Mathematical models and information systems in humanitarian supply chain management: a systematic literature review

Abstract

In the past decade humanitarian supply chain (HSC) has attracted attention of researchers due to increasing frequency of disasters. The factor of unpredictability and complexity in the occurrence of disasters, demands some better measures in order to reduce losses both human and economic. Viewing this need the field of HSC has been served with diverse nature of mathematical techniques and information systems that has played important role to overcome problems encountered in the planning of different phases of disaster. Mathematical models enable us to exploit limited resources in an efficient manner while information systems enable us to make timely decisions by providing access to real time information. This variety of research work in the field of HSC is motivating the need of a systematic literature. So, viewing the need this paper presents the review of the mathematical contributions made in last decade and information systems being used in HSC. A systematic literature review methodology has been used for this paper. There are goals to write this paper. First, to conduct an up-to-date survey of mathematical models and information systems being utilized in HSC and the second one to highlight the potential research areas which require attention of researchers.