Logistics Specialists Research Articles

Analysis of the use of intelligent education technologies

The article presents an analysis and prospects for the application of intelligent technologies in the field of education. In the study, the author made an attempt to experimentally test the effectiveness of pedagogical conditions for the use of intelligent educational technologies in the training of marine engineers and transport logistics specialists. The experimental search work on the use of intelligent educational technologies (IOT) in the context of educational platforms Google Meet, Discord, EIOS in the course of training in the discipline "Freight forwarding services" is summarized.

Model for Assessing Engineering Competencies of Logistics Specialists in Transport Organisations

Abstract In today’s dynamic, technology-driven, and diverse world of knowledge society, transport organisations should purposefully analyse and assess their operations since they often have to face problems emerging from the lack of knowledge and competencies of logistics specialists. The engineering competencies of logistics specialists are highly appreciated in transport systems. However, the selection of assessment criteria and determination of its importance is a difficult task for managers in this sector. Thus, it is reasonable to apply the multi-criteria methodologies, such as SAW, AHP, MOORA, and VIKOR, whilst determining the importance of criteria describing the competencies of logistics specialists in a transport organisation. Applying the multi-criteria methods provides prerequisites for an objective, precise, and the least time-consuming way to evaluate the engineering competencies of logistics specialists. The analysis of the results enables the most suitable decisions to utilise the significant potential of logistics specialists. The article examines the problem areas for evaluating the competencies of logistics specialists. The current paper presents the evaluation of logistics specialists’ competencies based on the methodology used to determine the importance of criteria (SAW and AHP methods). Additionally, further recommendations are suggested to effectively manage certain corrections on competencies in transport organisations under investigation.

Advanced Fuzzy-Based Decision-Making: The Linear Diophantine Fuzzy CODAS Method for Logistic Specialist Selection

This study addresses the inherent uncertainty in human decision-making by leveraging fuzzy sets, which were introduced to better capture the imprecision associated with human thoughts and judgments. As an extension to traditional fuzzy sets, the Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Set (LDFS) was developed, offering a more flexible approach by relaxing existing limitations on grade values. The LDFS has found applications across various fields, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness. In this study, we explore the application of the Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Set within the framework of the Combinative Distance-based Assessment (CODAS) method. The CODAS method stands out because it incorporates Euclidean and Taxicab distances. Decision-making should consider not only the direct distances between ideal solutions and alternatives but also the indirect distances. The foremost objective of this research is to propose a novel approach by integrating the CODAS method with the LDFS to address complex decision-making problems characterized by uncertainty and imprecision. To illustrate the practical utility of the proposed method, we apply it to a numerical example involving the selection of a logistics specialist, a critical decision in emergency logistics optimization. The research also includes a case study on a logistics specialist, highlighting the practical application of the methods discussed. Furthermore, this study provides a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the parameters' weights to evaluate the robustness and reliability of the proposed method. The results highlight the effectiveness of the LDF CODAS method in making informed and reliable decisions under conditions of uncertainty, paving the way for future applications in other decision-making scenarios.

ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY MODEL

The purpose of the article is to model the ecological system in the circular economy model. To realize the goal, the method of mathematical modeling was used when creating models of the ecological system. It is proposed to understand under the ecological system the logistics system as a set of elements-links interconnected in the process of managing the movement of direct and reverse logistics flows, which takes into account the eco-destructive impact on the environment. An ecological system, like any system, has the following properties: integrity, divisibility, organization, structuredness, integrability, emergentity, purposefulness. In addition, the ecological system has properties typical for the logistics system: complexity, openness, stochasticity, heterogeneity and multifunctionality, dynamism and adaptability. The ecological system also has specific characteristics: environmental friendliness, closedness. The ecological system is considered at the micro, meso and macro levels. At the micro level, the elements of the ecological system are the functional units of the organization's logistics, including the unit responsible for reverse logistics. At the meso- and macro-levels, the ecological system is represented by the enterprises - participants of the logistics chain. The analysis of logistics specialists research allowed us to identify the following approaches to modeling the ecological chain: organizational, flow, process. The main difference between the approaches is the understanding of the essence of the chain and the elements that make it up. A necessary condition for the successful functioning of the ecological chain is the coordination of the principles of process and flow approaches. It is proposed to form chains of processes according to the direction of flow. In this case, the logistics process is considered as an element of the value creation process. Ecological system modeling based on the use of the reverse logistics model was improved, which covers not only the collection and transportation of materials and goods, but also value-added activities such as testing, sorting, recovery, recycling and redistribution and is a major factor contributing to the expansion of implementation approaches to the circular economy in various branches of the national economy.

ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ ШТУЧНОГО ІНТЕЛЕКТУ У ГАЛУЗІ ВІЙСЬКОВОЇ ЛОГІСТИКИ У КОНТЕКСТІ ТЕХНІЧНИХ ЗАСОБІВ СЛУЖБ ТИЛУ ПРОТЯГОМ СУЧАСНОГО ПЕРІОДУ

The use of artificial intelligence in the field of military logistics with the mastery of modern technologies in the format of maintenance and operation of technical means of fuel, food and clothing services. i.e. flexibility and synchronisation of the static leitmotif from the case of artificial intelligence, respectively, affects the military clash towards the defeat of combatants during the spread of revanchism by Russian mancurts. The illustration in the nominal areas of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in relation to artificial intelligence indicates the priority in the context of military logistics, i.e. the areas of nominal capability, implementation and separation of life support during the supply of material resources in relation to personnel in the modern period. The flexibility, generation and hybridity of modern military events indicates an increase in the capacity of the scope of artificial intelligence in the field of military logistics, i.e. the absoluteness of the concept of the above-mentioned direction in the format of activities in relation to the introduction of computers, creative innovations and/or the case of gadgets. Modality of application with the involvement of practically existing nominal areas of professional activity of military logistics specialists in the introduction of artificial intelligence in terms of conditioning and influence on current events, that is, the discretion of the intelligence of the artificial process with the replacement of individuals is allowed. Functional collision of artificial intelligence in the field of military logistics in accordance with the presence of Russians on the territory of Ukraine during the armed conflict in the format of solving nominal and unusual tasks based on information obtained during the identification of objects and targets using modern artificial intelligence equipment. Accordingly, in the course of analysing the interconnection of technologies for the application of artificial intelligence in the field of military logistics with the involvement of practical experience of creative and innovative technologies in the format of global and nominal level chain management, i.e., the implementation of recommendations on the prospects and ways of developing strategic management with the involvement of artificial intelligence in the field of military logistics. Keywords: artificial intelligence, military logistics, modern combat experience, armed conflict, material support, technical means of fuel, food and clothing services, creative technologies.

Cruising to Success: Unveiling the Financial Harmony of Container Shipping Firms through Total Quality Management and Service Excellence

Background: This paper revolves around a meticulous exploration aimed at discerning the impact of total quality management (TQM) and service quality (SQ) practices upon the financial performance (FP) of firms within the container shipping industry. Our pursuit extends further, delving into the intricacies of SQ as a potential mediating factor in the TQM–FP relationship. This distinctive study investigated six TQM practices in conjunction with five SQ factors, analyzing their impact on firm FP. Methods: This study used a quantitative research approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from logistics specialists and experts in the shipping field. Results: The findings were interesting and showed that two TQM practices—managerial leadership and employee involvement—have a significant positive effect on SQ levels, and one SQ dimension, namely responsiveness, has the biggest and most significant effect on the FP of container shipping companies. Furthermore, SQ mediates the relationship between TQM and FP. Conclusions: This study provides a theoretical contribution by developing a conceptual model that elucidates the correlation between TQM practices and the degree of SQ on the FP of container shipping firms. Moreover, this study provides managers with a tool for identifying, prioritizing, and improving key TQM and SQ practices that contribute significantly to financial success.

ASSESSMENT OF TRANSPORT LOGISTICS' GRADUATES COMPETENCES FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF EMPLOYERS

The modern logistics business world is changing and presents new challenges to companies, so it is currently necessary to pay attention to the competence of employees, but also to predict which of these competences will be necessary in the future. The aim of the this work was to research the competences of Vilnius College of Technologies and Design Transport Logistics graduates from the point of view of employers. Based on scientific literature and in dept interview of Lithuanian transport and logistics companies’ managers, the article reveals the significance of qualified transport logistics specialists. It presents the analysis of the competences of Vilnius College of Technology and Design Transport Logistics graduates. According to experts, 88.5 percent of Transport Logistics graduates of the Vilnius College of Technology and Design have very good knowledge and skills. They are zealous, possessing not only theoretical but also practical knowledge. They are able to analyse practical situations, not afraid of challenges.

