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Citation: Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182, http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
Received: 13.12.16, Accepted: 08.02.2017, on-line: 22.03.2017.
LogForum
> Scientific Journal of Logistics <
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p-ISSN 1895-2038
2017, 13 (2), 171-182
http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
e-ISSN 1734-
459X
ORIGINAL PAPER
JAPANESE AND AMERICAN APPROACH TO HUMANITARIAN
LOGISTICS IN NATURAL DISASTERS’ PREVENTION
Jakub Mateusz Marcinkowski
Wrocław University of Economics, Jelenia Góra, Poland
ABSTRACT
. Background: The complexity of natural disasters is a fundamental aspect for coordination and
integration activities from the public sectors’ perspective. Tasks that are formally independent demonstrate a convergent
and integrated character. Therefore, there is a justified need to synergic cooperation of public and private sector, NGOs,
UN agencies, IFRC agencies, military and societies actions in the affected region. The main goal of the study was to
identify similarities and differences in Japanese and American approaches to humanitarian logistics in the public sectors’
perspective. Moreover, the second goal was to prepare an extended humanitarian logistics convergence procedure for
national authorities.
Methods: Critical analysis has been carried out in two highly developed countries of the global economy. Author
indicates determinants which are conditioned by three different types of humanitarian logistics convergence.
Results: The article describes the processes of concurrence at Japanese and American level in relation to humanitarian
logistics. The characteristic of convergence factors has been followed by theoretical considerations concerning analyzed
problem. Author indicates determinants with highest level of convergence as well as with the biggest differentiation. As
a result, an extended procedure for national authorities that covers both outstanding approaches has been presented.
Conclusions: Neutralizing, minimizing and eliminating of natural disasters’ negative effects are not an easy task. The
article highlights the importance of public sectors’ activities which are fundamental aspects of humanitarian logistics
actions. Their coordination and integration play a key role in efficiency. Hence, all authorities interested in the analyzed
concept may follow the presented procedure. Nevertheless, there is a necessity to conduct an indicator analysis associated
with natural disasters occurrence, economic growth, logistics ratios, risk indexes as well as other determinants that cover
convergence.
Key words:
humanitarian logistics, humanitarian logistics convergence, natural disaster, integration, coordination,
procedure.
INTRODUCTION
Coordination and integration of
humanitarian logistics activities are
indispensable aspects of efficiency. Firstly, all
the planning processes and tasks require to
adjust to expectations met by society. Every
activity has to depend on differing
requirements on human resources in order to
effectively neutralize and efficiently minimize
the negative effects of natural disasters. The
main feature around which logistic processes
and activities are concentrated during disaster
relief both in USA and Japan is relying on
human predispositions and rational behavior
during natural disasters. Activities that are
formally independent demonstrate convergent
and integrated character.
The potential of humanitarian logistics may
be seen from the perspective of the players as
well as national viewpoint for the economic
development of humanitarian activities of the
population and entire country [Kessler 2013].
Therefore, the involvement of the public sector
that engages a macroeconomic context is
a fundamental aspect of undertaking activities.
,
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
172
Furthermore, logistics is a successful factor
for aid agencies in the competition for
donations. It accelerates and facilitates the
entire humanitarian supply chain, from
purchasing to distribution of aid goods. Ipso
facto, logistics lend transparency [Howden
2009, Willhaus and Stumpf 2011]. Aid
agencies’ activities and humanitarian aid are
not characterized by competitiveness.
Nevertheless, some sort of competition among
humanitarian logistics players exists and is
reasonable. It does not refer to maximize
profits or minimize costs but to increase
efficiency of disaster relief. It is a form of
competitiveness that supports public sector
activities rather than to replace the state.
There are four reasons for the analysis of
the particular topic:
1. Periodicity of natural disasters in Japan
and USA due to the Pacific Ring of Fire
location.
2. Experience in neutralizing, minimizing
and eliminating of negative effects of
natural disasters by both countries.
3. Socio-cultural differences between Japan
and USA that require a comparative
analysis.
