Resource selection in support of humanitarian operations: a case of the United States Navy
Authors
Apte, Aruna
Yoho, Keenan
Subjects
Humanitarian logistics
Navy
Resource optimization
Navy
Resource optimization
Advisors
Date of Issue
2018
Date
Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Language
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a model for selecting specific assets to be used in relief and disaster response missions based on the capabilities of, and contributions to, the demanded need for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. During past disasters, the US Navy (USN) has responded with whatever ships were in the area regardless of their contribution to the need. The authors use data from the USN that has been gathered in other studies as an illustration of how the model may be applied to allocate the most useful vessels at the lowest cost.
Design/methodology/approach
A simple optimization model is used that utilizes scored capabilities as well as the estimated costs associated with US Naval vessels that will allocate the most useful assets at the lowest economic cost.
Findings
The model selects the most effective assets while minimizing the estimated economic cost. The US Naval assets that contribute the most effective humanitarian assistance and disaster response capability at the lowest cost are amphibious ships, leased commercial vessels and ready reserve force cargo ships.
Originality/value
This research fills a critical gap in the literature as there is no research that takes into account national Navy capability and proposes a solution to find those assets that are most mission and cost effective. As the USN looks for ways to cut costs while meeting mission priorities it will be necessary to determine which ship classes and types contribute the most while saving cost. The model introduced in this research provides insight into where investments should be made to meet strategic goals.
Type
Article
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
15 p.
Citation
Apte, Aruna, and Keenan Yoho. "Resource selection in support of humanitarian operations: a case of the United States Navy." Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management 8.2 (2018): 184-198.
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.