Agile Competencies for Humanitarian Response Operations: Four Cases From Indian Subcontinent

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore and identify competencies associated with supply chain agility during humanitarian response operations. The response operations under investigation was for disasters with sudden onsets such as cyclones and floods that typically affect islands and coastal regions. Using a case-based research method, we collected data from response operations of four cyclone / flood events. Multiple data collection methods such as semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and archival data was used to triangulate evidence Analysis of the data revealed specific competencies associated with visibility, reactivity, velocity, volume flexibility, and delivery flexibility. A framework of competencies associated with supply chain agility was developed as part of this research.