The Effect of Cold Chain Logistics Practice on the Performance of Humanitarian Organizations: The Case of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Msf)
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Date
2023-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of cold chain logistics practice on the performance of humanitarian organizations: the case of MSF Holland. The study identified four independent variables namely, shipment of cold chain items, distribution and transport, storage condition and technical capability of employees are the defining variables while performance of MSF is dependent variable of the study. The study used mixed research method which means both qualitative and quantitative method of conducting research were used in the study. Quantitatively the data were collected through distributing questionnaires for MSF Holland employees who are directly engaged in cold chain logistic practice and organizations that works closely with MSF Holland, qualitatively data was obtained through conducting interview where eleven interviews were made by the researcher. A total of 201 questionnaires were distributed through purposive sampling techniques and 185 were retuned back which represents (92%) of the responses. Furthermore, the data collected was analyzed descriptively where frequency, mean and standard deviation were used to quantitatively describe the data, correlation analysis was done to show how much the dependent and independent variables are related and regression analysis was also used to understand the extent of the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable. More importantly, the study revealed that all the independent variables of the study have positive and strong correlation with the dependent variable which means that the existence proper management of those variables in humanitarian organizations like MSF Holland has a positive effect on their performance while the nonexistence or miss handling of those independent variables of the study negatively affect their performance. Adding to this, the regression analysis signified that the four independent variables of the study have 96.3% of variation on the dependent variable and based on this and descriptive statistics results, the research provided some recommendation in which it is considered as vital. Humanitarian organizations like MSF must work collaboratively with government and other stakeholders to create skillful and professional employees who can monitor and supervise the cold chain shipments process, trucks, vans, and other primary modes of transportation for this process. Specifications necessary to transfer packages must be fulfilled and a storage facility where all necessary variables like temperature, scheduled maintenance to keep systems running and keep cold chain items in good condition should also be prepared.
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Shipment of cold chain