Purpose Modern slavery is a humanitarian problem that affects global supply chains. Given the inc... more Purpose Modern slavery is a humanitarian problem that affects global supply chains. Given the increasing pressures from legislature, consumers and investors, firms have a growing interest in eliminating forced labor and modern slavery from their supply chains. However, the impact of modern slavery on firm performance has not been shown before. This paper aims to investigate the impact of modern slavery allegations on companies’ operational performance. It also looks at the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts with respect to modern slavery. Design/methodology/approach The authors collect news articles on modern slavery in the global supply chains. The authors use an event study and use a robust matching method to measure the operational impact of modern slavery allegations. The authors also analyze the effects of media coverage and CSR practices on the relationship between allegations and firm performance. Findings The results show that modern slavery allegations do have a negative impact on performance, but this impact does not last long. The authors also show that strong CSR practices help firms mitigate the negative effect of these allegations. Research limitations/implications Because the issue is hidden, as a result limited data, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to retest the proposed propositions in the future. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the development of socially responsible supply chains and financial impact. Originality/value This paper presents the first empirical research investigating the impact of modern slavery allegations on companies’ operational performance.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as usual around the globe. Efforts to control the spread of ... more The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as usual around the globe. Efforts to control the spread of the virus with lockdowns and border closures pushed millions of people into food and social insecurity. Most research on humanitarian organizations have been dominated by the uncertainty and urgency of disaster response operations. However, some humanitarian organizations also operate in long-term continuous aid programs where efficiency is the key goal. We analyzed the operations of food banks in the Feeding America network and The Salvation Army USA, and found them to be ambidextrous organizations. The ambidextrous humanitarian organizations like food banks and Salvation Army, focus on long-term continuous aid programs, specifically pertaining to the sustenance of the communities they serve, but also play a key part as first responders or as local agencies aiding in disaster relief and response. We propose a framework to analyze disaster, development, and sustenance aid supply chains, and identify future research opportunities.
Humanitarian organizations work diligently to save lives using scarce resources, competing for do... more Humanitarian organizations work diligently to save lives using scarce resources, competing for donor money, and operating in complex environments. It is no surprise that they need information to effectively execute their task. As there have been tremendous developments in data analytics it is imperative that the domain of humanitarian supply chain management leverage the benefits offered by the advancement of big data. In this study, we have conducted a systematic literature review in the field of big data and humanitarian supply chain. The data was collected using Scopus which is the largest digital database. After careful screening, only 28 journal papers were selected for literature review. These papers have been classified and grouped into various categorizations. Future research directions in this field have been suggested that are based on various organizational theories. Keywords Big data • Humanitarian supply chain • Literature review 1 Introduction Disasters have taken place on innumerable counts and have caused severe damage to nature and civilization (Starr and Van Wassenhove 2014). In 2015, 160 disasters had struck Asia-B Zongwei Luo
The COVID-19 global health crisis forced border closings, strained resources and tightened fundin... more The COVID-19 global health crisis forced border closings, strained resources and tightened funding, forcing humanitarian organisations to innovate. This paper aims to identify gaps in the literature on innovation in humanitarian supply chains, and to develop an appropriate framework for future research through a systematic literature review. We use a systematic literature review approach and synthesis the discussion of innovation in humanitarian supply chains after reviewing 43 papers. The synthesis identifies the different contexts for and outcomes of innovation in humanitarian supply chains. Our findings indicate that research on innovation in humanitarian supply chains is an underdeveloped topic. Gaps we identified in regards to the humanitarian context are: (1) a limited discussion of the contribution by the beneficiary to the supply chain; (2) a limited discussion of reconstruction innovations; (3) a lack of study on field application for complex innovations; (4) the lack of discussion of the role of individual knowledge in humanitarian supply chain innovation and finally (5) a lack of study of position innovations where humanitarian organisations use supply chains as a way to market effectively towards donors.