4. Authority involvement in the Japanese
and American approach.
Considering the above facts, the author
decided to formulate the research problem as
follows: what are the similarities and
differences in Japanese and American
approaches to humanitarian logistics in the
public sectors’ perspective? Moreover,
authorities’ role and functions during natural
disasters should be noted. Furthermore, an
extended humanitarian logistics convergence
procedure for national authorities should be
prepared. The objects of analysis are two
highly developed countries that have
experienced some of the most damaging
disasters in recent decades. The methodology
of the article consists of critical analysis of
documentation, case studies and comparative
analysis.
HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS –
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Thomas and Kopczak [2005] as well as
Thomas [2003] define humanitarian logistics
as the process of planning, implementing and
controlling the efficient, cost-effective flow
and storage of goods and materials together
with related information. This process begins
in the point of origin and finishes in the point
of consumption. The purpose of presented
above actions is to alleviate the suffering of
vulnerable people.
Therefore, the tasks of humanitarian
logistics are not restricted to the disaster relief
only. If we take to consider a wider context,
one of the main function of this concept is to
support communities in the processes of
establishing their own infrastructure, which
may help vulnerable people threatened by
disaster risks. Moreover, the principle of such
situation is to enable communities to conduct
a self-help [Pazirandeh 2011]. Humanitarian
logistics includes some essential aspects
related to activation measures that are
indispensable in the area of the market
economy. Those activities refer to education
and vocational training. Simultaneously, they
are integrating all the processes connected with
the planning, implementation as well as
management of relief items, personnel and
resources [Baumgarten et al. 2011]. In the
entire humanitarian process, logistics plays
a key role in the mobilization activity being
a bridge between disaster preparedness and
response [Daud et al. 2016].
The entire disaster relief is provided by
humanitarian logistics players. They may be
differentiated into several interrelated groups:
public sector, private sector, NGOs, UN
agencies, IFRC agencies (International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent),
military, media as well as affected by disaster
societies [Daud 2016, Marcinkowski 2016,
Kessler 2013, Over-street et al. 2011].
All of the players have important
responsibilities and tasks. Because the main
purpose of this paper is to present a role of the
public sector during natural disasters,
authorities’ short characteristics shall only be
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
173
performed. It is obvious that government is an
activator of humanitarian logistics actions.
Only authorities have enough power and
possibilities to authorize operations as well as
mobilize resources [Daud et al. 2016, Kessler
2013]. Nevertheless, without the military
support, disaster relief may not be performed
efficiently. Soldiers play an important role
while providing primary assistance associated
with camp or hospital installation, route repair
or telecommunications [Daud et al. 2016].
Most of the natural disasters could not be
predicted [Jennings 2011]. It also refers to the
demand for relief items to disaster victims that
are almost unpredictable [Syahrir et al. 2015].
Therefore, all activities in the field of
humanitarian logistics are divided into four
basic phases [Cozzolino 2008, Daud et al.
2016]. The first one, mitigation refers to any
kind of laws and mechanisms in order to
reduce social vulnerability. It has an
institutional character associated with the legal
system. The second one, preparation (or
preparedness) refers to tasks that occur during
the period before the disaster strikes what
makes it crucial. Activities are associated with
an adequate infrastructure preparation,
conducting trainings as well as development of
plans and scenarios for disaster management.
The function of neutralizing effects of
occurring disasters is carried out in that phase.
The third one, the reaction phase refers to tasks
that are implemented after the disaster strikes.
In its basic scope it involves disaster relief
associated with protection of life and health of
vulnerable people. Minimizing the negative
effects of occurring disasters is the main
function during that phase of humanitarian
logistics. The last one, reconstruction phase,
begins in the aftermath of a disaster but shows
its essential role in the final stage. This phase
involves reconstruction and rehabilitation
activities on the basis of a long-term
perspective. Simultaneously, it forces to
rebuild infrastructure and to normalize the life
of citizens. The main function of that phase is
to eliminate the negative effects of disaster.
