System dynamics for humanitarian operations revisited
Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management
ISSN: 2042-6747
Article publication date: 21 July 2021
Issue publication date: 26 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to show that the current complexity of humanitarian operations has only increased the usefulness of system dynamics (SD) in helping decision-makers better understand the challenges they face.
Design/methodology/approach
A critical analysis to evaluate how SD methodology has been applied to humanitarian operations.
Findings
Today's humanitarian operations are characterized by huge complexity given the increased number of stakeholders, feedback loops, uncertainty, scarce resources and multiple objectives. The authors argue that SD's tools (causal-loop diagram, data layer, simulation model) have the capacity to appropriately capture this complexity, thereby enhancing intuition and understanding.
Originality/value
Researchers and practitioners hesitate to use system dynamics when data is missing. The authors suggest alternatives to deal with this common situation.
Keywords
Citation
Besiou, M. and Van Wassenhove, L.N. (2021), "System dynamics for humanitarian operations revisited", Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 599-608. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-06-2021-0048
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited