A SCOR framework to measure logistics performance of humanitarian organizations. Issue 2 (1st August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Qing; Goh, Mark; De Souza, Robert
• Editors: Altay, Nezih; Altay, Nezih
• Is Part Of: Journal of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management. Volume 6:Issue 2(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-08-01
• Subjects: Humanitarian assistance -- Management -- Periodicals; Emergency management -- Periodicals; Disaster relief -- Periodicals; Business logistics -- Periodicals; 361.26
• DOI: 10.1108/JHLSCM-09-2015-0038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-6747

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: In humanitarian logistics operations, performance measurement is crucial for effective operation. We seek to develop a set of indicators for humanitarian relief organizations (HROs) for their organizational level logistics operations. Design/methodology/approach: We apply the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) framework to the context of humanitarian supply chains. By taking a bottom-up approach with the support of a large HRO, we identify the most important metrics through examining its supply chain processes. The initial metrics are then validated by seven HROs to ensure their applicability in humanitarian logistics operations. Findings: A hierarchical benchmarking framework is proposed, and a set of twenty-six metrics is identified. The validation of these metrics supports our initial work with all metrics deemed important. It also highlights the implementation difficulty as only five indicators are readily available. We further suggest the automation of key logistics processes, which would significantly increase the number of implementable metrics to fourteen. Research limitations/implications: The sample size of the validation is small, and the last mile delivery is not covered by our metrics. Practical implications: With these performance metrics, HROs are able to monitor their logistics performance better with processed-based measures, which may lead to their policy and process adjustments for performance improvement. Originality/value: Our work contributes to performance measurement in humanitarian logistics with a framework of a generic metrics set. The validation result is also original to reveal the state of performance measurement on the ground.