Therefore, the entire disaster response consists
of [Besiou et al. 2014] preparedness and
response activities which tend to mitigate
disasters impacts.
The concept of humanitarian logistics is
related to humanitarian supply chain [Gizaw
and Gu
̈mu
̈s
̧ 2016, Habib et al. 2016, Cozzolino
et al. 2012]. It is nothing other than
coordinated network of humanitarian logistics
players who are involved in disaster relief
operations. Specified and precisely planned
feedback as well as permanent information
flow could be distinguished amongst those
players. They are forming products and
services with the strictly humanitarian
character what is the core of the value creation
in the entire chain. Therefore, material, service,
information and financial flow are the basis of
a humanitarian supply chain.
Nevertheless, humanitarian world has to
deal with scarcity of resources and
decentralization associated with decision
making and earmarked donations. Such
situation is ignored in humanitarian supply
chain literature that assumes the possibility of
unlimited resources, centralized decision
making as well as free allocation. It has to be
pointed out that these are typical characteristics
of a commercial rather than humanitarian
supply chain [Bhattacharya et al. 2015].
Moreover, forecasting is extremely difficult
because of the unpredictability of disaster
occurrence. What is worse, the collapse of
infrastructure inhibits aid to the affected
region. Therefore, management of the entire
system in humanitarian supply chain is
extremely challenging. A complexity and
fragility of that system are shaped by presented
factors, thereby it is more difficult to challenge
in comparison to commercial supply chain [Yu
et al. 2015].
Interpretation of humanitarian supply
chains as logistics networks enables size,
importance and character of the states in the
self-sufficiency context [Kessler 2013]. That
phenomenon is essential since there is a risk
that the work of humanitarian or aid
organizations would displace the existing
structures [Baumgarten 2011, Baumgarten et
al. 2010]. Consequently, it indicates the main
goal of aid organizations associated with
supporting states’ activities in disaster relief
rather than substituting its actions.
A decreasing logistics dispersion and an
effective progress of activities at the local level
,
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
174
compared to the entire region are evidences of
the humanitarian logistics convergence
[Marcinkowski 2016]. This convergence is
a development which results in the individual
economic variables unification and
harmonization. Those variables define logistics
actions during disaster relief in analyzed
regions or states.
Due to the complexity of that concept three
different types of humanitarian logistics
convergence may be distinguished (“3 x i”
humanitarian logistics convergence):
institutional, infrastructural and informational
[Marcinkowski 2016].
1. The institutional convergence is
associated with concurrence of
humanitarian logistics legal and
organizational conditions, such as legal
norms.
2. The infrastructural convergence refers to
creation of infrastructure similar in the
character, such as river regulation, flood
protection solutions, earthquake
engineering, etc.
3. The informational convergence relates to
standardizing the ways of acquiring and
transmitting of information about risks
and emergencies. It contains trainings for
society and adaptation of modern
technology.
AMERICAN AND JAPANESE
APPROACH TO HUMANITARIAN
LOGISTICS
Therefore, tasks that are formally
independent demonstrate a convergent and
integrated character. In order to identify
similarities and differences in Japanese and
American approaches from the public sectors’
perspective, author indicates processes and
determinants which are conditioned by three
different types of humanitarian logistics
convergence (see Table 1).
First of all, it is essential to emphasize the
relevance and importance of informational
convergence in both analyzed countries.
Recently, owning information is an
indispensable aspect of competitive edge.
Thereupon, this type of convergence ensures
efficient and effective information flow
amongst players. Humanitarian supply chains’
individual activities are one of the main
conditions of acquiring the source information
and transmission to the humanitarian logistics
players. Regional warning systems or
informatics technology gathering disaster data
are insufficient mechanisms. Without
coordination and integration of activities,
informational and organizational chaos during
disaster could be exacerbated. It may be
conditioned by improper usage of information
systems and methods as well as disregarding
the role of safety and disaster relief trainings
for society. Therefore, informational
convergence is a fundamental aspect of
humanitarian supply chains and one of the
main factors enabling coordination and
integration. It affects indirectly the safety of
the entire society and has an interdisciplinary
character owed to other types of humanitarian
logistics convergence.
