Conceptualising inventory prepositioning in the humanitarian sector

Abstract

Improved responsiveness to natural and man-made disasters is critical to saving lives and alleviating the suffering caused by such disasters. Emphasis on the design of the relief chain to reduce delivery time of relief inventory improves responsiveness. This is the essence of inventory pre-positioning (IPP). IPP is yet to be clearly defined; and the main factors affecting IPP decision-making need to be further discussed in the humanitarian literature. Quantitative factors such as costs usually take precedence over qualitative factors such as collaboration, infrastructure and others that can substantially impact IPP decisions. This can lead to ineffective decision-making in humanitarian organizations. This paper provides a definition of IPP by reviewing relevant literatures; and a conceptual framework of the main factors affecting IPP decision-making specific to the humanitarian sector, developed through desk reviews and observations. © 2010 IFIP.