Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management

Designing a Resilient Humanitarian Supply Chain Network with an Integrated Configuration of Supply and Distribution Strategies

Document Type : Research/ Original/ Regular Article

Author
Management and Industrial Engineering Department, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology
Abstract
In crisis situations, the effective design of humanitarian supply chain is crucial due to the critical nature of relief items, limited resources, and the need for rapid response and high resilience. This study proposes a mixed-integer programming model for designing a humanitarian supply network aimed at maximizing economic efficiency, where strategic decisions regarding facility location, allocation, and flow of essential items are integrated. To address uncertainties in key parameters and operational conditions, a scenario-based robust optimization approach is employed, ensuring the stability and reliability of decisions under varying crisis scenarios. The model is implemented and solved using GAMS, with input data generated from realistic hypothetical crisis scenarios. Sensitivity analysis is also conducted to evaluate the model’s response to changes in critical parameters. Results indicate that the proposed model not only enhances the economic performance of the network but also improves flexibility and reduces the vulnerability of the humanitarian supply chain, providing a practical tool for strategic decision-making in crisis management.
Keywords
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 September 2026

  • Receive Date 06 August 2025
  • Revise Date 21 September 2026
  • Accept Date 28 September 2026
  • Publish Date 28 September 2026