Determinants of informational convergence
both in Japan and USA are: self-help and trust
in the human abilities, social functions and
society integration, decentralization of
activities, the complexity of disasters,
utilization of every latest scientific knowledge
as well as the processes of planning, and
inspection of activities despite limited
information. Additionally, pessimism in
disaster management may be distinguished in
Japanese approach, thereupon its authorities
are presuming the worst. Hence, the resulting
factors with the ubiquitous nature in both
countries are: the necessity of mutual
cooperation and permanent synergistic effect.
All the humanitarian logistics players are
obligated to follow the rules of mutual
assistance when protection of people’s life and
health is crucial.
Infrastructural convergence contributes in
a direct way to reducing disparities in
development and standards of infrastructure. It
affects the activities’ unification in the scope
of in-vestment, however, empowering local
players through implementation in the
grassroots. Determinants of this type of
convergence in both countries are:
decentralization of activities, the complexity of
disasters as well as the processes of planning
and inspection of activities despite limited
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
175
information. In American approach there are
also social functions and society integration
determinants.
Table 1. Determinants of humanitarian logistics convergence from the Japanese and American public sectors’ approach
Tabela 1. Czynniki konwergencji logistyki humanitarnej z perspektywy sektora publicznego w Japonii i USA
Approach Japanese American
Determinants
Resulting factor The type
of
humanitarian
logistics
convergence
Resulting factor The type
of
humanitarian
logistics
convergence
Self-help and trust
in the human abilities
Cooperation, synergy effect,
consideration of societies needs
and preferences
Informa-
tional,
institutional
Cooperation, synergy effect,
standardization of activities,
scenarios preparation, human
resources policies, rational
behavior
Informa-
tional,
institutional
Social functions
and society integration
Structural and nonstructural
activities
Institu-
tional,
informational
Preparedness, social functions Institu-
tional,
infrastructural,
informational
Decentralization of
activities
Local plans integration,
exploiting the potential,
knowledge management
Informati
onal,
infrastructural
Scenarios and plans
preparation, standardization, ICS,
plans integration
Informa-
tional,
infrastructural
The complexity of
disasters
Preparedness, reaction,
reconstruction, random factor
inclusion, resources and damages
estimation methods, life
normalization, implementation of
modern technologies, security,
effects evaluation
Infrastru-
ctural,
informational,
institutional
Preparedness, reaction,
reconstruction, life and livestock
protection
Infrastru-
ctural,
informational,
institutional
The resistant
market and
humanitarian logistics
players’ relationships
Intersectoral supports
platform, commercialization,
supply chain management,
business continuity planning,
insurance system fortification
Institu-
tional
Activities integration, federal
subsidies, liaison to the JFO
Institu-
tional
Utilization of
every latest scientific
knowledge
Interdisciplinary nature of
science, forecasts and scenarios
preparation, preparedness
Informati
onal
Forecasts and scenarios
preparation
Informa-
tional
The processes of
planning and
inspection of activities
despite limited
information
Preparedness, trainings,
collecting information systems,
communication systems
Infrastru-
ctural,
informational,
institutional
Preparedness, trainings,
cooperation of neighboring
administrative units, plans
preparation, communication
systems, volunteers’ registry
Infrastru-
ctural,
informational,
institutional
Pessimism in
disaster management
Preparedness, forecasts
preparation, analysis
Informa-
tional
- -
Source: Author’s own source based on [Marcinkowski 2016, Committee 2012, Standing Together 2005].
The complexity of disasters tends to
situation when one disaster could trigger
another. Thereupon, severity of damage may
be increased and each hazard could be either
a cause or the result of the particular disaster.