Spanish flu that killed millions about 100 years ago. The redundancies built for the sake of resi... more Spanish flu that killed millions about 100 years ago. The redundancies built for the sake of resilience (Melnyk et al. 2010; Ambulkar et al. 2015; Ivanov et al. 2017) seemed inadequate in the face of the pandemic. Even large corporations with well-rounded risk management perspectives (Tomlin 2006), can have mixed results after two years of dealing with COVID-19. According to Fortune Magazine (Fortune 2020) 94% of the Fortune 1000 companies have been negatively affected from the pandemic, while survey data from 11,000 firms from 28 countries show that some firms adapted to the environment created by COVID-19 better than others (Krammer 2022). During the COVID-19 pandemic many organizations have struggled to stay afloat, with six times more companies experiencing disruptions than usual (BCI 2021). In a March 2020 survey, 95% of companies surveyed reported supply chain problems due to the pandemic (ISM 2020). Yet some businesses are doing better than before, even flourishing under the current situation (Sneader and Sternfels 2020). We are motivated by this contrast. In order to understand this phenomenon, we adopt a broad supply chain view, and using that lens analyze the actions of various organizations Raktim Pal
International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 2022
PurposeIn this research, the authors apply artificial neural networks (ANNs) to uncover non-linea... more PurposeIn this research, the authors apply artificial neural networks (ANNs) to uncover non-linear relationships among factors that influence the productivity of ragpickers in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachA broad long-term action research program provides a means to shape the research question and posit relevant factors, whereas ANNs capture the true underlying non-linear relationships. ANN models the relationships between four independent variables and three forms of waste value chains without assuming any distributional forms. The authors apply bootstrapping in conjunction with ANNs.FindingsThe authors identify four elements that influence ragpickers’ productivity: receptiveness to non-governmental organizations, literacy, the deployment of proper equipment/technology and group size.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides a unique way to analyze bottom of the pyramid (BoP) operations via ANNs.Social implicationsThis study provides a road map to help r...
International Journal of Production Economics, 2021
Abstract In this paper, we address the problem of designing/redesigning a resilient retail supply... more Abstract In this paper, we address the problem of designing/redesigning a resilient retail supply chain network under uncertainty. Considering pre- and post-disruption scenarios, this study proposes a two-stage stochastic optimization framework with multiple resilience strategies for designing a resilient retail supply chain. We consider facility fortification, inventory prepositioning, direct-to-store delivery, reserved capacity, inventory sharing and multiple set covering as our resilience strategies, covering all the three dimensions of resilience capabilities, namely, proactive, reactive, and network design quality. Taking into account the prominent role of retail outlets during Covid-19 epidemic outbreaks, through a real case study, we evaluate the impact of random and targeted disruptions on the performance of the retail supply chain network and provide managerial insights regarding the right balance between cost efficiency and resilience. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness of these resilience capabilities in a number of simulated scenarios to show their applicability and importance under different disruptive situations. We show that when implemented concurrently, these resilience capabilities have a synergistic effect where the whole becomes larger than the sum of its parts. Subject to extensive stress testing, our results show that using any mixture of these resilience capabilities increases the retail network's resilience while considerably decreasing post-disruption costs.
Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: successful students will demonstrate an u... more Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: successful students will demonstrate an understanding of challenges in producing and delivering a product in emerging economies; they will be able to analyze the tradeoffs in operational decisions of a social enterprise; and students will apply supply chain principles to solve social and environmental challenges. Case overview/synopsis Carbon Roots International is a social enterprise in Haiti producing and selling charcoal from sugar cane waste. Their operational challenge is designing a supply chain, which enables them to accomplish their social goals while building a profitable enterprise. Complexity academic level This case can be used in graduate operations management and supply chain management courses. The company in the case is a social enterprise. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and Logistics
The Palgrave Handbook of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2017
Coordination in humanitarian relief supply chains has been identified as a key issue in the succe... more Coordination in humanitarian relief supply chains has been identified as a key issue in the success of humanitarian response to disasters. However, the mechanisms that make coordination happen are not well understood. In this chapter, we attempt to develop a conceptual model for coordination in humanitarian relief supply chains. Our model sheds light onto the relationships between the drivers of coordination. Additionally, we introduce a methodology little known to humanitarian researchers. Total interpretive structural modeling is a hybrid approach that converts qualitative inputs into quantitative data in order to identify the directional links and relationships between constructs. The findings of our study on coordination will advance the humanitarian relief chain literature and offer insights to practitioners and policy makers..
In this paper, we apply project management concepts and frameworks to the context of disaster res... more In this paper, we apply project management concepts and frameworks to the context of disaster resilience and examine how groups can increase the disaster resilience of a community. Based on our literature review and case study methodology, we develop a model that draws upon the relevant literatures in project management, operations management, disaster management, and organizational behaviour; we then compare that model with 12 disaster-related cases supported by four Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India. Our model measures disaster resilience using both an encompassing measure we refer to as Total Cost to Community (TCC) that captures the interrelatedness of level of recovery (deliverables), speed of recovery (time), and loss minimization (cost) at a community group level, as well as through learning (single domain or alternate domain). The model indicates that the external elements of the disaster management process (scale, goal complexity, immediacy, and stakeholder variance) influence the internal characteristics of disaster project management (information demands and uncertainty), which in turn influence disaster resilience. The level of community group processes (group strength, group continuity, and group capacity) also influences learning, both directly and indirectly, through internal characteristics of project management. In addition, the relationship between the external elements of disaster recovery and the internal characteristics of disaster project management is moderated by resources available. This model provides interesting new avenues for future theory and research, such as creating operations research models to identify the trigger points for groups becoming effective and exploring the quantification of TCC, a new construct developed in this research. Ultimately, this model can provide a roadmap for NGOs and government entities B Sameer Prasad
International Journal of Production Economics, 2018
Supplier selection is a multi-faceted strategic decision but there is no research that considers ... more Supplier selection is a multi-faceted strategic decision but there is no research that considers factors like sustainability and risk, simultaneously. Moreover, when selection criteria are subjective and require decision makers' judgment, and each candidate supplier dominates a separate selection criterion, the decision-making process becomes more complex and traditional DEA models cannot differentiate between potential candidates. In this paper, we propose a multi-method approach based on quantitative empirical investigations, and analytical modeling. We utilize interval type-2 fuzzy sets to quantify decision makers' inputs and propose an extended super-efficiency DEA model, which includes both desirable and undesirable inputs and outputs to evaluate suppliers. This approach simultaneously incorporates sustainability and suppliers' risk factors into the supplier selection problem. The model is developed for both risk-neutral and risk-averse decision-makers. The efficiency and applicability of the proposed framework is demonstrated through a real case. Results show that considering sustainability criteria or risk factors separately results in inappropriate decisions.
The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a theoretical framework to explain resilience in... more The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a theoretical framework to explain resilience in supply chain networks for sustainability using unstructured Big Data, based upon 36,422 items gathered in the form of tweets, news, Facebook, WordPress, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube, and structured data, via responses from 205 managers involved in disaster relief activities in the aftermath of Nepal earthquake in 2015. The paper uses Big Data analysis, followed by a survey which was analyzed using content analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results of the analysis suggest that swift trust, information sharing and public-private partnership are critical enablers of resilience in supply chain networks. The current study used cross-sectional data. However the hypotheses of the study can be tested using longitudinal data to attempt to establish causality. The article advances the literature on resilience in disaster supply chain networks for sustainability in that (i) it suggests the use of Big Data analysis to propose and test particular frameworks in the context of resilient supply chains that enable sustainability; (ii) it argues that swift trust, public private partnerships, and quality information sharing link to resilience in supply chain networks; and (iii) it uses the context of Nepal, at the moment of the disaster relief activities to provide contemporaneous perceptions of the phenomenon as it takes place.
