Applying the Delphi method to determine best practices for outsourcing logistics in disaster relief

Timo Gossler,Renate Buber,Ioanna Falagara Sigala,Tina Wakolbinger

doi:10.1108/jhlscm-06-2018-0044

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine best practices of aid agencies for outsourcing logistics to commercial logistics service providers (LSPs) in disaster relief. Moreover, it evaluates the application of the Delphi method for research in humanitarian logistics. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a two-round Delphi study with 31 experts from aid agencies and a complementary full-day focus group with 12 experts from aid agencies and LSPs. Findings The study revealed 12 best practices for outsourcing logistics in disaster relief and a compilation of more than 100 activities for putting these practices into action. Experts consider a proper balance between efficiency and compliance, a detailed contract and a detailed service request most important. Additionally, the Delphi method was found to be a promising technique for research on humanitarian logistics. Research limitations/implications By critically examining the Delphi method, this study establishes the basis for a wider application of the technique in the field of humanitarian logistics. Furthermore, it can help to prioritize future research as the ranking of practices reflects the priorities of practitioners. Practical implications The paper provides guidance to practitioners at aid agencies in charge of outsourcing logistics. Originality/value This research is one of the first in the field of humanitarian logistics to apply the Delphi method. Moreover, it addresses the lack of literature dealing with approaches for building successful cross-sectoral partnerships.

Highlights

Outsourcing logistics in disaster relief operations provides considerable benefits to aid agencies, such as cost efficiency, flexibility and scalability (Baharmand et al, 2017; Cozzolino et al, 2017; Thomas and Fritz, 2006)
Many aid agencies make strong use of outsourcing, and multiple billion US$ are spent every year by aid agencies on logistics services (Binder and Witte, 2007; L’Hermitte et al, 2016)
Multiple researchers point out a need for dedicated research, especially empirical studies, on how aid agencies and logistics service providers (LSPs) can build successful outsourcing relationships (Bealt et al, 2016; Nurmala et al, 2017; Vega and Roussat, 2015). We address this gap with respect to both content and methodology by determining best practices for outsourcing logistics in disaster relief based on a Delphi approach and by compiling and discussing detailed activities for implementing these practices

Summary

Introduction

Outsourcing logistics in disaster relief operations provides considerable benefits to aid agencies, such as cost efficiency, flexibility and scalability (Baharmand et al, 2017; Cozzolino et al, 2017; Thomas and Fritz, 2006). Many aid agencies make strong use of outsourcing, and multiple billion US$ are spent every year by aid agencies on logistics services (Binder and Witte, 2007; L’Hermitte et al, 2016). Commercial logistics service providers (LSPs) are an integral part of any disaster relief operation, both at the international and the local level (Sánchez Gil and McNeil, 2015; Vega and Roussat, 2015). Distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article

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