Such situation took place during Japanese
earthquake in 2011 when despite a seismic
shock and tsunami, Japan had to deal with the
breakdown in the Fukushima nuclear power
plant [Committee 2012]. This is the evidence
of disasters’ synergic character. Therefore, one
of the most common tasks for humanitarian
logistics players is con-trolling the process in
every phase. Hence, the resulting factors in
both countries are associated with precise
preparation, efficient reaction and effective
reconstruction. It requires the adaptation of
modern technology as well as the complex and
efficient protection of regions. An effective
reconstruction indicates a structural
regeneration of infrastructure that raises the
security levels of society and its livestock.
Thus, decentralization and knowledge
management [Daud et al. 2016] enables to
exploit the potential and local conditions in
both countries.
American approach is extended to the
requirement of processes planning in every
humanitarian logistics’ phase. Every problem
associated with each activity has to be
understood in terms of its range and character.
The workflow of each community and all
processes have to be always correlated and
,
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
176
coherent with Incident Command System
[2008]. Then, a wide scope of responsibilities
is created in order to control scenarios and
plans for effective players’ cooperation. The
main protection goals for logistic activities in
American approach are: life and health,
maintenance of the strategic infrastructure,
public and private property as well as
environment.
The wide range of actions require
legitimacy; therefore, selected activities and
tasks are gradually systematized and molded as
legal norms. These humanitarian logistics
determinants regulate execution of certain
regulations and procedures. Legal aspects are
ensured by the institutional type of
humanitarian logistics convergence. It refers
directly to concurrence in existing regulations,
conditions as well as players’ organizational
structures. The institutionalization of activities
in public sector is associated with efficient
humanitarian supply chain. Both in Japan and
USA institutional type of convergence
determinants are: self-help and trust in the
human abilities, social functions and society
integration, the complexity of disasters, the
resistant market and humanitarian logistics
players’ relationships as well as the processes
of planning and inspection of activities despite
limited information.
The institutionalization of activities is
primarily associated with the administrative
role of the state in terms of its functions and
importance of the public sector. Such role in
Japan refers to logistics processes controlling.
Hence, structural and nonstructural tasks are
being considered. Structural tasks are
connected with infrastructural facilities
construction or land protection. Nonstructural
tasks refer to preparing a warning and
evacuation policy as well as conducting
trainings for society. Therefore, social
functions are fulfilled and society is integrated.
Japanese approach stands out at avoidance of
conditions standardization what eliminates
underestimation of possible losses or costs.
Moreover, each time a random factor is
included and appraisal of resources and
damages is conducted. Nevertheless, that
determinant is also subsumed in American
approach. Ipso facto, the results evaluation and
activities efficiency enable to uphold readiness
in the preparation phase. In the Japanese
approach, all players use methods and
techniques enabling business continuity
planning as well as intersectoral supports
platforms preparation. Furthermore, the
insurance system fortification that provide an
assistance during disaster is introduced.
The essential principle of humanitarian
logistics activities is mutual cooperation of all
public authorities especially within the central
government agencies. Therefore, prevention
and disaster management plans of individual
societies are being consulted and compared
with central ones including its specificity. As
a result, the scope of activities is
institutionalized on the basis of public sector.
Nevertheless, some slight differences may be
distinguished in the American approach.
Teams that are responsible for developing
scenarios and plans use Universal Task List
[2005]. It determines the scope of individual
activities that are performing by the federal,
state and local level as well as by the private
sector. It is a comprehensive list that suggests
what kind of operations have to be conducted.
All the entities have a wide range of flexibility
in division of responsibility and methods of its
implementation.
Both approaches define risk as one of the
main factors of preparation phase. It results in
costly effective players’ involvement that is
responsible for that part of humanitarian
logistics. The public sector activities have to
ensure the basic social functions and to
integrate society. Those tasks have to be
conducted in all humanitarian logistics phases:
mitigation, preparation, reaction and
reconstruction. Hence, social functions in the
American approach are associated with
[Standing Together 2005]: public health,
medical care, public works, energy supply,
environment, economy, water/sanitation,
shelter/clothing, food, communication,
security, logistics/transport, search/rescue.
