Volunteer Tasks Assignment in Humanitarian Supply Chain: A System Dynamics Perspective (T-0736) (MFN 6882)

Abstract

An increasing trend has been observed in natural disasters during recent decades resulting in significant human and infrastructural damage. This highlights the need of improvised humanitarian supply chain operations to support the victims of affected territories. In order to cope with challenges of natural and man-made disasters, the survival of humanitarian organizations is merely possible through effective response in emergency or disastrous event which asks for sufficient and resourceful preparation by the humanitarian organizations in advance. On the other hand, the subject of resource persons capable of providing volunteer services in emergency situation becomes very important. It leads to number of questions like, shortlisting of volunteers based on their reputation evaluation, experience level, skill, availability of volunteers etc. Exploring the relevant literature identifies optimized task assignment mechanism is mandatory to the success of disaster management. The proposed model is based on Systems Dynamics (SD) approach which devises a model for optimized task assignment to volunteers and improves the productivity of the whole team participating in the humanitarian supply chain