Logistics Educational Items Required for Hospital Paramedics to Work in Disaster Medicine Settings.

Introduction:In Japan, the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) is dispatched as an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) in major disasters. DMAT consists of a physician, nurse, and operations coordinators. The operations coordinators include all occupations other than physicians and nurses, and are responsible for activities to facilitate medical treatment, gathering information, establishing communications, and ensuring transportation. Therefore, the operations coordinator must have in-depth knowledge of all aspects. Operations coordinators with this knowledge are qualified as logistics team members in addition to DMAT certification. Paramedics receive pre-graduate training in medical care, transport, and coordination with other organizations, and many of their daily duties are related to these areas. However, there are few opportunities to learn about logistics. If paramedics are effectively trained in logistics, they are likely to play an active role as operational coordinators. However, logistics covers a wide range of topics, and there are few studies on items that require focused education. Therefore, this study examines the level of understanding of each logistics item among paramedics active in the field of disaster medicine to identify items that should be emphasized.Method:A questionnaire survey of 36 paramedics was conducted, all of whom hold both DMAT and logistics team certifications, to determine their level of understanding and the importance of each logistics item. The logistics items used in the survey are specified in the Logistics Specialist Certification System of the Japanese Society of Disaster Medicine. The collected questionnaire results were analyzed using SPSS statistical software.Results:Characteristic trends were obtained in the logistics items required of paramedics. Trends were also analyzed according to the age and work history of paramedics.Conclusion:The logistics education for paramedics needs to be enhanced in accordance with the trends obtained from the study. Specific studies on the means and timing of education will be needed in the future.

The role of reverse logistics in a circular economy for achieving sustainable development goals: a multiple case study of retail firms

Contemporary business models need to re-imagine the production and distribution of goods and services embedding social, economic, and environmental goals concurrently. To this end, reverse logistics in streamlining a circular economy (take, make, use, reuse, repair, and recycle) catapulted to the top of the discussion for collecting and distributing products. Yet, little is empirically known about the role of reverse logistics in the circular economy. This study attempts to fill this knowledge gap in theory and practice through a multiple case study approach including 40 semi-structured interviews with reverse logistics specialists from the four largest retailing firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Findings reveal multiple ways by which reverse logistics contributes to a circular economy: for instance, reverse logistics enables firms to develop a circular product design; the combination of reverse flow with the forward flow consolidates the high volume of products, thus mitigating waste; use of innovative tools (robots, autonomous bikes) in reverse logistics increases the used products’ return rate and thereby enhancing recycling; technological advances (e.g. big data and IoT) in reverse logistics help trace the product thus reducing waste. The paper offers several valuable insights for practitioners to build a circular economy via reverse logistics (waste reduction, responsible consumption, and sustainable logistics). Our study also contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11, SDG 12, and SDG 13).

LOGISTICS SYNERGY AND SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN GLOBAL HAZARDS

The article is devoted to the study of the relationship between logistics synergy and the security system as important factors for ensuring sustainable development in the context of global threats. The concept of logistics synergy is considered as an effective interaction and coordination of various logistics elements in order to achieve a total positive impact. The main focus of the article is aimed at analyzing the role of security systems in ensuring the sustainability of development in conditions of global dangers. It is studied how an effective security system can affect logistics processes, ensuring their reliability and resistance to external influences. The practical aspects of implementing logistics synergy and security systems into the practice of management in conditions of global risks are also considered. Emphasis is placed on the importance of developing integrated strategies aimed at a balanced combination of logistics efficiency and security to achieve sustainable development. An analysis of the important interrelationships between logistical synergies and security aspects is presented, as their integration can become a key factor in ensuring not only efficiency, but also sustainability in the face of global challenges. Various models and strategies aimed at the interaction between logistics processes and security systems are given, in particular, in the context of addressing uncertainty and risks arising from global hazards. An important emphasis is placed on the need to develop integrated strategies that cover both aspects of optimizing logistics processes and systems for warning and responding to possible threats. The author offer practical recommendations for implementing an integrated approach to managing logistics and security in the face of global uncertainty. The conclusions of the article can be useful for logistics specialists, researchers in the field of security and sustainable development, as well as for practicing managers who seek to optimize their strategies in the face of complex global conditions.