Moreover, the specificity of American
approach indicates federal subsides, interaction
and assigning a liaison to the Joint Field Office
[Standing Together 2005]. That multiagency
coordination center facilitates communication
and coordination during emergency and is
a central point for federal, state, local, NGOs
and private sector organizations.
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
177
The comparative analysis of Japanese and
American approaches to humanitarian logistics
from the public sectors’ perspective (see Table
2) indicates the synthetic summary of
presented above aspects. The highest level of
concurrence among conferred determinants is
associated with informational type
of humanitarian logistics convergence. In
contrast, the biggest differentiation refers to
the institutional type. Nevertheless, the public
sector is a fundamental aspect of humanitarian
logistics activities.
Table 2. Comparison of Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics from the public sectors’ perspective on
the basis of convergence determinants
Tabela 2. Porównanie japońskiego i amerykańskiego podejścia do logistyki humanitarnej z perspektywy sektora publicznego
w oparciu o czynniki konwergencji
Differentiating determinants in
Japan
Common determinants Differentiating determinants in USA
Pessimism in disaster management,
logistics processes controlling,
avoidance of conditions
standardization,
random factor inclusion,
business continuity planning methods,
intersectoral supports platform,
the insurance system fortification
Self-help and trust in the human
abilities,
social functions and society
integration,
decentralization of activities,
the complexity of disasters,
utilization of every latest scientific
knowledge,
the processes of planning and
inspection of activities despite limited
information,
the resistant market,
humanitarian logistics players’
relationships,
resources and damages estimation
methods
Local plans correlation with ICS,
implementation of Universal Task List,
the specificity of American social
functions,
federal subsidies,
liaison to the JFO
Source: Author’s own source based on [Marcinkowski 2016, Committee 2012, Standing Together 2005].
However, despite the humanitarian logistics
convergence in Japan, some sort of disaster
response management failure occurred due to
institutional weaknesses during earthquake and
tsunami in 2011 [Daud et al. 2016].
Governments’ response capability was
ineffective because of lack of political
leadership, delayed response, ineffectiveness
of NGOs, inappropriate level of supports and
funding, constrains in military as well as
inefficient communication system [Daud et al.
2016, Panda 2012]. Similar situation applies to
USA due to lack of emergency management
and ineffectiveness of activities during
hurricane Katrina [The Federal 2006].
Nevertheless, both countries made efforts to
improve their disaster management and
humanitarian logistics plans, scenarios and
procedures.
AN EXTENDED HUMANITARIAN
LOGISTICS CONVERGENCE
PROCEDURE FOR NATIONAL
AUTHORITIES
An extended procedure for national
authorities that covers both outstanding
approaches is a reasonable idea (see Figure 1).
The procedure conditioned by three different
types of humanitarian logistics convergence
may be implemented by any national authority
interested in the concept. Formal
implementation of the regulations at the
central, regional and local levels can lead
directly to concurrence in existing institutional
conventions, conditions, information pro-
viding as well as infrastructural aspects.
Primarily, prerequisites for the procedure
have to be presented. National authority should
be pessimistic in disaster management in order
to implement alternative scenarios and fore-
casts. Presuming the worst results in more
accurate mutual cooperation and synergistic
,
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
178
effect. Moreover, all the activities associated
with scenarios, forecasts or plans preparation
have to include a random factor and avoid
conditions standardization. These would
eliminate underestimation of possible losses or
costs.
At the first stage a national authority should
define its legal position in humanitarian
logistics actions. Therefore, an analysis of its
own determinants has to be performed on the
basis of critical analysis of documentation as
well as utilization of every latest scientific
knowledge. As a consequence, authority’s
actual legal position will be prepared.
Fig. 1. An extended humanitarian logistics convergence procedure for national authorities
Rys. 1. Uniwersalna procedura konwergencji logistyki humanitarnej dla organów państwowych
Development of various scenarios and
forecasts for humanitarian logistics during
natural disasters instead of the stiffed plans
indicates the second stage of the procedure.
