Analyzing ICT Issues in Humanitarian Supply Chain Management: A SAP-LAP Linkages Framework

Abstract

This study sets out to highlight the importance of information and communications technology (ICT) in the humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) and to understand the present status of use of ICT in the HSCM in India. The study develops a situation-actors-process, learning-action-performance (SAP-LAP) linkages framework in order to analyse various learning issues related to enhancing the use of ICT in HSCM, particularly in the Indian context. The developed framework considers the inter-relationships amongst all elements of different components of the SAP-LAP framework by developing assessment, self-interaction and cross interaction matrices. The results suggest that strategic and proactive planning is essential in enhancing the use of ICT in HSCM. This may motivate the actors to introduce education or training programs to increase awareness around the importance of ICT in HSCM. These results also support the view that the role of government is crucial in enhancing the use of ICT in HSCM. An effective, transparent workflow policy, allied with the use of knowledge management system and donor commitment, would maximise the benefits of ICT and would further enhance the performance of the HSCM. This study is a pioneering attempt, containing a qualitative research foundation and reflective observation analysis, to assess various strategic issues used to enhance the use of ICT in HSCM in order to improve the efficiency of relief operations.