A multi-method simulation environment for humanitarian supply chains

In this paper we present the design, prototype and evaluation of a multi-method simulation environment for humanitarian supply chains. The degree of preparedness of a logistics setup highly determines the humanitarian impact. In order to construct comprehensive models of the associated humanitarian supply chains and to support the decision making process of humanitarian actors in a significant manner, the application of multi-method simulation environments promise to be an appropriate approach to complement and enhance the existing decision making practices. The presented simulation environment was developed following the design science approach. Practitioner needs and results from research were identified in order to define the scope and design of the simulation environment. The artefact was then applied and evaluated in a hypothetical tsunami scenario in the Mediterranean Sea. We used the SPHERE standards to determine the needs of the affected population and average transportation as well as warehousing costs to analyze the effects on the relief chains of three involved humanitarian organizations. The conducted simulation study investigates the effect of a horizontal collaboration between the involved actors. The undertaken parametrizations illustrate potential benefits of the logistics planning approach.