The influence of information and communication technologies on disaster relief operations: a case of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe

IF 3.2 Q2 MANAGEMENT
F. Chari, Cawe Novukela
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose There has been an avalanche of global natural disasters in recent times. In recent years approximately 210 million people were affected, an estimated economic cost of US$153bn was incurred and 68,000 deaths were recorded. This was a work up call that made it imperative for humanitarian actors to impetuously adopt information and communication technologies (ICTs) to timeously assist affected populations in disaster prevention, mitigation response and recovery However, the use of ICTs in the humanitarian field is still at its infancy in most third world countries. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the utilization of ICTs in humanitarian relief operations associated with Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe. Design/methodology/approach Using a pragmatic approach, the study gathered data using semistructured questionnaires that were triangulated with interviews of humanitarian staff that were involved in Cyclone Idai relief efforts. Findings An observed suboptimal utilization of ICTs was further disadvantaged by the inequitable distribution of communication infrastructure. However, despite the suboptimal usage, there was a significant positive influence of ICT adoption on effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility in humanitarian relief operations. Originality/value Optimal use of ICTs has the potential to revolutionize humanitarian supply chain management. A smooth transition to new technologies is recommended in which personnel are given professional development opportunities on a regular basis.
信息和通信技术对救灾行动的影响:以津巴布韦的伊代气旋为例
目的近年来,全球发生了雪崩式的自然灾害。近年来,约有2.1亿人受到影响,估计造成1530亿美元的经济损失,68000人死亡。这是一项工作呼吁,使人道主义行为者必须迅速采用信息和通信技术,及时帮助受灾人口进行防灾、减灾和恢复。然而,在大多数第三世界国家,在人道主义领域使用信息和通信技术仍处于初级阶段。因此,本研究的目的是评估信息和通信技术在津巴布韦与“伊代”气旋相关的人道主义救援行动中的利用情况。设计/方法/方法本研究采用务实的方法,使用半结构化问卷收集数据,该问卷与参与“伊代气旋”救援工作的人道主义工作人员的访谈进行了三角测量。调查结果一个观察到的信息和通信技术的次优利用由于通信基础设施的不公平分配而进一步处于不利地位。然而,尽管使用情况并不理想,但信息和通信技术的采用对人道主义救济行动的有效性、效率和灵活性产生了重大的积极影响。独创性/价值信通技术的最佳利用有可能彻底改变人道主义供应链管理。建议向新技术平稳过渡,定期为人员提供专业发展机会。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
6.40
自引率
20.00%
发文量
20
期刊介绍: The Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (JHLSCM) is targeted at academics and practitioners in humanitarian public and private sector organizations working on all aspects of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management. The journal promotes the exchange of knowledge, experience and new ideas between researchers and practitioners and encourages a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional approach to the resolution of problems and exploitations of opportunities within humanitarian supply chains. Contributions are encouraged from diverse disciplines (logistics, operations management, process engineering, health care, geography, management science, information technology, ethics, corporate social responsibility, disaster management, development aid, public policy) but need to have a logistics and/or supply chain focus. JHLSCM publishes state of the art research, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, in the field of humanitarian and development aid logistics and supply chain management.
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