SAMPLE

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

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Contents…

1. INTRODUCTION________________________________ 03
A. Research Background_________________________03
B. Problem Discussion___________________________04
C. Purpose of the proposal________________________04
D. Research Question____________________________05
E. Research Objectives___________________________05
2. Review Of Literature______________________________05
3. Methodology____________________________________06
A. A conceptual Framework_______________________06
B. Performance Measurement and selection of Indicators 07
C. Modeling approach and process__________________07
D. Inauguration of Base Case Model_________________07
E. Evaluation and Decision Making__________________07
4. Analysis and Expected Outcomes____________________08
5. Expected Consideration for future Research____________09
6. Experts Call for Effective SCM in Pakistan______________09
7. List Of References / Sources________________________10

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Introduction
Natural events can be characterized as natural disasters when they occur in populated areas, causing the
destruction of local infrastructure and population leading to a state of deprivation and suffering. In the
last three decades, the occurrence of natural disasters has increased significantly. This research proposal
introduces the current disaster situations, as well as the important role that supply chain management
plays in humanitarian aid and disaster relief processes. There is evidence that a growing number of
natural and man-made disasters happen all around the world, affecting hundreds of millions of people
every year.

Research Background
Shaken by an earthquake of 7.6 on the Richter scale, the region north of Pakistan and Indian Kashmir in
2005 was the scene of one of the biggest natural disasters in the world, affecting approximately 3.5
million people. The situation became more serious due to four factors:

1. The extremely rugged topography with affected areas at high altitudes.

2. The level of poverty of the population.
3. A looming winter which endangered the homeless and
4. The permanent state of armed conflict in the region that establishes a state of insecurity.

Among the 310 natural disasters recorded in EM-DAT data base in 2012, the most serious one in terms
of mortality was Typhoon Bopha in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao which caused 1901
death sand affected more than 6 million people(CRED, 2013).Although the continent most influenced
by natural disasters, in terms of mortality and occurrence, was still Asia, 63% of total 2012 economic
losses happened in the Americas because of Hurricane Sandy hitting the Eastern seaboard of the United
States and the drought impacting 62% of the adjacent United States(CRED, 2013).In the past few years,
tsunami in South Asia (2004), Hurricane Katrinain the United States(2005), earthquakes in Pakistan
(2005),Java (2006), China (2008)and Haiti (2010), as well as Super storm Sandy (2012)are some other
examples of the deadliest disasters

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As noted by Thomas and Kopczak (2005), supply chain management is central to humanitarian aid and
disaster relief for three reasons. First, it is one of the most expensive parts of a relief effort due to
inventory and transportation. Second, it plays an important role in response for major humanitarian
programs, such as food, water, shelter, and sanitation. Third, it is the repository of data that can be
analyzed to provide post-event learning in that the logistics department is responsible for tracking goods
through the supply chain. Thus, it is important to the performance of both current and future operations
and programs.

Humanitarian aid and disaster relief supply chain operates in a different environment from other supply
chains that are more widely known and researched. The differences provide chances to conduct potential
useful research (Clay Whybarket al.2010).

Problem Discussion
Could
Pakistan meet the present and future lead time demand and price regarding supply chain management?
It’s my core desire to achieve and eradicate this entire problem in Pakistan and the whole affected
communities of the world, after completing my doctoral degree. Unfortunately, Pakistan supply chain
management was not and never prepared for this scenario. Following important issues are worth
mentioning in this case:
1. Despite of having latest computerized manufacturing machines; there is no production and
inventory planning systems available.
2. Talking of the human factor, majority of the supply chain management planning is done by
illiterate and less educated persons holding the position of manager, mainly due to presumed
cost saving reasons by executives.
3. If there are not any qualified and well educated managers and no proper planning systems e.g
(ERP systems), the result will be high cost of operation and late deliveries regarding each and
every thing relates to supply chain management of Pakistan.
4. The stake of warehousing is also at alarming level. Not talking of quality deterioration, these
warehouses are also a sink of resources. Inventory level planning is also an issue here in
Pakistan.
5. The available roads infrastructure is a major element of supply chain management. Pakistani
government has spent a lot of money in improving this infrastructure and is continuously
upgrading the roads and highways which is a better sign for the supply chain management

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 value chain. Railway logistic infrastructure is not so better in this regard with lot of delays in
operation and transportation in Pakistan.
6. The situation of maritime is also alarming. Pakistan has no deep sea container terminal to
handle large vessels. International Shipping companies are frequently changing their vessels
to bigger-size vessels, which could accommodate large volumes of containers. Unfortunately
these bigger vessels could not serve current Pakistani ports. This increases the maritime cost
and time.
With all of the above factors, Pakistani supply chain management is losing its
competitiveness in international market.

