An integrated approach to agility in humanitarian logistics. Issue 2 (3rd August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: L'Hermitte, Cécile; Bowles, Marcus; Tatham, Peter; Brooks, Ben
• Is Part Of: Journal of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management. Volume 5:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 233
• Publication Date: 2015-08-03
• Subjects: Humanitarian assistance -- Management -- Periodicals; Emergency management -- Periodicals; Disaster relief -- Periodicals; Business logistics -- Periodicals; 361.26
• DOI: 10.1108/JHLSCM-04-2014-0016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-6747

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this paper is to propose first, a comprehensive model of the concept of agility in a humanitarian logistics context, and second, to generate a research agenda to test and operationalise this model. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – The paper draws on the dynamic capabilities model originated by Teece and uses a topical literature review of research in various business disciplines in order to reflect on the concept of agility in a humanitarian logistics context, to demonstrate that its current scope needs to be widened, and to propose an alternative approach. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – The proposed model extends the existing concept of agility in a humanitarian logistics context by integrating agility drivers, responsive and flexible operations, agility enablers, and strategic level agility capabilities into a single model. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Research limitations/implications</title> <p> – Further research should focus on the nature of the risks/uncertainties encountered by humanitarian organisations, the interactions between the strategic and operational levels of such an organisation, and the impact of strategic level agility capabilities on field responsiveness and flexibility. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – This paper brings new insights into the concept of agility in a humanitarian logistics context and contributes a model that reflects a more comprehensive understanding of this concept. In particular, it demonstrates that agility stems from strategic decisions and managerial practices.</p> </sec> </abstract>