Roman Tomas Murillo

Bio: Roman Tomas Murillo is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information system & Humanitarian Logistics. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 10 citations.

Multi objective optimization for humanitarian logistics operations through the use of mobile technologies

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the development and implementation of a multiobjective optimization model and information system based on mobile technology, to support decision making in humanitarian logistics operations. Design/methodology/approach The trade-off between economic and social (deprivation) costs faced by governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in humanitarian logistics operations is modeled through a Pareto frontier analysis, which is obtained from a multiobjective optimization model. Such analysis is supported on an information system based on mobile technology. Findings Results show useful managerial insights for decision-makers by considering both economic and social costs associated to humanitarian logistics operations. Such insights include the importance of timely and accurate information shared through mobile technology. Research limitations/implications This research presents a multiobjective approach that considers social costs, which are modeled through deprivation functions. The authors suggest that a future nonlinear approach be also considered, since there will be instances where the deprivation cost is a nonlinear function throughout time. Also, the model and information system developed may not be suitable for other humanitarian aid instances, considering the specific characteristics of the events considered on this research. Practical implications The inclusion of several types of goods, vehicles, collecting points off the ground, distributions points on the ground, available roads after a disaster took place, as well as volume and weight constraints faced under these scenarios, are considered. Social implications Deprivation costs faced by affected population after a disaster took place are considered, which supports decision making in governmental and NGOs involved in humanitarian logistics operations toward welfare of such affected population in developing countries. Originality/value A numerical illustration in the Latin American context is presented, the model and information system developed can be used in other developing countries or regions that face similar challenges toward humanitarian logistics operations.

Multi-level facility location-allocation problem for post-disaster humanitarian relief distribution: A case study

Abstract: Previously use of drones as a relief distribution vehicle was studied in several studies where required number of drones and the best locations for the relief centers were investigated. The maximum travel distance of drones without a need to recharge is limited by their endurance. Recharge stations can be used to extend the coverage area of the drones. The purpose of this paper is to find the best topology for both relief centers and recharge stations to cover a large-scale area with minimum and feasible incurred costs and waiting times.,A multi-level facility location problem (FLP) is utilized to find the optimum number of relief centers and refuel stations and their locations. It is supposed that the demand occurs according to Poisson distribution. The allocation of the demand is based on nearest neighborhood method. A hybrid genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the model. The performance of the algorithm is examined through a case study.,The proposed method delivers increased efficiency and responsiveness of the humanitarian relief system. The coverage area of the drones is extended by refuel stations, total costs of the system are reduced and the time to respond an emergency, which is an important factor in survival rate, is significantly decreased.,This study proposes a multi-level FLP to simultaneously account for recharge stations, relief centers and the number of required drones to cover all the demand for relief in a post-disaster period.

Research progress on deprivation costs in humanitarian logistics

Abstract: The field of humanitarian logistics (HL) is attracting an increasing number of scholars. Among the most prominent and promising contributions in this area in recent years was the introduction of the concept of deprivation costs, which is the first attempt to directly quantify human suffering in HL operations. We review the recent literature on deprivation costs in HL, and its implications from a discussion of key issues. This study samples recent literature, applying a four-step systematic review method. The state-of-the-art and the state-of-the-practice of deprivation costs are analyzed. We discuss the key issues in deprivation cost research from the following six perspectives: (1) methodological approaches estimated; (2) the application of deprivation cost; (3) goods or services estimated; (4) differences in estimation; (5) challenges and obstacles; and (6) the gap between the state-of-the-art and the state-of-the-practice. Insights for future research are also discussed.

A multi-actor multi-objective optimization approach for locating temporary logistics hubs during disaster response

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model that determines the location of temporary logistics hubs (TLHs) for disaster response and proposes a new method to determine weights of the objectives in a multi-objective optimization problem. The research is motivated by the importance of TLHs and the complexity that surrounds the determination of their location. Design/methodology/approach A multi-period multi-objective model with multi-sourcing is developed to determine the location of the TLHs. A fuzzy factor rating system (FFRS) under the group decision-making (GDM) condition is then proposed to determine the weights of the objectives when multiple decision makers exist. Findings The interview with decision makers shows the heterogeneity of decision opinions, thus substantiating the importance of GDM. The optimization results provide useful managerial insights for decision makers by considering the trade-off between two non-commensurable objectives. Research limitations/implications In this study, decision makers are considered to be homogeneous, which might not be the case in reality. This study does not consider the stochastic nature of relief demand. Practical implications The outcomes of this study are valuable to decision makers for relief distribution planning. The proposed FFRS approach reveals the importance of involving multiple decision makers to enhance sense of ownership of established TLHs. Originality/value A mathematical model highlighting the importance of multi-sourcing and short operational horizon of TLHs is developed. A new method is proposed and implemented to determine the weights of the objectives. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the multi-actor and multi-objective aspects of the TLH location problem have not thus far been considered simultaneously for one particular problem in humanitarian logistics.

Understanding the contribution of effective communication strategies to program performance in humanitarian organizations

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to employ concepts drawn from communication theory to develop a structural model that it is hoped will improve the understanding of the impact of effective communication mechanisms on the performance of humanitarian organizations. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a case study of a single humanitarian organization. The authors designed a cross-sectional study, collecting data using structured questionnaires and interviews. Structural equation modeling was used to test and estimate the model. Findings Estimations show that the proper design of internal manuals and procedure guidelines, coupled with formal strategies to foster stakeholder dialogue in organizations and increase the perceived performance of humanitarian programs. Practical implications The paper discusses the importance of designing effective communication strategies that permit humanitarian organizations to use their communication channels properly and improve operations based on lessons learned and the concerns of stakeholders. Originality/value This paper builds on the foundations provided by communication theory to develop a model that explains how communication affects performance in humanitarian organizations. The study further builds on a case study to test the theoretical model.

A multi-objective stochastic programming model to configure a sustainable humanitarian logistics considering deprivation cost and patient severity

Abstract: As the occurrence of disasters has increased frequently and has resulted in growing concern about their adverse effects on the environment, Sustainable Humanitarian Logistics (SHL) has received great attention recently. SHL aims to reduce disaster damages in an environmentally-friendly manner in the shortest possible time. The terms including ‘environmentally-friendly’ and ‘shortest possible time’ refer to the environmental and social aspects of sustainability. This research proposes a stochastic multi-objective mixed-integer programming model to configure an SHL network during the response phase. Having compared to the research literature, this is the first study that considers economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability by incorporating relief cost, deprivation cost, and carbon emissions, respectively. Then, the improved multi-choice goal programming approach is applied to solve the proposed multi-objective model. To indicate the validity of the proposed model, an earthquake that occurred in a region of Kermanshah, Iran, in 2017 is investigated as a real case study. Finally, sensitivity analysis is performed and several managerial and theoretical insights are provided. The results show that exerting environmental issues in humanitarian logistics does not necessarily increase the relief costs, but can be in contrast with the social aspect. Furthermore, a minor increase in the budget of the preparedness phase drastically decreases the response costs.