A research on purchasing relief supplies in disaster relief operations

Abstract

The immediate provision of adequate relief supplies is critical for effective and efficient disaster relief operation (DROs). Procurement of relief supplies is a fundamental and complex element of DROs that facilitates the provision of the necessary relief supplies. Unpredictable and uncertain disasters increase the complexity of relief supply procurement in DROs. This study presents a state-of-the-art and organized insights into the most recent literature on procurement of relief supplies in DROs. The study adopted a systematic method for the identification and analysis of existing literature in disaster relief supplies procurement. There is increasing scholarly research in the field. A good number of studies have focused on the primary activities of procurement. The study reveals the need for more empirical studies focused on procurement support activities in disaster relief operations. The study provides a better understanding of the relevance of procurement in disaster relief. Only refereed articles published in English language is within the boundary of this review. Other works such as Conference papers, book chapters were out of scope. Originality/Value: The study contributes to the growing literature and provides the groundwork for supplementary theoretical analysis of relief procurement.