Factors Affecting Logistics Performance during the Humanitarian Crisis: The Case of the Ethiopian Ministry of National Defense, Logistics Main Department
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
The study aims to identify the key factors that influence logistics operations in times of crisis and provide insights to improve the overall logistics performance of the military's humanitarian response. The research used mixed research methods, including a comprehensive literature review, interviews with relevant stakeholders, and a survey of military logistics personnel. The key factors investigated include organizational structure, resource allocation and utilization, the level of pre-positioned stockpiles, the deployment speed of military logistics units, and the level of training and preparedness among logistics personnel. Findings indicate that organizational structure, resource allocation, and pre-positioned stockpiles significantly contribute to logistics performance, with mean scores ranging from 2.58 to 3.40. Strong positive correlations (coefficients from 0.718 to 0.898, p < 0.01) were observed among these factors, underscoring their interdependence. Training and preparedness were also positively correlated with logistics performance, highlighting the importance of readiness. However, deployment speed, despite positive correlations, did not show a significant impact on performance. Collectively, these factors accounted for 89.1% of the variance in logistics performance, emphasizing the critical role of structured organization and resource management in effective logistics operations during humanitarian crises. Implications: The study provides actionable insights and recommendations for improving logistics performance in the ENDF during humanitarian crises. These include enhancing organizational structures, ensuring efficient resource management, maintaining sufficient pre-positioned stockpiles, improving deployment strategies, and prioritizing ongoing training for logistics personnel. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to logistics management that addresses both structural and operational factors to improve crisis response capabilities.
Key Words: Humanitarian logistics, Factors, Military logistics, Humanitarian crisis, Ethiopian Ministry of National Defense