This edited volume highlights recent research advances in humanitarian
relief logistics. The contributed chapters span the spectrum of key
issues and activities from preparedness to mitigation operations
(response), planning and execution. The volume also presents
state-of-the-art methods and systems through current case studies.
Significant issues in planning and execution of humanitarian relief
logistics discussed in this volume include the following:
- Approaches that tackle realistic relief distribution networks. In
addition to large-scale computing issues, heuristics may handle the
complexity and particularities of humanitarian supply chains
- Methods that integrate real-time information while effectively coping
with time pressure and uncertainty, both of which are inherent to a
disaster scene
- Judicious recourse strategies that allow a quick and effective
restoration of pre-planned solutions whenever an unpredictable event
occurs
- Coordination of multiple parties that are often involved in managing a
disaster, including NGOs, local, state and federal agencies.
This volume provides robust evidence that research in humanitarian
logistics may lead to substantial improvements in effectiveness and
efficiency of disaster relief operations. This is quite encouraging,
since the unique characteristics of disaster scenes provide significant
opportunities for researchers to investigate novel approaches
contributing to logistics research while offering a significant service
to society.