Purpose– At a time when the number and seriousness of disasters seems to be increasing, humanitar... more Purpose– At a time when the number and seriousness of disasters seems to be increasing, humanitarian organizations find that besides their challenging work they are faced with problems caused by a high level of turnover of staff. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– Based on the 24 variables leading to employee turnover identified by Cotton and Tuttle (1986) the authors analyse the work-related, external and personal factors affecting employee turnover in humanitarian organizations, using a survey of members of the Indian National Institute of Disaster Management.Findings– Results indicated that the three factors are present. Of the external factors, only employment perception had a factor loading over 0.7; of the work-related factors, all were significant; of the personal factors, biographical information, marital status, number of dependants, aptitude and ability and intelligence had the highest loadings. It was also shown that behavioural intentions...
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2016
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes in perceptions and actions take... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes in perceptions and actions taken on post-disaster entrepreneurial opportunities. Design/methodology/approach – Utilizing worldwide data on natural disasters (EMDAT) and entrepreneurial perceptions (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)), the authors apply analysis of covariance to compare entrepreneurial opportunity perceptions and actions before and after a disaster took place. Findings – The study found that natural disasters have a significant and positive impact on entrepreneurial opportunity perceptions and actions but not on perceptions of self-efficacy, fear of failure and entrepreneurial intentions. Research limitations implications – One limitation of the study is the use of the secondary data. While the GEM data as well as the EMDAT data are country specific, disasters usually have a direct impact on a region of a country rather than affecting the whole country’s behavior. Practical implications – The result...
International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, 2016
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
The basis for this article is an information‐processing view of the UN's cluster approach. We... more The basis for this article is an information‐processing view of the UN's cluster approach. We use agent‐based modeling and simulations to show that clusters, if properly utilized, encourage better information flow and thus facilitate effective response to disasters. The article intends to turn the attention of the humanitarian community to the importance of sharing information and the role of cluster leads in facilitating humanitarian aid. Our results indicate that if cluster leads act as information hubs, information reaches its target faster, enabling a prompt humanitarian response. In addition, we show that information quality is critical for effective resource utilization—if cluster leads filter information, it moves faster. We also found evidence that the willingness to exchange information plays a larger role in transmitting information than that of an information hub, particularly during later stages of response operations.
Purpose Modern slavery is a humanitarian problem that affects global supply chains. Given the inc... more Purpose Modern slavery is a humanitarian problem that affects global supply chains. Given the increasing pressures from legislature, consumers and investors, firms have a growing interest in eliminating forced labor and modern slavery from their supply chains. However, the impact of modern slavery on firm performance has not been shown before. This paper aims to investigate the impact of modern slavery allegations on companies’ operational performance. It also looks at the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts with respect to modern slavery. Design/methodology/approach The authors collect news articles on modern slavery in the global supply chains. The authors use an event study and use a robust matching method to measure the operational impact of modern slavery allegations. The authors also analyze the effects of media coverage and CSR practices on the relationship between allegations and firm performance. Findings The results show that modern slavery allegations do have a negative impact on performance, but this impact does not last long. The authors also show that strong CSR practices help firms mitigate the negative effect of these allegations. Research limitations/implications Because the issue is hidden, as a result limited data, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to retest the proposed propositions in the future. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the development of socially responsible supply chains and financial impact. Originality/value This paper presents the first empirical research investigating the impact of modern slavery allegations on companies’ operational performance.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as usual around the globe. Efforts to control the spread of ... more The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as usual around the globe. Efforts to control the spread of the virus with lockdowns and border closures pushed millions of people into food and social insecurity. Most research on humanitarian organizations have been dominated by the uncertainty and urgency of disaster response operations. However, some humanitarian organizations also operate in long-term continuous aid programs where efficiency is the key goal. We analyzed the operations of food banks in the Feeding America network and The Salvation Army USA, and found them to be ambidextrous organizations. The ambidextrous humanitarian organizations like food banks and Salvation Army, focus on long-term continuous aid programs, specifically pertaining to the sustenance of the communities they serve, but also play a key part as first responders or as local agencies aiding in disaster relief and response. We propose a framework to analyze disaster, development, and sustenance aid supply chains, and identify future research opportunities.
