The Humanitarian Supply Chain Assessment Tool (HumSCAT)
Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management
ISSN: 2042-6747
Article publication date: 24 September 2019
Issue publication date: 18 October 2019
Abstract
Purpose
An understanding of the “AS-IS” stage of a relief operation is the basis for further action in humanitarian supply chain management. The purpose of this paper is to develop a toolbox called the Humanitarian Supply Chain Assessment Tool (HumSCAT). This toolbox is comprised of a set of basic tools which can be classified into each phase of disaster relief.
Design/methodology/approach
The HumSCAT is proposed by paralleling frequently used tools in commercial supply chains with the objectives and characteristics of relief phases. A case study was used to validate the HumSCAT along with six tools provided in the preparation phase.
Findings
The HumSCAT consists of seven tools in the preparation phase, nine tools in the response phase and ten tools in the recovery phase. The case study illustrates how to use the HumSCAT and the six tools. The latter were found to be useful for improving the relief chain.
Research limitations/implications
The list of tools is not exclusive. Other tools might be applicable as long as they meet the objectives and characteristics of the phase. A tool should be adjusted accordingly to the contexts. Tools in other phases should be validated in future research.
Practical implications
The HumSCAT may serve as a reference toolbox for practitioners. Its output can be used for further designing of the “TO-BE” status of humanitarian relief chains.
Originality/value
The HumSCAT is proposed as a toolbox for academics and practitioners involved in humanitarian supply chains.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research conducted in this manuscript was partially funded by the Kuehne Foundation.
Citation
Banomyong, R., Julagasigorn, P., Varadejsatitwong, P. and Piboonrungroj, P. (2019), "The Humanitarian Supply Chain Assessment Tool (HumSCAT)", Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Vol. 9 No. 2, pp. 221-249. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-09-2018-0064
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited