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Selected Works of Nezih Altay
Article
The evolution of humanitarian logistics as a discipline through a crystal ball
Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (2021)
  • Nezih Altay
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Abstract
Purpose – Humanitarian logistics has for a long time been argued to be a new discipline. Now that even the
Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (JHLSCM) has existed over a decade, it is
time to take a closer look at its evolution. This article provides some understanding for the developments of
humanitarian logistics over the past decade, reveals current trends and discovers what lies behind the curtains
in the humanitarian logistics and supply chain management discipline.
Design/methodology/approach – This article brings in developments and discussions in humanitarian
logistics practice into the research domain.
Findings – The article conveys the concerns of humanitarian logistics practitioners to research. These include
the backlash from the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime current concern, and also other longer-term issues and
developments.
Research limitations/implications – The themes identified in the article can be used to inform a research
agenda in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management. The article revisits a framework of global
events and their cascading impacts to include non-linearities and multiple disruptions from evolutionary
disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practical implications – The article argues for more collaborative and co-designed research to increase the
relevance and impact of humanitarian logistics.
Social implications – Wider societal views are brought into the area of humanitarian logistics.
Originality/value – The article highlights the gaps that remain in humanitarian logistics and supply chain
management research.
Keywords
  • humanitarian logistics,
  • inter-organizational coordination,
  • humanitarian supply chain,
  • pandemic response
Disciplines
Publication Date
2021
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-06-2021-0056
Citation Information
Nezih Altay. "The evolution of humanitarian logistics as a discipline through a crystal ball" Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/nezih_altay/46/