Harvard Case - Humanitarian Agility in Action (A): The 2015 Yemen Crisis
"Humanitarian Agility in Action (A): The 2015 Yemen Crisis" Harvard business case study is written by Luk N. Van Wassenhove, Charles Delagarde, Joachim Mikalsen. It deals with the challenges in the field of Operations Management. The case study is 12 page(s) long and it was first published on : Dec 15, 2017
At Fern Fort University, we recommend a multi-pronged approach to enhance the agility and effectiveness of humanitarian organizations responding to crises like the 2015 Yemen crisis. This approach focuses on strengthening supply chain management, information systems, logistics, and organizational structure to ensure a more efficient and responsive aid delivery system.
2. Background
The 2015 Yemen crisis presented a complex humanitarian challenge, characterized by a lack of infrastructure, widespread conflict, and limited access to affected populations. The case study focuses on the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in delivering aid effectively and efficiently in this volatile environment.
The main protagonists are the humanitarian organizations themselves, struggling to navigate a complex and unpredictable landscape. The case highlights the need for agility, adaptability, and innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of delivering aid in a conflict zone.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
This case study can be analyzed through the lens of operations strategy, specifically focusing on the supply chain management and logistics aspects of humanitarian aid delivery.
Key challenges identified:
- Fragile Infrastructure: Limited infrastructure, damaged roads, and security risks hindered the transportation of aid supplies.
- Limited Access: Conflict zones restricted access to affected populations, making it difficult to reach those in need.
- Complex Coordination: Multiple organizations operating in the same area required effective coordination to avoid duplication and ensure efficient resource allocation.
- Information Gaps: Lack of reliable data on needs, population distribution, and access routes hindered effective decision-making.
- Resource Constraints: Limited funding and personnel resources posed challenges for organizations to scale up their operations effectively.
Opportunities for Improvement:
- Strengthened Supply Chain Management: Implementing robust inventory management systems, demand forecasting, and logistics planning can improve the efficiency of aid delivery.
- Advanced Information Systems: Utilizing technology and analytics for data collection, analysis, and communication can enhance situational awareness and optimize resource allocation.
- Improved Coordination: Establishing clear communication channels and collaborative platforms can facilitate better coordination among humanitarian organizations.
- Enhanced Organizational Structure: Adopting a more agile and flexible organizational structure can enable organizations to respond quickly to changing circumstances.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with local actors, government agencies, and private sector companies can leverage existing resources and expertise.
4. Recommendations
- Enhance Supply Chain Management:
- Implement a Just-in-Time (JIT) production model for critical supplies, minimizing storage and reducing waste.
- Utilize Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for real-time inventory tracking, demand forecasting, and resource allocation.
- Develop robust logistics planning strategies, including capacity planning and queueing theory to optimize transportation routes and minimize delays.
- Implement a Kanban system for critical supplies, enabling efficient replenishment and minimizing stockouts.
- Strengthen Information Systems:
- Invest in technology and analytics to collect, analyze, and disseminate real-time data on needs, population distribution, and access routes.
- Utilize geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping and visualization of critical information.
- Develop a centralized information management system to share data among humanitarian organizations, fostering collaboration and reducing duplication.
- Improve Coordination and Collaboration:
- Establish a shared platform for communication and information exchange among humanitarian organizations.
- Implement a joint needs assessment process to ensure accurate data collection and resource allocation.
- Develop a common operating picture to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation and facilitate coordinated response efforts.
- Optimize Organizational Structure:
- Adopt a more agile and flexible organizational structure with decentralized decision-making authority.
- Implement change management strategies to foster adaptability and responsiveness to changing circumstances.
- Encourage cross-functional collaboration to leverage expertise and expertise across different departments.
- Strategic Partnerships:
- Establish strategic partnerships with local actors, government agencies, and private sector companies to leverage existing resources and expertise.
- Explore outsourcing options for specific logistics and operational functions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following principles:
- Core Competencies and Consistency with Mission: The recommendations focus on strengthening the core competencies of humanitarian organizations, such as supply chain management, information systems, and logistics, to ensure they can effectively deliver aid and fulfill their mission.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of aid delivery, ultimately benefiting the external customers (affected populations) and internal clients (humanitarian workers).
- Competitors: While competition among humanitarian organizations is not the primary focus, the recommendations promote collaboration and coordination, which can enhance the collective impact of aid efforts.
- Attractiveness: The recommendations are based on the principle of continuous improvement and cost-effectiveness, aiming to optimize resource utilization and maximize the impact of aid delivery.
6. Conclusion
By implementing these recommendations, humanitarian organizations can enhance their agility and effectiveness in responding to crises like the 2015 Yemen crisis. Strengthening supply chain management, information systems, and organizational structures will enable organizations to deliver aid more efficiently, reach those in need more effectively, and ultimately save lives.
7. Discussion
Other Alternatives:
- Centralized aid distribution: This approach could streamline logistics but may lead to delays and reduced responsiveness.
- Sole reliance on local actors: This could be effective in certain situations but may lack the capacity and resources of international organizations.
Risks and Key Assumptions:
- Security risks: The recommendations assume a certain level of security can be maintained, but ongoing conflict could pose significant challenges.
- Funding availability: The recommendations require investment in technology and infrastructure, which may be difficult to secure in a resource-constrained environment.
- Political considerations: The recommendations assume a degree of cooperation from local authorities, which may not always be present.
Options Grid:
| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Supply Chain Management | Improved efficiency, reduced waste, faster delivery | Requires investment in technology and infrastructure |
| Strengthened Information Systems | Improved decision-making, better resource allocation, enhanced situational awareness | Requires data security and privacy considerations |
| Improved Coordination and Collaboration | Reduced duplication, enhanced impact, shared resources | Requires trust and communication among organizations |
| Optimized Organizational Structure | Increased agility, faster response times, improved decision-making | Requires change management and cultural shift |
| Strategic Partnerships | Leverage existing resources, access local expertise, increased capacity | Requires careful selection and management of partners |
8. Next Steps
- Develop a comprehensive plan: Humanitarian organizations should develop a detailed plan outlining the implementation of the recommended strategies, including timelines, resource allocation, and key performance indicators.
- Pilot projects: Pilot projects should be conducted to test the effectiveness of the proposed changes in a controlled environment before full-scale implementation.
- Continuous evaluation and improvement: Regular monitoring and evaluation processes should be implemented to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies as needed.
- Knowledge sharing and collaboration: Humanitarian organizations should share best practices and lessons learned to foster collective learning and improve the overall effectiveness of humanitarian response efforts.
By taking these steps, humanitarian organizations can build a more agile and responsive system for delivering aid in complex and challenging environments like the Yemen crisis.
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Case Description
Agility is often mentioned but seldom defined or clearly illustrated. This case discusses UNICEF's response to the sudden disruption of its aid supply chain to Yemen after the bombing started in 2015. It illustrates how a forwarding hub was quickly established in Djibouti and dhow vessels were used to reach small Yemeni ports from there. The case analyzes the supply chain, the organizational and strategic aspects of agility and discusses how UNICEF can further develop its strategic agility as an organizational capability. It can be used in supply chain and strategy classes, as well as classes on change management and fast decision making processes in organizations. If you buy the case you will get access to all three parts, A, B, and C. Part A outlines the events leading up to the Yemen Crisis and presents the challenges faced by UNICEF. Part B then describes UNICEF's response to the crisis, and part C gives an analysis of this response. Parts B and C are restricted to instructors and only available on the dedicated case website https://cases.insead.edu/humanitarian-agility, but can be distributed to students as well.
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