A wide range of possible solutions for every
kind of natural disaster enable to effectively
neutralize and efficiently minimize theirs’
negative effects. Subsequently, the third stage
begins with public and institutional
consultation on the projected scenarios and
forecasts that include society, NGOs, public
and private sector in decision making.
Selection of the most desirable option that
meets all the expected requirements indicates
the fourth stage.
The proper part of the procedure consists of
formal implementation of the selected
regulation at the central level which indicates
the fifth stage. Hence, the insurance system
fortification that provides an assistance during
disaster as well as the resistant market should
be formed. The market independent from the
catastrophic risk influence provides economic
stability of the country and the entire society.
Furthermore, intersectoral supports platforms
as well as central subsidies shall be
implemented. Mutual cooperation and
financial assistance are indispensable aspects
of effective humanitarian logistics’ actions.
Subsequently, the sixth stage consists of
development of regulation at the local level on
the basis of national regulations. Therefore,
decentralization process has to be deployed in
association with decision making and
earmarked donations. This kind of solidarism
supports self-help and promotes trust in human
abilities. Furthermore, a wide scope
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
179
of responsibilities for humanitarian logistics
players have to be introduced at the local level
to control plans and scenarios for effective
cooperation. As a consequence, the workflow,
scope of responsibilities and all the processes
of each community shall be correlated and
coherent with regional and central solutions.
The higher level of public sectors’ hierarchy,
the more general responsibilities. Therefore,
the central one should protect goals for
logistics activities in the following areas: life
and health, critical infrastructure maintenance,
environment as well as property. Whilst, the
regions should be concerned with
communication and coordination during
emergency at the local level. Finally, resources
and damages estimation methods should be
standardized in order to effectively control
humanitarian logistics actions.
Nevertheless, the procedure presented
above is associated only with formal and legal
aspects that may be introduced. The high
technology implementation, infrastructure
modernization as well as society training are
another aims that determine effective
humanitarian logistics actions. Moreover, an
authority should be aware about its socio-
cultural position if there is a wish to follow this
procedure. The American approach is more
independent and flexible while Japanese is
more formal and skeptical. Therefore, author
decided to present an extended procedure for
national authorities that covers the best of both
outstanding approaches. Nonetheless, the
higher level of flexibility and skepticism
should encourage and force the particular
authority to opt for this procedure.
CONCLUSIONS
Permanent cooperation of humanitarian
logistics players is provided by disasters
activities’ efficiency. Though, the uncertainty
of time, place and type of emergency is
problematic to determine the size of necessary
resources to minimize the negative effects of
disasters. Nevertheless, the protection of life,
health and livestock is more important than
costs and flow effectiveness. All the plans and
scenarios as well as independent activities
require systematization and legitimacy. Hence,
both Japanese and American approach
indicates the local disaster management plans
integration in the regional and central level.
This requires involvement of recommendations
and guidelines of crisis management centers.
Such situation results in efficient and effective
neutralization of the negative effects of natural
disasters.
Furthermore, it has to be emphasized that in
Japanese approach a public entity is always
a coordinating body. It plays a primary role
towards local agencies. Common participation
of all stakeholders is an indispensable aspect
and requirement of disaster management plans.
Whereas, in USA the policy is more flexible.
Therefore, some communities and players do
not participate in regional coordination teams.
They are more independent but less integrated
and hard to coordinate.
To conclude, public sector is an
indispensable aspect of every humanitarian
logistics activity. Ipso facto, a synergic
cooperation of every player tends to efficient
disaster relief. The scope of effective work is
associated with coordination and integration
aspects that also include public awareness.
Hence, all authorities interested in the analyzed
concept may follow the presented procedure.
Nevertheless, an indicator analysis should be
prepared to fully determine the importance of
humanitarian logistics convergence. Indicators
shall refer to natural disasters occurrence,
economic growth, logistics ratios, risk indexes
as well as other determinants that cover
convergence theory. Therefore, the author has
planned to continue research in a different part
of presented theory through creating
a comprehensive mathematical model for
humanitarian logistics convergence.
