Deciding between cash-based and in-kind distributions during humanitarian emergencies

IF 3.2 Q2 MANAGEMENT

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management Pub Date : 2021-02-23 DOI:10.1108/JHLSCM-07-2020-0060

Jorge García Castillo

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引用次数: 9

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical model to decide between cash-based and in-kind distributions during emergency responses considering the needs of beneficiaries and market conditions. To allow the switch between modalities, a preparedness framework for humanitarian organizations (HOs) is provided.Design/methodology/approachA mathematical model is proposed to help humanitarian responders make quantitative decisions on the type of programs to implement in emergency responses. The model was applied to a field response by an international HO during the COVID-19 emergency in Colombia.FindingsCash-based and in-kind distributions are not mutually exclusive response modalities during emergencies, and the real needs of beneficiaries and market effects should be included in the modality selection decision to improve program effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is focused on short-term immediate response to emergencies; the proposed model assumes favorable market conditions and limits the aid options to direct in-kind and multipurpose cash assistance, excluding other types of cash transfers.Practical implicationsThe research outlines practical preconditions to operationalize switching between programs during an emergency. The study provides evidence that HOs should consider dynamics decision tools to select aid modalities and evaluate their response depending on market conditions.Social implicationsConsidering aid modality as a dynamic decision and including the needs from beneficiaries in the choice can have profound impact in the dignifying of humanitarian response to emergencies.Originality/valueThe quantitative model to decide between aid modalities is a novel approach to include beneficiaries' needs and market dynamics into humanitarian supply chain research. The preparedness framework closes the gap between the emergency preparedness literature and the operational constraints that organizations face for fast program implementation.

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在人道主义紧急情况下决定现金分配和实物分配

目的本文的目的是提供一个分析模型，在考虑受益人的需求和市场条件的情况下，在应急响应期间决定现金分配和实物分配。为了能够在模式之间切换，为人道主义组织提供了一个准备框架。设计/方法/方法提出了一个数学模型，以帮助人道主义救援人员对应急响应中实施的计划类型做出定量决策。该模型应用于国际HO在哥伦比亚新冠肺炎紧急情况下的现场响应。在紧急情况下，基于现金和实物的分发不是互斥的响应模式，应将受益人的真实需求和市场影响纳入模式选择决策，以提高计划的有效性。研究局限性/影响研究侧重于对紧急情况的短期即时反应；所提出的模型假设了有利的市场条件，并将援助选项限制为直接实物和多用途现金援助，不包括其他类型的现金转移。实际含义该研究概述了在紧急情况下在项目之间进行切换的实际前提条件。这项研究提供了证据，证明HO应考虑动态决策工具来选择援助模式，并根据市场条件评估其反应。社会影响将援助方式视为一个动态的决定，并将受益人的需求纳入选择中，可以对人道主义应急措施的尊严产生深远影响。独创性/价值决定援助模式的定量模型是一种将受益人的需求和市场动态纳入人道主义供应链研究的新方法。应急准备框架弥补了应急准备文献与组织在快速实施计划方面面临的操作限制之间的差距。

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来源期刊

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management MANAGEMENT-

CiteScore

6.40

自引率

20.00%

发文量

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.