Fashion E-Tail and the Impact of Returns: Mapping Processes and the Consumer Journey towards More Sustainable Practices

The purpose of this study is to trace the processes behind the elaboration of the product page and map the shopping journey to identify ways to reduce returns. This is a qualitative study conducted in three stages: exploratory interviews with users, semi-structured interviews with e-commerce and logistics specialists, and directed storytelling sessions with users. Our findings indicate that the e-commerce specialists are not fully aware of the impacts caused by the high return rates, and product presentation pages are therefore not elaborated to provide users with all the information necessary to make accurate purchases. Sellers should improve product presentation pages to increase product knowledge by providing tools to enhance quality mental imagery. Additionally, sellers should inform consumers of the impact of their shipping options and returning habits. There are ways to optimize logistics processes to reduce the environmental impact. Prior research has addressed these issues separately. Besides, have addressed mental imagery to increase sales. This study brings a holistic approach and brings mental imagery as a tool to provide users with more information about a product.

The Importance of the Study and Work Environment Ergonomics for Today’s and Future Managers and Logistics Specialists

Abstract Ergonomics in the work environment represents an important area since the non-compliance with it negatively affects people’s health. To create sustainable working conditions for employees in the future, today’s students – future managers, logistics specialists, and entrepreneurs need to be approached. The paper presents pilot research oriented towards the awareness of ergonomics and its merit in relation to health and productivity while studying and performing sitting work tasks. The meaning of this was raised by the Covid-19 pandemic impacts and an increase in the home office and distant studying. Also, the paper combines arguments from secondary data sources with obtained primary data. The main goal was to gather evidence justifying active engagement of logistics managers in ergonomics, as well as setting logistics processes respecting ergonomics requirements. The main findings underline the need for logistics specialists and employees themselves to be aware of ergonomics principles so that human well-being can be sustainably achieved.

A comparative analysis for emerging e-commerce business owners: Shopify & Amazon

The article examines the topic of Shopify and Amazon as COVID-19 and the emergence of new technologies ushers in a new era of online retail, B2B and B2C content. As a result, supply chain management has had to catch up. I believe that this is an important topic because our reliance on technology will continue to develop and COVID-19 has shown us that many solutions can be solved through technology. I want to address what this means, what the future holds in e-commerce, and what business owners should look out for when entering into the online space. For this essay, I interviewed four sources. The first is the co-founder of Commence, an online women’s apparel store with monthly profits of $3 million USD. Secondly, I interviewed the co-founder of Douhu, a shipping agent for both Amazon and Shopify with over 20 years of experience. I interviewed the Senior Regional B2B Director of Yuntu, which is one of the largest E-commerce cross-border logistic service providers in the world. Lastly, I spoke to Fiona Lin who has worked as a logistics specialist for companies under Shopify and Amazon.

Логістичний потенціал: до питання термінології

The article emphasizes Ukrainian terminology streamlining importance for the area of logistics and supply chain management. It is noted that cooperation of linguists-terminologists and logistics specialists should be considered as a prerequisite for terminological work of high quality. First group’s responsibilities include elaboration and presentation of the term resulting into reducing its semantic content by fitting the scope into boundaries of vocabulary definition; logistics professionals on the other hand are responsible for developing scientific discourse maximizing scientific concept contents. Logistics terminology problem gets into focus of every searcher researching logistics and supply chain management problems. Exploration results are rather representing semantic content of a term than polishing it by aiming at unambiguous and clear definition of the term, its conciseness. The streamlining of Ukrainian terminology in logistics is likely to draw experts’ attention to qualitative component of the problem concerning terms unification. And it seems reasonable to start with common terms, such as "logistics potential" being the object of this study. The paper aims at supplementing the scientific discourse on the term "logistics potential" with its subsequent unification. General objectives include (1) carrying out a comparative and critical analysis for the scientific concept of "logistics potential" by means of existing developments of domestic scientific schools and (2) proposing unified term for "logistics potential" suitable for further codification in the terminology dictionary. As a result, a visual representation of "logistics potential" concept is being provided; the author's definition of the term "logistic potential" is being formulated; the need for "logistics system", "capability", "symbiosis", "resilience" and "progress" categories usage is being explained as the most suitable for revealing the content as well as helpful for achieving conciseness of the term.

