Date of Graduation
8-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Industrial Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Ashela Milburn
Committee Member
Ed Pohl
Second Committee Member
Eric Specking
Keywords
Disaster Management;Disaster Relief Planning;Humanitarian Logistics;Qualitative Research
Abstract
A successful deployment of logistics operations following a disaster is a collective contribution of federal, state, and local entities to ascertain an efficient and effective response. This research analyzes data from interviews with disaster response logistics experts from these entities. The objective is to investigate the information sources and planning processes used in these organizations to plan vehicle routes for critical resource deliveries to impacted areas. Special attention is directed to the impacts of incomplete knowledge of infrastructure status, such as road disruptions due to debris or flooding. Supported by both qualitative and quantitative evidence, the study finds that incomplete knowledge of infrastructure status poses serious critical transportation risks such as delivery delays in disaster relief distribution. This research reveals both similarities and differences in logistical decision-making among these organization types and emphasizes the need for improved information sharing and coordination among emergency response organizations. The findings of this research are expected to guide future initiatives aimed at disaster relief routing thereby enhancing emergency response capabilities and outcomes.
Citation
Shefa, J. (2023). Characterizing Logistics Operations Within a Federal Staging Area for Hurricane Response: A Qualitative Analysis of Federal, State and Local Perspectives. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/4878