Humanitarian organizations work diligently to save lives using scarce resources, competing for do... more Humanitarian organizations work diligently to save lives using scarce resources, competing for donor money, and operating in complex environments. It is no surprise that they need information to effectively execute their task. As there have been tremendous developments in data analytics it is imperative that the domain of humanitarian supply chain management leverage the benefits offered by the advancement of big data. In this study, we have conducted a systematic literature review in the field of big data and humanitarian supply chain. The data was collected using Scopus which is the largest digital database. After careful screening, only 28 journal papers were selected for literature review. These papers have been classified and grouped into various categorizations. Future research directions in this field have been suggested that are based on various organizational theories. Keywords Big data • Humanitarian supply chain • Literature review 1 Introduction Disasters have taken place on innumerable counts and have caused severe damage to nature and civilization (Starr and Van Wassenhove 2014). In 2015, 160 disasters had struck Asia-B Zongwei Luo
The COVID-19 global health crisis forced border closings, strained resources and tightened fundin... more The COVID-19 global health crisis forced border closings, strained resources and tightened funding, forcing humanitarian organisations to innovate. This paper aims to identify gaps in the literature on innovation in humanitarian supply chains, and to develop an appropriate framework for future research through a systematic literature review. We use a systematic literature review approach and synthesis the discussion of innovation in humanitarian supply chains after reviewing 43 papers. The synthesis identifies the different contexts for and outcomes of innovation in humanitarian supply chains. Our findings indicate that research on innovation in humanitarian supply chains is an underdeveloped topic. Gaps we identified in regards to the humanitarian context are: (1) a limited discussion of the contribution by the beneficiary to the supply chain; (2) a limited discussion of reconstruction innovations; (3) a lack of study on field application for complex innovations; (4) the lack of discussion of the role of individual knowledge in humanitarian supply chain innovation and finally (5) a lack of study of position innovations where humanitarian organisations use supply chains as a way to market effectively towards donors.
Spanish flu that killed millions about 100 years ago. The redundancies built for the sake of resi... more Spanish flu that killed millions about 100 years ago. The redundancies built for the sake of resilience (Melnyk et al. 2010; Ambulkar et al. 2015; Ivanov et al. 2017) seemed inadequate in the face of the pandemic. Even large corporations with well-rounded risk management perspectives (Tomlin 2006), can have mixed results after two years of dealing with COVID-19. According to Fortune Magazine (Fortune 2020) 94% of the Fortune 1000 companies have been negatively affected from the pandemic, while survey data from 11,000 firms from 28 countries show that some firms adapted to the environment created by COVID-19 better than others (Krammer 2022). During the COVID-19 pandemic many organizations have struggled to stay afloat, with six times more companies experiencing disruptions than usual (BCI 2021). In a March 2020 survey, 95% of companies surveyed reported supply chain problems due to the pandemic (ISM 2020). Yet some businesses are doing better than before, even flourishing under the current situation (Sneader and Sternfels 2020). We are motivated by this contrast. In order to understand this phenomenon, we adopt a broad supply chain view, and using that lens analyze the actions of various organizations Raktim Pal
International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 2022
PurposeIn this research, the authors apply artificial neural networks (ANNs) to uncover non-linea... more PurposeIn this research, the authors apply artificial neural networks (ANNs) to uncover non-linear relationships among factors that influence the productivity of ragpickers in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachA broad long-term action research program provides a means to shape the research question and posit relevant factors, whereas ANNs capture the true underlying non-linear relationships. ANN models the relationships between four independent variables and three forms of waste value chains without assuming any distributional forms. The authors apply bootstrapping in conjunction with ANNs.FindingsThe authors identify four elements that influence ragpickers’ productivity: receptiveness to non-governmental organizations, literacy, the deployment of proper equipment/technology and group size.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides a unique way to analyze bottom of the pyramid (BoP) operations via ANNs.Social implicationsThis study provides a road map to help r...