Personnel training in digital logistics and supply chain management

The system of training personnel in the field of logistics and supply chain management is currently experiencing an increasing impact of digitalization. The object of the research is the current state of this system in Russia.It is claimed that digitalization will change the requirements for personnel involved in logistics, so the appearance of a new position — administrator of digital logistics and supply chain management (administrator of material flows digitalization) — seems logical.To assess the consequences of digitalization of the personnel training system, the methodology of the theory of inventive problem solving was used. In accordance with this methodology, the subjects of the Russian education system are distinguished that perform the following functions: “calculator” (Ministry of Education and Science, etc.), “source of energy” (institutions of preschool, secondary and additional education), “engine” (institutions of secondary specialized and higher education), “transmission” (organizations for the employment of specialists in the field of logistics), “working body” (enterprises and organizations in which logistics specialists work).Quantitative dependencies and models are proposed for assessing the effectiveness of the Russian system of personnel training in the field of logistics and supply chain management. The performance of each element of the personnel training system has been determined. It is stated that this system does not fully meet the needs of the market and the expectations of students, and also indirectly inhibits the transition from competition between individual manufacturers to competition in supply chains, thereby holding back the development of the Russian economy.

Логістична компетентність як складова ефективності логістики

Abstract. Introduction. This work is a continuation of a series of articles highlighting the results of research on the functioning of the system of training highly qualified professionals that are able to ensure effective logistics activities of Ukrainian enterprises, substantiation of directions and development of practical mechanisms for its improvement. The research has been conducted by a group of lecturers of Vinnytsia Institute of Trade and Economic of Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics, who train future specialists in logistics who are mastering higher education programs “Logistics” (bachelor’s degree), “Commodity and Commercial Logistics” (bachelor’s degree), “Marketing” (junior bachelor’s degree, bachelor’s, master’s degree) and “Management” (bachelor’s degree). Purpose. The purpose of the article is to highlight the main results of the study on the formation of logistics competence as a component of the efficiency of the country’s logistics. Results. Methodological and methodical approaches to the study as well as the results obtained have been discussed and positively assessed by the stakeholders in these educational programs and leading employers in Podillia region. The article studies the dynamics of changes in the rating positions of Ukraine in the global ranking of the logistics efficiency index and in its individual components. The essence and correlation of the concepts “logistics competence” and “logistic competences” are determined. Educational components in the general problems of development of the logistics sphere in Ukraine are specified. Vacancies for employment in the segment of transport and logistics in the labor market of Ukraine have been monitored. The requirements of employers for the competencies of specialists in the field of transport and logistics have been identified. Emphasis is made on the need to improve the training of logistics specialists in higher educational institutions of Ukraine, harmonize the standards of professional competencies of logistics specialists with European standards of logistics competencies and supply chain management. Conclusions. In order to maintain logistics competitive advantages and ensure high logistics competence of enterprises, employers increase the requirements for qualifications and personal characteristics of administrative and managerial staff in the field of logistics, which requires training of highly qualified logistics specialists who will have the competences to ensure the increase in the reliability and sustainability of supply chains, effective application of innovative technologies of logistics integration, making and adoption of optimal logistics management decisions under conditions of uncertainty of the market environment and increased risks.

Analysis of professional requirements for a modern logistician

The article is devoted to the research of modern labour market requirements for experts in logistics. The reasons of logistics importance for the proper functioning of national and international economies were outlined. The list of requirements set by business representatives to successful candidates is summarized. The analysis of the job market was performed using topic-related websites that cover job markets in Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Austria, Slovakia and the Russian Federation. Empirical studies, data analysis and synthesis, expert assessments, and generalization methods were used to perform the scientific inquiry. The number of specific competencies mentions in the job ads analyses and the relative difference between studies’ indicators were counted. It was revealed that there is a great demand in almost all areas of the economy for logistics specialists. The tendency to find the personnel, who are willing to learn and improve on a continual basis, and can demonstrate a larger range of soft skills in addition to being an effective communicator, has been traced. Assumptions were made about possible changes in the requirements of employers to candidates, in connection with the presence of drivers of Industry 4.0 environment forming. Recommendations for further research of labour market requirements were provided.

