquisição), das decisões tomadas por cada um, das etapas logísticas e dos indicadores importantes para garantir o atendimento dos beneficiários. A partir do desenvolvimento do esquema conceitual simplificado dos mecanismos de coordenação, foi desenvolvido um modelo conceitual de simulador logístico humanitário, tendo como objetivo permitir a análise das operações logísticas em cenários de desastres e para servir como base para desenvolvimento futuro de um simulador matemático para análise da tomada de decisão. Por fim, foi desenvolvida uma proposta de jogo logístico humanitário para permitir a vivência da tomada de decisão em cenários de desastres. Para validação do esquema conceitual simplificado, do modelo conceitual de simulador e da proposta de jogo humanitário, estes foram aplicados a dois estudos de caso relacionados ao combate à fome na África (UNICEF Plumpy\'Nuts) e no Brasil (Bancos de Alimentos). / Humanitarian entities, private organizations and governments operate constantly to attempt victims of disasters, that increases continuously and affect thousands of people every year. The objective of this research is to analyze the coordination mechanisms and modes of cooperation in the humanitarian supply chain. For this purpose, a survey and an analysis of the theoretical framework were performed to characterize scenarios of disasters, an identification and understanding of the management challenges on a humanitarian supply chain, an identification of performance indicators related to the management of this particular chain, mechanisms available and organizational collaboration used, besides the importance of simulators and business games to analyze decision making and to experiences. With this analysis, a simplified conceptual draft of decentralized and centralized coordination mechanisms was developed, including an analyses of the stakeholders involved (local humanitarian agents, coordination of humanitarian agents, beneficiaries, along with providers of warehousing, transport and acquisition), the decisions for which each one, logistics steps and main performance indicators to guarantee the aid to beneficiaries. As from a simplified conceptual scheme of coordination mechanisms, a conceptual model of humanitarian logistics simulator was developed to analyze logistic operations in disaster scenarios and to use as a base to the future development of a mathematic simulator to decision-making analysis. Lastly, a proposal of a humanitarian logistics game was developed to allow experiences in disaster scenarios. For validating the simplified conceptual scheme, the conceptual model of a simulator and the proposal of a humanitarian logistic game, it was applied to two case studies regarding fighting hunger in Africa (UNICEF Plumpy\'Nuts) and in Brazil (Bancos de Alimentos).

Cette thèse vise à contribuer à la compréhension des cycle de vie d’une opération humanitaire (HOLC). Gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement humanitaire (HSCM) dans un contexte de mise en perspective et dans l’objectif de proposer un modèle décisionnel qui s'applique aux phases de HOLC lors d’une situation réelle. Cela inclut la mise en oeuvre du modèle proposé pour concevoir et développer un outil d'aide à la décision afin d'améliorer les performances de la logistique humanitaire tant dans les opérations de secours nationaux qu’internationaux.Cette recherche est divisée en trois phases. La première partie vise à présenter le sens de l'étude ; la zone de recherche prise en compte pour la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement (SCM) doit être clairement définie. La première phase consiste à clarifier et définir le HSCM HL, la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement commerciale (CSCM) et le SCM, ainsi que la relation entre ces différents éléments. La gestion du cycle de vie du projet (PLCM) et les différentes approches sont également présentés. La compréhension de la différence entre la gestion du cycle de vie du projet (PLM) et la PLCM est également nécessaire, cela ne peut être abordé dans la phase de cycle de vie de l'opération humanitaire. De plus, les modèles Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) et l’aide à la décision concernant le HL sont analysés pour établir le fossé existant en matière de recherche. Les approches MCDM qui mettent en oeuvre le système d'aide à la décision (DSS) et la manière dont le MAS a été utilisé dans le contexte HSCM sont étudiées.La deuxième phase consiste en la proposition d’un modèle décisionnel fondé sur l’approche MCDM à l'appui de la décision du décideur avant qu'il/elle prenne des mesures. Ce modèle prévoit le classement des alternatives concernant l'entrepôt, le fournisseur et le transport au cours des phases de HOLC. Le modèle décisionnel proposé est réalisée en 3 scénarios. I. La décision en 4phases HOLC – opération de secours internationale de la Croix-Rouge Française (CRF). II. La décision en3phases HOLC – opération nationale dela Croix-Rouge thaïlandaise (TRC). III. La décision au niveau de la phase de réponse HOLC – opération internationale du TRC dans quatre pays. Dans cette phase, le scénario I et II sont réalisés étape par étape au travers de calculs numériques et formules mathématiques. Le scénario III sera présenté dans la troisième phase. Pour établir trois scénarios, les données internes recueillies lors des entretiens avec le chef de la logistique de la Croix-Rouge Française, et le vice-président de la fondation de la Coix-Rouge thaïlandaise, seront utilisées. Les données externes proviennent de chercheurs qui sont des experts dans le domaine HL ou le champ du HSCM, de la littérature, et de sources issues des organismes humanitaires (documents d’ateliers, rapports, informations publiées sur leurs sites officiels).Dans la troisième phase, une application Internet multi-critères (decision support system MCDSS WB) mettant en oeuvre le modèle proposé est élaborée. Afin d'atteindre une décision appropriée en temps réel, le WB-MCDSS est développé sur la base d’un protocole client-serveur et est simple à utiliser. Le dernier mais non le moindre ; une application de validation du modèle est réalisée à l'aide de l'approche de l'analyse de sensibilité. / This thesis aims to contribute to the understanding of HOLC in context of the HSCM and to propose a decision model which applies to the phases of HOLC the decision making regarding a real situation . This include the implementation of the proposed model to design and develop a decision support tool in order to improve the performance of humanitarian logistics in both national and international relief operations.This research is divided into three phases; the first phase is to clarify and define HL among HSCM, commercial supply chain management (CSCM) and SCM and their relationship. Project Life Cycle Management (PLCM) approaches are also presented. The difference between project life cycle management (PLM) and PLCM is also required to distinguish a clear understanding which can be addressed in the phase of humanitarian operation life cycle. Additionally, the literature of Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) models and existing decision aid system for HL are analyzed to establish the research gap. The MCDM approaches which implement the decision support system (DSS) and lastly how DSS has been used in the HSCM context.The second phase is to propose a decision model based on MCDM approaches to support the decision of the decision maker before he/she takes action. This model provides the ranking alternatives to warehouse, supplier and transportation over the phases of HOLC. The proposed decision model is conducted in 3 scenarios; I. The decision in 4-phase HOLC, international relief operation of French Red Cross (FRC). II. The decision on 3-phase HOLC, national operation by the Thai Red Cross (TRC). III. The decision on response phase HOLC, international operation by the FRC in four countries. In this phase, the scenario I and II are performed step by step though numerical calculation and mathematical formulas. The scenario III will be presented in the third phase.In the third phase, an application of web-based multi-criteria decision support system (WB-MCDSS) which implement the proposed model is developed. The web-based multi-criteria decision support system is developed based on the integration of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and TOPSIS approaches. In order to achieve an appropriate decision in a real time response, the WB-MCDSS is developed based on server-client protocol and is simple to operate. Last but not least, a validation application of the model is performed using the sensitivity analysis approach.