The outreach of humanitarian logistics research

Abstract

Purpose – This aim of this article is to discuss the outreach of humanitarian logistics research through managerial relevance and access to research results. Design/methodology/approach – This is a review article. Findings – Rigor and relevance are both stressed for research to have an impact. However, the article finds that managerial relevance needs to be combined with access to research as to increase not only outreach but also impact overall. Research limitations/implications – The review focuses on the empirical studies in this issue. This should not be mistaken to foster only these types of studies, nor only these types of empirical studies. Rather, the issue gives a first flavour of the variety of empirical research that is currently conducted in humanitarian logistics. Practical implications – It is expected that a combination of managerial relevant research with a better access to research results will lead to a higher impact of these studies. Social implications – Open access will increase the outreach as well as the impact of the research. Originality/value – The article discusses the topic of outreach and impact of humanitarian logistics research. Previous studies have highlighted the need for empirical, relevant research, whilst here the idea is combined with questions of access.