Improving Disaster Preparedness Through Operations Research: Applications in Healthcare and Humanitarian Logistics
Abstract
In this seminar, I will present two recent projects that utilize operations research methods to enhance disaster preparedness and response. Both studies are rooted in real-world challenges and developed in collaboration with practitioners, addressing critical challenges in healthcare and humanitarian logistics.
In the first study, we address the needs of chronic hemodialysis patients, who are highly vulnerable during disasters due to their dependence on regular treatments. Collaborating with the Renal Disaster Relief Task Force (RDRTF), we develop an optimization model to assign patients to dialysis centers and schedule their treatments, integrating alternative treatment options. To solve this complex problem, we propose a Logic-Based Benders Decomposition algorithm and an Iterative Constructive Heuristic. A case study on earthquake response in Istanbul demonstrates the approach’s effectiveness.
In the second study, we examine postponement and stock-sharing strategies to improve the efficiency of prepositioned humanitarian stocks in regional humanitarian depots. Collaborating with the ESUPS Working Group, we propose the postponement of stock branding to enable sharing among organizations. We use Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the potential savings of the proposed strategy. We present a case study based on the Caribbean network and demonstrate significant improvements in importance performance metrics, including response times, fill rates and inventory utilization.
This seminar will take place in person in room T09-67. Alternatively, click here to join the seminar online.
Meeting ID: 668 3396 1922
Information
- Type
- Research Seminar
- Programme
- Logistics & Information Systems
- Date
- Tue. 7 Jan. 2025
- Time
- 11:00 - 12:00
- Location
- T09-67 or zoom