Pakistan has been plagued by a number of disasters in recent years. This year the country has been hit
with the worst flooding in decades. An estimated 1,500 people have died and it is feared that more than
20 million people are affected and in desperate need of aid following the flooding.
There has been a large humanitarian province in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and neighboring areas
since the earthquake in 2005, which left 80,000 dead and affected over 8 million people. Recovery from
the earthquake has been protracted, in part due to a further earthquake in 2008 and widespread flooding
in August 2009.

Purpose of this proposal

The purpose of this proposal is to develop a conceptual framework for supply chain management in
humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The research proposes and analyzes how to put an effective supply
chain management framework into practice to help affected communities as well as in Pakistan to
improve their performances of relief efforts.

Research Questions

In order to minimize the negative impacts caused by disasters, effective preparedness strategies are needed.
However, one of the most unique characteristics of humanitarian aid and disaster relief supply chain is the
uncertainty of disasters. Thus, it is useful to adopt a retrospective approach that is, identifying the gaps in
previous response efforts and then improving them. Based on the research background and motivation, this
proposal explained following research questions

1. How to describe clearly an effective supply chain management framework in Pakistan as well as
in affected communities of the whole world?
2. What is the current status of inventory and transportation management in Pakistan as well as in
affected communities with respect to humanitarian aid and disaster relief?

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 3. How can the existing framework for humanitarian aid and disaster relief should be improved to
assist its operations in Pakistan as well as affected communities of the whole world?

Research objectives
In response to the above research questions, the associated research objectives are as follows:

1. To analyze different models that have been developed or used, and then to construct an effective
supply chain management framework for humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
2. To collect data of specific affected communities, subsequently, to analyze and evaluate their
current status.
3. To define the strategies of applying the effective framework to improve their inventory and
transportation management in humanitarian aid and disaster relief and to communicate the results
to affected communities.

Review of Literature
The 2010 Pakistan floods began in July 2010 following heavy monsoon rains in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,
Sindh, Punjab and Baluchistan regions of Pakistan and affected the Indus River basin. At one point,
approximately one-fifth of Pakistan’s total land area was underwater. According to Pakistani government
data the floods directly affected about 20 million people, mostly by destruction of property, livelihood and
infrastructure, with a death toll of close to 2,000. The number of individuals affected by the flooding exceeds
the combined total of individuals affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake
and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

The unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the large casualties at stake make supply chain management
be a key part of humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. One important issue in it is the agility in
mobilizing resources and the effectiveness in distributing those (Duran et al. 2011)

At the highest level, a supply chain consists of two basic and integrated processes:

(1) Production planning and inventory control process,

(2) Distribution and logistics process (Beamon, 1998).

They two interact with each other to produce an integrated supply chain. The design and management of
them can determine the extent to which the supply chain works as a unit to meet the required performance
objectives (Beamon, 1998).

Moreover, most research on humanitarian aid and disaster relief supply chain focuses on how to distribute
limited relief resources to a disaster area after a disaster has happened (Chang et al. 2007).

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Thus, more attention needs to be paid on preparedness phase because better preparation can improve
response performances.

Preparedness can be defined from different perspectives. When it comes to humanitarian aid and disaster
relief supply chain, preparedness is related to several logistics issues such as facility location, inventory
management, and transportation planning (Clay Whybark, 2007; Duran et al., 2011).

Recently, an increasing number of research compares commercial supply chain with humanitarian aid and
disaster relief supply chain, and recognizes the challenges and opportunities of applying supply chain
management practices in commercial situations to that in humanitarian aid and disaster relief context (Clay
Whybark, 2007; Oloruntoba and Gray, 2006; Pettit and Beresford, 2009; Thomas, 2007; Thomas and
Kopczak, 2005; Van Wassenhove, 2006).

