AGILE LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT AND THE PERFORMANCE OF HUMANITARIAN FIRMS IN NORTHEASTERN KENYA
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the determinants influencing effective logistics coordination in humanitarian efforts within Kenya's Northern Eastern Region. It focused on understanding how organizational competent skills, transport infrastructure, and information sharing impact crisis response efficiency in this challenging context.
Design/methodology/approach: The research employed a descriptive design, targeting 33 logistic coordinators from 13 humanitarian organizations. Through purposive sampling, 28 coordinators were selected. Data collection used structured questionnaires, with analysis performed using SPSS software (version 24).
Findings: The study revealed significant positive correlations between organizational competent skills, transport infrastructure, information sharing, and effective logistics coordination. Organizational competent skills showed the strongest correlation, followed by transport infrastructure and information sharing. Issues with decision-making processes and communication channels were also identified.
Conclusion: Stakeholder engagement plays a vital role in successful implementation of logistics coordination in humanitarian efforts. The study emphasized the interdependence of organizational competency, transport infrastructure, and information sharing in achieving effective coordination, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to enhance crisis response efforts.
Recommendations: The study suggests actively involving skilled personnel in decision-making, enhancing communication channels, prioritizing investment in transportation infrastructure, and fostering collaboration among humanitarian organizations. These recommendations aim to improve the overall effectiveness of humanitarian logistics coordination in the Northern Eastern Region of Kenya.
Keywords: Logistics Management, Agility, Performance, Humanitarian Firms, Northeastern Kenya
References
Bednarek, R., e Cunha, M. P., Schad, J., & Smith, W. (2021). The value of interdisciplinary research to advance paradox in organization theory. In Interdisciplinary dialogues on organizational paradox: Learning from belief and science, Part A (pp. 3-25). Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0733-558X2021000073a002
Berglund, K. J. T. (2022). Making sense of digitalization in the field of humanitarian work A qualitative study of an NGOs understanding of digitalization due to COVID-19 and the conversion to home office (Master's thesis).
Collins, M. M., & Patrick, N. (2019). Inventory management practices and the performance of milk processing firms in Kiambu County in Kenya.
Comes, T., Van de Walle, B., & Van Wassenhove, L. (2020). The coordination‐information bubble in humanitarian response: theoretical foundations and empirical investigations. Production and Operations Management, 29(11), 2484-2507. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.13236
Ergun, Ö., Gui, L., Heier Stamm, J. L., Keskinocak, P., & Swann, J. (2020). Improving humanitarian operations through technology‐enabled collaboration. Production and Operations Management, 23(6), 1002-1014. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.12107
Fathollahzadeh, A., Salmani, I., Morowatisharifabad, M. A., Khajehaminian, M. R., Babaie, J., & Fallahzadeh, H. (2022). Strategies of relief organizations for improvement of disaster risk communication process in Iran. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 74, 102896. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102896
Fu, J. S., & Lai, C. H. (2021). Determinants of organizational performance in disaster risk reduction: A preliminary study of global humanitarian NGOs. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 29(3), 232-247. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12346
Jalali, R., Balouei Jamkhaneh, H., & Shahin, R. (2021). Analyzing the barriers and coordination enablers of logistics operations in the humanitarian supply chain. Production and Operations Management, 12(4), 41-62.
Jensen, L. M., & Hertz, S. (2016). The coordination roles of relief organisations in humanitarian logistics. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 19(5), 465-485. https://doi.org/10.1080/13675567.2015.1124845
Kmiecik, Mariusz. "Conception of logistics coordination in the distribution networks." Logistics Research 15.1 (2022).
Lai, C. H., & Fu, J. S. (2021). Humanitarian relief and development organizations’ stakeholder targeting communication on social media and beyond. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 32, 120-135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-020-00209-6
Maskey, R., Fei, J., & Nguyen, H. O. (2020). Critical factors affecting information sharing in supply chains. Production Planning & Control, 31(7), 557-574. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2019.1660925
Muga, D. O., Museve, E., & Odaya, C. A. Transportation Management Practices and Performance of Humanitarian Organization: A Case Study of Kenya Red Cross Society.
Musyoka, C., & Wanjohi, P. (2023). Big data analytics for sustainability of SMEs' performance after COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. 6th Annual International Conference-2023, Kirinyaga University, Virtual.
Muoki, R. K., & Moronge, M. (2021). Influence of Logistics Optimization on Performance of Freight Forwarding Companies in Kenya. International Journal of Supply Chain and Logistics, 5(1), 46-66. https://doi.org/10.47941/ijscl.534
Mwangi, P. M., & Anaya, S. (2020). Logistical Factors Influencing Disaster Responsiveness of Humanitarian Organizations in Kenya (Case of Kenya Red Cross Society). International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 5(1), 1-20.
Paciarotti, C., Piotrowicz, W. D., & Fenton, G. (2021). Humanitarian logistics and supply chain standards. Literature review and view from practice. Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 11(3), 550-573. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-11-2020-0101
Prakash, C., Besiou, M., Charan, P., & Gupta, S. (2020). Organization theory in humanitarian operations: a review and suggested research agenda. Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 10(2), 261-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-08-2019-0051
Rowlinson, M. (2020). Business history and organization theory. In Management and Industry (pp. 7-38). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429399770-2
Schetter, C., Mkutu, K., & Müller-Koné, M. (2022). Frontier NGOs: Conservancies, control, and violence in northern Kenya. World Development, 151, 105735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105735
Tosi, L., & Marty, J. (2023). Understanding coordination in humanitarian action: insights from the activities–resources–actors model. International Journal of Development Issues. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0101
Ugwu, K. E., & Onwuka, E. M. (2020). Humanitarian Organization: Effect of Collaboration between Different Agencies in Relief Operation. SSRN.
Wambrauw, O. O. O., & Muttaqin, M. Z. (2023). Management of Information and Communication Technology for Earthquake Disaster Management in Jayapura City. Formosa Journal of Science and Technology, 2(4), 1041-1048. https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v2i4.3842
Wang, R. (2020). Cross‐sector alliances in the global refugee crisis: An institutional theory approach. Business Ethics: A European Review, 29(3), 646-660. https://doi.org/10.1111/beer.12288
Wankmüller, C., & Reiner, G. (2020). Coordination, cooperation and collaboration in relief supply chain management. Journal of Business Economics, 90, 239-276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11573-019-00945-2
Wasike, E. R., & Juma, D. (2020). Influence of logistics management practices on the logistic performance of humanitarian organizations in Kakamega County, Kenya. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 10(9), 97-109. https://doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.10.09.2020.p10513