FEATURES OF FORMATION OF THE LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT MECHANISM OF THE ENTERPRISE

Quality management of logistics activities directly depends on a number of external factors, namely: the level of information infrastructure, the presence or absence of modern logistics information systems, the level of technical and technological support of the production process, the level of automation and mechanization of production processes. fuel, terms of supply, presence or absence of qualified logistics specialists, state of logistics infrastructure, level of development of national and regional institutional infrastructure, level of transport and road infrastructure, presence or absence of automated and mechanized transport equipment, level of national and regional market infrastructure, state of banking system of Ukraine, the number of logistics companies in the logistics market of Ukraine, the level of competitiveness of products and logistics services, the level of material base of the enterprise, etc. The most significant factors of external influence on the quality management of logistics activities of the enterprise are identified, among which are the following: political and legal factors and geo-market or physical factors. During 2019, due to the spread of the acute respiratory disease COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, countries began to close their borders and shut down businesses, as well as restrict transportation both internationally and interregionally. This has led to a significant reduction in the level of road haulage in 2020 compared to the previous year. The volume of freight traffic in 2020 to 2019 decreased from 190041.19 thousand tons to 151920.35 thousand tons and accounted for 20%.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СМИСЛОВОЇ СФЕРИ МАЙБУТНІХ ФАХІВЦІВ ЛОГІСТИЧНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ, ОРІЄНОВАНИХ НА ОСОБИСТІСНЕ ЗРОСТАННЯ

The article shows the results of research of the sense sphere of cadets (participants in hostilities) focused on personal growth. In recent years of armed confrontation, attention has been paid to the importance of personal growth as a positive consequence of trails. The study of professional standard and moral ideal as a model is especially important in difficult times. The purpose of this article is to identify cadets focused on personal growth and study the impact of their semantic sphere on the communicative and organizational features in the pedagogical process of higher education. The object of the study was the semantic sphere of future logistics specialists (participants in hostilities). The subject of the study is the influence of the peculiarities of the semantic sphere of cadets – participants in hostilities, future officers, characterized by personal growth, on their communicative and organizational features in the pedagogical process of higher military education institutions. 120 servicemen were examined. Feature of the sample is that all study participants are focused on personal growth. It is important that the subjects were representatives of the socionomic profession, dealing with people and technology. Semantic constructs allow us to understand the achievements in the development of the semantic sphere of future officers. There is a positive statistically significant correlation (r=0.720 at p≤0.01) between the level of development of communicative and organizational features cadets focused on personal growth in higher military education institutions and the peculiarities of the semantic sphere of future officers. The content of semantic constructs of participants in hostilities (cadets logistics specialists) is received. Keywords: personal growth, semantic constructs, cadets, communicative and organizational features, logistics specialists.

"Cuba's Medical Team in the European Epicenter of COVID-19: Carlos R. Pérez-Díaz MD MS PhD Director, Joaquín Albarrán Provincial Clinical-Surgical Hospital, Havana Henry Reeve Medical Contingent Leader, Lombardy, Italy".

On March 23, 2020, Cuba's Henry Reeve Emergency Medical Contingent began treating COVID-19 patients at Maggiore Hospital in Crema, Lombardy. Within days, the 52-member contingent comprised of 36 doctors and 15 nurses (plus 1 logistics specialist), together with Italian colleagues, were receiving patients in an adjacent fi eld hospital established and equipped for this purpose. At the time, Lombardy was the epicenter of COVID-19 transmission in Europe. Many of the Cubans in Lombardy were Contingent veterans, having served in postdisaster and epidemic scenarios in Chile, Pakistan, Haiti and elsewhere since the founding of the emergency medical team in 2005. Importantly, some had worked fi ghting the 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Even so, providing medical care during COVID-19 is a unique challenge, the likes of which had never before been seen by the Cuban team. Dr Carlos R. Pérez-Díaz, one of the Contingent's founding members, headed the team during its 60-day rotation in Lombardy, drawing on a wide array of professional experience. From 2006 to 2009, Dr Pérez-Díaz led the Cuban team posted at the Peltier Hospital in Djibouti, where he worked in the infectious disease department; in 2008, this team helped control a cholera outbreak that had spread to three countries. Following the 2010 earthquake in Chile, Dr Pérez-Díaz headed the team of Henry Reeve volunteers that provided free health services for 10 months in a tent hospital established to treat victims; he returned to Chile in 2015, again as head of the Henry Reeve Contingent, after severe fl ooding struck the Atacama region.