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Modeling Disaster Operations Management Problems with System Dynamics

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Decision-making in Humanitarian Operations

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Abstract

This chapter introduces the main ideas of the System Dynamics method and discusses and illustrates its applications in Humanitarian Operations problems. Complex, unpredictable and uncontrollable conditions characterize decision-making during disasters. System Dynamics and System Thinking are useful for increasing our understanding of complex systems and their dynamic behavior, caused by feedback and accumulation structures. System dynamics has been used to model strategic resource allocation and capacity building decisions, and for policy evaluation in all phases of the disaster cycle, particularly the preparedness phase. To illustrate the application of system dynamics in humanitarian operations, a simple model is developed for determining volunteer and truck needs for water delivery after an emergency.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Business, Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid, Medellín, Colombia

    Carlos A. Delgado-Álvarez

  2. Department of Computing and Decision Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia

    Yris Olaya-Morales

Authors
  1. Carlos A. Delgado-Álvarez
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  2. Yris Olaya-Morales
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carlos A. Delgado-Álvarez .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Management Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

    Sebastián Villa

  2. Kelley School of Business Indiana University, Bloomington, USA

    Gloria Urrea

  3. School of Management Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia

    Jaime Andrés Castañeda

  4. Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

    Erik R. Larsen

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Delgado-Álvarez, C.A., Olaya-Morales, Y. (2019). Modeling Disaster Operations Management Problems with System Dynamics. In: Villa, S., Urrea, G., Castañeda, J.A., Larsen, E.R. (eds) Decision-making in Humanitarian Operations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91509-8_10

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