International Journal of Production Economics, 2021
Abstract In this paper, we address the problem of designing/redesigning a resilient retail supply... more Abstract In this paper, we address the problem of designing/redesigning a resilient retail supply chain network under uncertainty. Considering pre- and post-disruption scenarios, this study proposes a two-stage stochastic optimization framework with multiple resilience strategies for designing a resilient retail supply chain. We consider facility fortification, inventory prepositioning, direct-to-store delivery, reserved capacity, inventory sharing and multiple set covering as our resilience strategies, covering all the three dimensions of resilience capabilities, namely, proactive, reactive, and network design quality. Taking into account the prominent role of retail outlets during Covid-19 epidemic outbreaks, through a real case study, we evaluate the impact of random and targeted disruptions on the performance of the retail supply chain network and provide managerial insights regarding the right balance between cost efficiency and resilience. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness of these resilience capabilities in a number of simulated scenarios to show their applicability and importance under different disruptive situations. We show that when implemented concurrently, these resilience capabilities have a synergistic effect where the whole becomes larger than the sum of its parts. Subject to extensive stress testing, our results show that using any mixture of these resilience capabilities increases the retail network's resilience while considerably decreasing post-disruption costs.
Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: successful students will demonstrate an u... more Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: successful students will demonstrate an understanding of challenges in producing and delivering a product in emerging economies; they will be able to analyze the tradeoffs in operational decisions of a social enterprise; and students will apply supply chain principles to solve social and environmental challenges. Case overview/synopsis Carbon Roots International is a social enterprise in Haiti producing and selling charcoal from sugar cane waste. Their operational challenge is designing a supply chain, which enables them to accomplish their social goals while building a profitable enterprise. Complexity academic level This case can be used in graduate operations management and supply chain management courses. The company in the case is a social enterprise. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and Logistics
The Palgrave Handbook of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2017
Coordination in humanitarian relief supply chains has been identified as a key issue in the succe... more Coordination in humanitarian relief supply chains has been identified as a key issue in the success of humanitarian response to disasters. However, the mechanisms that make coordination happen are not well understood. In this chapter, we attempt to develop a conceptual model for coordination in humanitarian relief supply chains. Our model sheds light onto the relationships between the drivers of coordination. Additionally, we introduce a methodology little known to humanitarian researchers. Total interpretive structural modeling is a hybrid approach that converts qualitative inputs into quantitative data in order to identify the directional links and relationships between constructs. The findings of our study on coordination will advance the humanitarian relief chain literature and offer insights to practitioners and policy makers..
In this paper, we apply project management concepts and frameworks to the context of disaster res... more In this paper, we apply project management concepts and frameworks to the context of disaster resilience and examine how groups can increase the disaster resilience of a community. Based on our literature review and case study methodology, we develop a model that draws upon the relevant literatures in project management, operations management, disaster management, and organizational behaviour; we then compare that model with 12 disaster-related cases supported by four Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India. Our model measures disaster resilience using both an encompassing measure we refer to as Total Cost to Community (TCC) that captures the interrelatedness of level of recovery (deliverables), speed of recovery (time), and loss minimization (cost) at a community group level, as well as through learning (single domain or alternate domain). The model indicates that the external elements of the disaster management process (scale, goal complexity, immediacy, and stakeholder variance) influence the internal characteristics of disaster project management (information demands and uncertainty), which in turn influence disaster resilience. The level of community group processes (group strength, group continuity, and group capacity) also influences learning, both directly and indirectly, through internal characteristics of project management. In addition, the relationship between the external elements of disaster recovery and the internal characteristics of disaster project management is moderated by resources available. This model provides interesting new avenues for future theory and research, such as creating operations research models to identify the trigger points for groups becoming effective and exploring the quantification of TCC, a new construct developed in this research. Ultimately, this model can provide a roadmap for NGOs and government entities B Sameer Prasad
International Journal of Production Economics, 2018
Supplier selection is a multi-faceted strategic decision but there is no research that considers ... more Supplier selection is a multi-faceted strategic decision but there is no research that considers factors like sustainability and risk, simultaneously. Moreover, when selection criteria are subjective and require decision makers' judgment, and each candidate supplier dominates a separate selection criterion, the decision-making process becomes more complex and traditional DEA models cannot differentiate between potential candidates. In this paper, we propose a multi-method approach based on quantitative empirical investigations, and analytical modeling. We utilize interval type-2 fuzzy sets to quantify decision makers' inputs and propose an extended super-efficiency DEA model, which includes both desirable and undesirable inputs and outputs to evaluate suppliers. This approach simultaneously incorporates sustainability and suppliers' risk factors into the supplier selection problem. The model is developed for both risk-neutral and risk-averse decision-makers. The efficiency and applicability of the proposed framework is demonstrated through a real case. Results show that considering sustainability criteria or risk factors separately results in inappropriate decisions.
