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Theory building using SAP-LAP linkages: an application in the context of disaster management

  • Applications of OR in Disaster Relief Operations
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Abstract

Management of disaster relief operations is a complex task involving pre-disaster, during disaster and post-disaster operations. It requires the involvement and coordination of multiple actors and processes. Traditionally, operations research applications in general and specifically for disaster relief have been made, largely, on quantitative and analytical front. There is a lack of qualitative and interpretive approaches in operations research applications. This paper uses an interpretive method, SAP-LAP (situation, actor, process, learning, action, performance) framework and linkages, in the context of disaster management. It enables to develop a theoretical framework for disaster management answering the fundamental questions of theory building. The paper first provides a selective review of disaster management and identifies the gap in building theoretical framework for the same. It then describes the methodology in terms of SAP-LAP framework and linkages with a broad appreciation of its application in operations as well as strategic management. This methodology is applied to develop a theoretical framework for disaster management. The paper finally discusses both the theoretical and practical implications of the proposed framework and concludes with future directions of research.

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  1. Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Vishwakarma Bhawan, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, New Delhi, 110016, India

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Appendix: SAP-LAP linkages for the illustrative example

Appendix: SAP-LAP linkages for the illustrative example

1.1 Exhibit 1: Cross-interaction matrix—Situation (S) \(\times \) Actors (A)

(a) Binary matrix

figure a

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure b

1.2 Exhibit 2: Cross-interaction matrix—Situation (S) \(\times \) Process (P)

(a) Binary matrix

figure c

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure d

1.3 Exhibit 3: Cross-interaction matrix—Actor (A) \(\times \) Process (P)

(a) Binary matrix

figure e

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure f

1.4 Exhibit 4: Cross-interaction matrix—Situation (S) \(\times \) Learning (L*)

(a) Binary matrix

figure g

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure h

1.5 Exhibit 5: Cross-interaction matrix—Actor (A) \(\times \) Learning (L*)

(a) Binary matrix

figure i

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure j

1.6 Exhibit 6: Cross-interaction matrix—Process (P) \(\times \) Learning (L*)

(a) Binary matrix

figure k

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure l

1.7 Exhibit 7: Cross-interaction matrix—Learning (L*) \(\times \) Action (A*)

(a) Binary matrix

figure m

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure n

1.8 Exhibit 8: Cross-interaction matrix—Action (A*) \(\times \) Performance (P*)

(a) Binary matrix

figure o

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure p

1.9 Exhibit 9: Cross-interaction matrix—Performance (P*) \(\times \) Learning (L*)

(a) Binary matrix

figure q

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure r

1.10 Exhibit 10: Self-interaction matrix for actions (A*)

(a) Binary matrix

figure s

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure t

1.11 Exhibit 11: Self-interaction matrix for performance (P*)

(a) Binary matrix

figure u

(b) Interpretive matrix

figure v

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Sushil Theory building using SAP-LAP linkages: an application in the context of disaster management. Ann Oper Res 283, 811–836 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-017-2425-3

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