Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a methodology which amalgamates quantitative and qualitative approaches to determine the best placement of mobile logistics hubs (MLH) to be established in different parts of Nepal as a part of real-life project, “Augmentation of National and Local-Level Emergency Logistics Preparedness in Nepal” (2017–2020), implemented by the World Food Programme in cooperation with the Government of Nepal.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops a methodology using a combination of a modified version of the maximal covering location problem (MCLP) and focus group discussion. The MCLP model is used to determine the optimal number and spatial location of MLHs, and focus group discussion is used to identify the five first-priority strategic MLH locations using expert knowledge.FindingsThe authors identify the five first-priority locations for establishing MLHs using an amalgamation of quantitative approach (mathematical model) and qualitative approach (focus group discussion). By amalgamating mathematical model with expert knowledge, findings acceptable to a wide range of stakeholders are obtained. The focus group discussion helps to pinpoint the location of MLHs to city-level granularity which is otherwise impossible with data available on hand.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough multiple experts’ judgements were obtained via focus group discussion, subjectivity and possible bias is inevitable. Overall, the quantitative results of the study are purely based on the data available during the study period; therefore, having updated data could possibly improve the quality of the results.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind that uses an amalgamation of mathematical model and expert knowledge to determine the strategic locations of MLHs and has been successful to an extent that the selected locations have been vetted by the government of Nepal for establishing MLHs and are undergoing implementation in real life. This study also considers multiple disaster scenarios and employs the concepts of human development, disaster risk and transportation accessibility to reflect Nepal's socioeconomic, geo-climatic and topographical features.
Highlights
Disaster response can be extraordinarily challenging in developing countries (IFRC, 2004; Maharjan and Hanaoka, 2018) due to insufficient resources in the immediate aftermath, poor governance, weak infrastructure, damages to infrastructure and a general lack of information, including a response plan and the lack of knowledge of the socioeconomic circumstances in affected areas as evidenced by disasters like Nepal earthquake 2015 and Ecuador earthquake 2016
We present the case of mobile logistics hubs (MLH) prepositioning for emergency preparedness and response in Nepal
We developed a methodology which includes an optimization model and a focus group discussion to identify optimal and strategic locations of MLHs to be placed in different parts of Nepal
Summary
Disaster response can be extraordinarily challenging in developing countries (IFRC, 2004; Maharjan and Hanaoka, 2018) due to insufficient resources in the immediate aftermath, poor governance, weak infrastructure, damages to infrastructure and a general lack of information, including a response plan and the lack of knowledge of the socioeconomic circumstances in affected areas as evidenced by disasters like Nepal earthquake 2015 and Ecuador earthquake 2016. Considering the urgency, uncertainty and complexity associated with managing disasters, enhancements in logistics and supply chain management directly affect the ability of humanitarian organizations to respond and improve the overall effectiveness of the response (Erbeyoglu and Bilge, 2019). Amid the different types of disasters that threaten Nepal, earthquake, landslide and flood are the three most common types of sudden-onset disasters that have claimed the highest number of lives and people affected (a total of 28,040 deaths and 12.4 million lives affected from the year 1900 till 2019) (CRED, 2016)
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