One typically example is about agility which is defined as “the ability to thrive and prosper in an
environment of constant and unpredictable change”(Maskell, 2001, p.5).Applying it to the context of
humanitarian aid and disaster relief, it means that the supply chain needs to handle the unstable nature of
funding (Bennett and Kottasz, 2000), and to ensure rapid deployment on demand (Van Wassenhove,
2006).Oloruntoba and Gray (2006) discuss the extent to which certain concepts of agility in commercial
supply chain can apply to humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

In addition, research in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations mainly concentrates on strategic and
operative planning issues, such as facility location planning, inventory planning, vehicle routing, and
delivery planning (Rottkemper et al., 2011).

Methodology
To start with, on the basis of knowledge in supply chain area,

A conceptual framework
A conceptual frame work of performance measurement and Critical Successful Factors in humanitarian aid
and disaster relief supply chain management farmed. Establishing a set of proper performance measurement
is a critical component in the design and analysis of a supply chain. It is because performance measurement
can be used to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of an existing system, or to compare competing
alternative systems (Beamon, 1998).

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Performance Measurement and Selection of Indicators
The performance measurement is used to measure the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of the whole
supply chain. Then, specific indicators of the measurement are selected for this proposed research. There are
many performance measures for commercial supply chain management. However, unique characteristics and
additional complexity of humanitarian aid and disaster relief supply chain make some of them not suitable
for it. According to the conceptual framework three broad types of performance measurement are there:

1. Resource measurement,
2. Output measurement, and
3. Flexibility measurement.

Modeling Approach and Process

Operations research is an application of quantitative techniques to decision making (Web Finance, 2013). In
order to solve various problems, different approaches are applied in operations research. For example, linear
programming, dynamic programming, and critical path method are adopted in managing complex
information in inventory control, resource allocation, and reorder quantity determination, simulation and
forecasting methods are used in situations with high uncertainty such as market trends and traffic patterns
(Web Finance, 2013-2014).As modeling approach is driven by the nature of inputs and the objectives of
research, a linear programming modeling method will be used in the proposed study.

Inauguration of Base Case Model

Any time there is a significant disaster, it is wise to do a post-operational review to make the emergency
response system stronger (Government of Alberta, 2013a). With the aim to create a framework and build a
model for affected communities, an inductive approach will be adopted. After examining the specific base
case scenario, a generalized framework can be summarized. Making an analysis of the base case scenario can
help the affected community to have a better understanding about its current situations and know how to
improve the existing system.

Evaluation and Decision Making

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Generally speaking, data can be collected from performance in ordinary days, feedback during disasters, as
well as analyses among previous experiences. After data collection and model development, the last step is
evaluation and decision making. In reality, relief personnel and relief items are usually in short supply at the
beginning of disaster response. In order to find the proper solution for both assignment and transportation
problems in all phases, Specific evaluation and decision making details are evaluated.

Analysis and Expected Outcomes

Recent events in many affected communities have uncovered the deficiencies of existing supply chain
system in humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the face of large-scale natural disasters.

First, the most important objective is to satisfy the current demands of affected people because it is not
proper to have relief items lay idle in the system to save costs or time (Tzeng et al., 2007).

Second, due to the finance constraint, cost minimization is weighted as an objective along with other
objectives.

Third, since the preposition sites of inventory are dispersed, more efforts are needed to coordinate and
transport relief commodities through transshipment centers.

The proposed research intents to improve the whole system from two aspects: inventory and transportation.

In the aspect of inventory management, strategic prepositioning is critical. However, it is not possible to
place relief commodities and relief personnel everywhere. Two approaches appear reasonable: one is
prepositioning inventory close to the probable affected areas in which natural disasters may occur, the other
one is scattering inventory facilities to enable partial coverage of multiple affected areas by a facility and full
coverage of every affected area by multiple facilities (En Shen, 2006).

When it comes to transportation planning, instead of maximizing demand satisfaction, the objective of the
proposed linear programming model is to minimize response time. It is because each second wasted in the
situation of humanitarian aid and disaster relief may increase the mortality rate. This goal maybe realized by
decreasing the total operation rounds or reducing the operation time of each phase. At the same time, cost
and demand are two soft constrains. However, their values are not expressed in the same units, making it
challenging to combine them into a single objective function (Van Hentenryck et al., 2010).

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The proposed research aims to build a model to improve the existing supply chain management in
humanitarian aid and disaster relief in affected communities as well as in Pakistan, the proposed research
will use evaluation instead of optimization that is the primary function of the proposed model is not to
identify single optimal plan, but to explore a range of feasible and effective plans. Furthermore, multi-criteria
is more suitable for humanitarian aid and disaster relief supply chain management, because shorter response
time will be at the cost of higher operation costs. Computerized latest software will be adopted to assist in
data analysis and the expected results will include:

1. An effective conceptual framework for humanitarian aid and disaster relief supply chain
management should be implemented in Pakistan as well as in other affected communities of the
whole world.

