A multi-objective approach in expanding the pre-positioning warehouse networks in humanitarian logistics

Abstract

In this study, we focus on the structure of the pre-positioning warehouse networks which have a great effect on the response to a disaster. We determine the pre-positioning warehouse network configuration of CARE International with a multi-objective approach using the recent decade data. In addition to the minimisation of the average response time of an item, we also consider the maximum response time and maximum water delivery time as additional objectives. After analysis of the non-dominated solutions, we conclude that CARE International should open a warehouse in Kenya and pre-position 39%-44% of all relief items other than tents to this location while starting to operate the Denmark warehouse instead of the Dubai warehouse. [Received: 20 March 2018; Revised: 12 September 2019; Accepted: 26 February 2020]