Capturing Real-Time Data in Disaster Response Logistics

Authors

  • Kezban Yagci Sokat Northwestern University
  • Rui Zhou Northwestern Univeristy
  • Irina S. Dolinskaya Northwestern Univeristy
  • Karen Smilowitz Northwestern University
  • Jennifer Chan Northwestern University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12660/joscmv9n1p23-54

Keywords:

Humanitarian logistics, real-time data, classification, logistical modeling, Typhoon Haiyan.

Abstract

The volume, accuracy, accessibility and level of detail of near real-time data emerging from disaster-affected regions continue to significantly improve. Integration of dynamically evolving in-field data is an important, yet often overlooked, component of the humanitarian logistics models. In this paper, we present a framework for real-time humanitarian logistics data focused on use in mathematical modeling along with modeling implications of this framework. We also discuss how one might measure the attributes of the framework and describe the application of the presented framework to a case study of near real-time data collection in the days following the landfall of Typhoon Haiyan. We detail our first-hand experience of capturing data as the post-disaster response unfolds starting on November 10, 2013 until March 31, 2014 and assess the characteristics and evolution of data pertaining to humanitarian logistics modeling using the proposed framework. The presented logistical content analysis examines the availability of data and informs modelers about the current state of near real-time data. This analysis illustrates what data is available, how early it is available, and how data changes after the disaster. The study describes how our humanitarian logistics team approached the emergence of dynamic online data after the disaster and the challenges faced during the collection process, as well as recommendations to address these challenges in the future (when possible) from an academic humanitarian logistics perspective.

Author Biographies

Kezban Yagci Sokat, Northwestern University

Kezban Yagci Sokat is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences at Northwestern University. Her research focus on applied operations research for healthcare and humanitarian logistics. Recent projects include modeling measles outbreak and capturing real-time data in disaster response logistics.

Rui Zhou, Northwestern Univeristy

Rui Zhou is an undergraduate student in the Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences and Science in Human Culture departments at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Irina S. Dolinskaya, Northwestern Univeristy

Irina Dolinskaya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences at Northwestern University. Dr. Dolinskaya’s research focus on adaptive modeling and solution approaches to integrate dynamic real-time information with applications in humanitarian logistics, optimal vessel performance, and electric vehicle routing.

Karen Smilowitz, Northwestern University

Karen Smilowitz is a Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences at Northwestern University and holds a joint appointment with the Northwestern University Transportation Center.  Dr. Smilowitz studies modeling and solution approaches for logistics and transportation systems in both commercial and non-profit applications.

Jennifer Chan, Northwestern University

Jennifer L. Chan, MD, MPH, FACEP, is the Director of Global Emergency Medicine in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Northwestern Medicine and an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University in the United States. Dr. Chan’s current research, educational efforts, and support of humanitarian agencies now focus upon humanitarian technologies and information management.

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Published

2016-07-18

Issue

Section

Special Issue on Crisis Management and Humanitarian Operations