A lexicographical goal programming based decision support system for logistics of Humanitarian Aid

Abstract

Each year people affected by disasters, either natural or human-made, can be counted by millions. When a major disaster strikes a country, local and international communities usually respond with an outpouring of assistance, which has to be efficiently managed in order to arrive where it is needed as soon as possible and under adverse conditions. Despite its importance, not until recently has Humanitarian Logistics received much attention as a specific field, and there is a lack of specific tools. In this work, a lexicographical goal programming model for distribution of goods to the affected population of a disaster in a developing country is presented, which sustains a decision support system currently in development.