2. A description and implementation of base case scenario in affected communities.

3. A detailed affected community profile should be described.

4. An inventory-transportation linear programming introduced for flood disaster.

Expected Consideration for Future Research

The aim is to provide guideline for the case study organization to develop an effective humanitarian
relief supply chain. The proposed research uses either the historical data or data from disaster damage
scenario modeling. Future study can try to collect data from survey to first responders because limited data
collection can hinder the real goal of distributing goods.

Currently, the aim is to minimize response time subjected to certain cost and demand. Other plausible
objectives could be minimizing operational costs given a desired level of response time and demand
satisfaction.
Supply Chain Management should be the key focus to enhance competitiveness of existing Pakistani Supply
Chain Management system and can help Pakistan to enter in the arena of high value of international markets.

In addition, since the proposed research is used to create local operational procedures, future study can
integrate this research into a comprehensive decision support system for humanitarian aid and disaster relief
in Pakistan as well as in affected communities.

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In the end, the proposed research focuses almost entirely on what governments need to do. In the future,
researchers can widen their concentration on what the affected public can do to protect themselves, their
families, and their neighbors.

Experts call for effective supply chain management in Pakistan.

As companies evolve to meet new challenges and conditions, proper alliance between supply chain strategy
and broader business objectives is becoming an increasingly critical success factor in any competitive
market, said Unilever-Pakistan Supply Chain Vice-President M Qaysar Alam.

He said this while speaking at the Cold Chain Conference 2011 titled ‘Cold Chain in Pakistan: Current
Capabilities and Emerging Trends’ organized by Supply Chain Association of Pakistan in collaboration with
TerraBiz on Thursday. “For companies dealing in agricultural products, frozen foods, photographic films,
chemicals and pharmaceutical drugs, cold supply chain function has become an integral factor in supporting
overall business goals,”

Added Alam – also the Supply Chain Association of Pakistan (SCAP) President.
Highlighting SCAP as the professional forum to discuss various areas of supply chain experts and industry
representatives, Alam mentioned the achievements of the association, saying that it has been two years since
the union was established and is working to disburse knowledge regarding supply chain among masses and
enhance skills of professionals so that hurdles being faced by supply chain can be curtailed.

“Efficient cold chain management is capable of catering to the needs of local food industry but the energy
crisis is the main obstacle in managing cold chain logistics with efficiency and reducing production losses,”
said Engro Foods Limited Supply Chain Vice-President of Pakistan Shamsuddin Sheikh.

List of references / sources

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Production Economics, 55(3), 281-294.
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Management, 19(3), 275-292
4. Beamon, B. M. and Balcik, B. (2008). Performance measurement in humanitarian relief chains. The
International Journal of Public Sector Management, 21(1), 4-25. doi: 10.1108/09513550810846087
5. Green Supply Chain News: NASA Researcher Makes News with Claim that Global Warming Impact is far
Overstated, but Opponents Question the Source http://scap.pk/article/showarticle.php?art=131

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6. Supply Chain News, Supply Chain Association of Pakistan: Ideas for Reducing Transport Costs given Rising Fuel
Prices By Dan Gilmore http://scap.pk/article/showarticle.php?art=88
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http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/08/20/calgary-flood-numbers-alberta-w.html .
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30. Experts call for effective supply chain management ... www.pakistantoday.com.pk › Karachi Jul 22, 2011

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31. Supply Chain Management Training https://www.facebook.com/SupplyChainManagementTrainings?
fref=ts
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33. Sep 2010. The second consignment of Emergency Relief goods was handed over to the representative of the
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan by H.E Mr. CHOI CHOONG-JOO newly appointed
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by the officials of the Government of
Pakistan, the Embassy staff and KOICA Representative in Islamabad.
34. Supply Chain Management Solutions
http://www.e2escm.com/services/supply_chain_management_service.php

35. Health, Safety and Environment Management http://www.sgsgroup.pk/en/Industrial-

Manufacturing/Quality-Health-Safety-and-Environment/Health-and-Safety/Health-Safety-and-
Environment-Management/Health-Safety-and-Environment-Management.aspx

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