The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a theoretical framework to explain resilience in... more The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a theoretical framework to explain resilience in supply chain networks for sustainability using unstructured Big Data, based upon 36,422 items gathered in the form of tweets, news, Facebook, WordPress, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube, and structured data, via responses from 205 managers involved in disaster relief activities in the aftermath of Nepal earthquake in 2015. The paper uses Big Data analysis, followed by a survey which was analyzed using content analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results of the analysis suggest that swift trust, information sharing and public-private partnership are critical enablers of resilience in supply chain networks. The current study used cross-sectional data. However the hypotheses of the study can be tested using longitudinal data to attempt to establish causality. The article advances the literature on resilience in disaster supply chain networks for sustainability in that (i) it suggests the use of Big Data analysis to propose and test particular frameworks in the context of resilient supply chains that enable sustainability; (ii) it argues that swift trust, public private partnerships, and quality information sharing link to resilience in supply chain networks; and (iii) it uses the context of Nepal, at the moment of the disaster relief activities to provide contemporaneous perceptions of the phenomenon as it takes place.
Purpose– At a time when the number and seriousness of disasters seems to be increasing, humanitar... more Purpose– At a time when the number and seriousness of disasters seems to be increasing, humanitarian organizations find that besides their challenging work they are faced with problems caused by a high level of turnover of staff. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– Based on the 24 variables leading to employee turnover identified by Cotton and Tuttle (1986) the authors analyse the work-related, external and personal factors affecting employee turnover in humanitarian organizations, using a survey of members of the Indian National Institute of Disaster Management.Findings– Results indicated that the three factors are present. Of the external factors, only employment perception had a factor loading over 0.7; of the work-related factors, all were significant; of the personal factors, biographical information, marital status, number of dependants, aptitude and ability and intelligence had the highest loadings. It was also shown that behavioural intentions...
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2016
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes in perceptions and actions take... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes in perceptions and actions taken on post-disaster entrepreneurial opportunities. Design/methodology/approach – Utilizing worldwide data on natural disasters (EMDAT) and entrepreneurial perceptions (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)), the authors apply analysis of covariance to compare entrepreneurial opportunity perceptions and actions before and after a disaster took place. Findings – The study found that natural disasters have a significant and positive impact on entrepreneurial opportunity perceptions and actions but not on perceptions of self-efficacy, fear of failure and entrepreneurial intentions. Research limitations implications – One limitation of the study is the use of the secondary data. While the GEM data as well as the EMDAT data are country specific, disasters usually have a direct impact on a region of a country rather than affecting the whole country’s behavior. Practical implications – The result...
International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, 2016
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
The basis for this article is an information‐processing view of the UN's cluster approach. We... more The basis for this article is an information‐processing view of the UN's cluster approach. We use agent‐based modeling and simulations to show that clusters, if properly utilized, encourage better information flow and thus facilitate effective response to disasters. The article intends to turn the attention of the humanitarian community to the importance of sharing information and the role of cluster leads in facilitating humanitarian aid. Our results indicate that if cluster leads act as information hubs, information reaches its target faster, enabling a prompt humanitarian response. In addition, we show that information quality is critical for effective resource utilization—if cluster leads filter information, it moves faster. We also found evidence that the willingness to exchange information plays a larger role in transmitting information than that of an information hub, particularly during later stages of response operations.
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Papers by Nezih Altay