Guest editorial: humanitarian logistics - an opportunity for service research

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature service operations management (OM) and its application to the field of humanitarian operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper serves as the editorial for this issue of JHLSCM.

Findings

The paper suggests that there is an opportunity for service OM academics to apply their knowledge and skills to answer fundamental questions in the humanitarian OM field.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for a re-conceptualization of the term “humanitarian operations” to include services. Humanitarian OM is not just products but also services.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the knowledge and applications of services OM in humanitarian operations research. This is the first work to identify how services OM theories can be adopted for humanitarian OM research. This research should serve as a foundation for future research.

Citation

Heaslip, G. (2015), "Guest editorial: humanitarian logistics - an opportunity for service research", Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 2-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-01-2015-0004