This course delves into the realm of decision models and simulation within Humanitarian Logistics (HumLog). Its primary goal is to define and specify decision and optimization problems within this field. Participants will explore decision support systems, evaluate existing approaches, and engage in discussions centered on potential enhancements.

The course covers mathematical optimization models and a range of decision support systems, starting from classical concepts and progressing into dynamic and stochastic decision models. Fundamental aspects of Humanitarian Logistics form the foundational knowledge base for this exploration.

One of the most popular courses, Quantitative Methods and Simulation in Humanitarian Logistics has been offered numerous times over the past decade! 

Past Offerings: 
Summer Term: (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014)
Winter Term: (2017/2018, 2016/2017)

In this seminar, we delve into the critical domain of managing the intricate pathways of the blood supply chain. Blood, a lifeline in healthcare, holds paramount importance, and understanding its supply chain intricacies is pivotal.

Throughout our exploration, you’ll find out the importance of an efficient blood supply chain and unveil the potential consequences of interruptions, whether they stem from stock-outs, sudden demand spikes, or unforeseen disruptions.

The main objective of this seminar is to equip you with the tools and insights needed to design a robust information system architecture tailored specifically for blood supply chains. By combining theoretical understanding with practical applications, this course aims to empower you in crafting resilient systems capable of managing and optimizing these crucial lifelines within the healthcare ecosystem.

There is little doubt that humanitarian logistics and supply chain management is key to the professional delivery of humanitarian action. This course will introduce different aspects of humanitarian supply chain management (SCM) and logistics, including chain components, procurement and warehousing, the social dimensions of delivery systems, logistics outsourcing, and performance management. Innovation and Cooperation with the commercial sector, both core topics of the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit, will be covered as well. To facilitate active learning with practical experiences the students will work on case studies, simulations and joint poster/powerpoint presentations.

Supply Chain Management:

The class will start with the wood-game simulation and its analysis. This will lead to a more theoretical introduction of SCM and logistics, which will be followed by a case study and additional reading on day two. Day one will thus be used to build the conceptual introduction into SCM. On the following days, presentations and exercises will cover the introduction of humanitarian logistics with focus topics in the area of humanitarian network design, logistics modelling, performance management and information systems in humanitarian logistics. The course will also include a study-trip to Münster and end with a small final paper.

Simulation Exercise 1: The Wood Game and the Bullwhip Effect

Duration: Full day

Simulation Exercise 2: Disaster Response Model

Duration: 180 min

Simulation Exercise 3: Inside Disaster Haiti

Duration: 90 min

Field Work: Rapid Needs Assessment

Duration: Half day

The scale and pace of crises pose enormous challenges for the Crisis Management (CM) sector, with new threats emerging all the time.  CM Innovation is therefore critical, but will only be successful if it is relevant and accessible to practitioners and operators. 

Main objectives of the seminar: Understanding the international CM system(s), exploring current challenges and improvement potentials as well analysis of promising information systems trends in the application domain …in an international and multidisciplinary context with lecturers and students from the Human Centered Design & Engineering Department at the University of Washington.