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3
JAPOŃSKIE A AMERYKAŃSKIE PODEJŚCIE DO LOGISTYKI
HUMANITARNEJ JAKO NARZĘDZIA WALKI Z KATASTROFAMI
NATURALNYMI
STRESZCZENIE
. Wstęp: Złożoność i problematyka występujących katastrof naturalnych stanowi istotny problem
koordynacji i integracji działań z poziomu sektora publicznego. Zadania, które formalnie realizowane są w sposób
niezależny, wykazują charakter zbieżny i zintegrowany. W związku z powyższym, istnieje uzasadniona potrzeba
synergicznej współpracy sektora publicznego, prywatnego, NGO, agend ONZ, agend ruchu IFRC oraz oddolnych działań
podejmowanych przez mieszkańców na terenach dotkniętych katastrofą. Celem badania było zidentyfikowanie
podobieństw oraz różnic występujących w podejściu do logistyki humanitarnej z perspektywy sektora publicznego
w Japonii oraz USA. Ponadto, drugim celem było opracowanie uniwersalnej procedury konwergencji logistyki
humanitarnej dla sektora publicznego.
Metody: Analizę krytyczną przeprowadzono w dwóch wysokorozwiniętych państwach go-spodarki światowej.
Wskazano determinanty powstawania zbieżności, które są określane przez trzy odrębne rodzaje konwergencji logistyki
humanitarnej.
,
Marcinkowski J.M., 2017. Japanese and American approach to humanitarian logistics in natural disasters’
prevention. LogForum 13 (2), 171-182
. http://dx.doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2017.2.5
182
Wyniki: W artykule opisano procesy powstawania zbieżności na płaszczyźnie japońskiej oraz amerykańskiej
w odniesieniu do logistyki humanitarnej. Charakterystyka czynników konwergencji została poprzedzona krótkimi
teoretycznymi rozważaniami dotyczącymi analizowanego problemu. Wskazano determinanty cechujące się największym
poziomem zbieżności, a także świadczące o znaczącym zróżnicowaniu. W konsekwencji, zaprezentowano uniwersalną
procedurę dla zainteresowanych państw łączącą oba wyróżniające się podejścia.
Wnioski: Przeciwdziałanie, minimalizowanie i eliminowanie negatywnych skutków katastrof naturalnych nie jest
zadaniem prostym. W niniejszym artykule podkreślono istotność funkcjonowania sektora publicznego, który stanowi
fundament projektowanych działań z zakresu logistyki humanitarnej. Koordynacja i integracja działań jest kluczowym
aspektem warunkującym jej skuteczność. Stąd też, wszystkie jednostki administracji publicznej zainteresowane
analizowaną koncepcją mogą wdrożyć zaprezentowaną procedurę. Niemniej jednak, autor artykułu wskazuje na
konieczność przeprowadzenia analizy wskaźnikowej dotyczącej występowalności katastrof, wzrostu gospodarczego,
mierników logistycznych, czynników ryzyka oraz innych wskaźników, które łącznie świadczą o postępującej
konwergencji.
Słowa kluczowe:
logistyka humanitarna, konwergencja logistyki humanitarnej, katastrofa naturalna, integracja,
koordynacja, procedura
JAPANISCHE UND ANGLOAMERIKANISCHE ANSÄTZE
HUMANITÄRER LOGISTIK ALS BESTANDTEIL DER
HILFELEISTUNG BEI NATURKATASTROPHEN
ZUSAMMENFASSUNG. Einleitung: Die Komplexität der auftretenden Anforderungen bei Naturkatastrophen und die
dadurch notwendige Integration wichtiger Akteure stellen ein Problem der Koordinierung im öffentlichen Sektor dar. Die
Aufgaben, die voneinander unabhängig umgesetzt werden, führen letztlich zu einer Konvergenz. Es ist daher ein
legitimes Bedürfnis, Synergien zwischen den öffentlichen und privaten (nichtstaatlichen) Organisationen, der UN, dem
IFRC, den Infrastrukturbehörden, aber eben auch zwischen den Bewohnern der von der Schadenslage betroffenen
Gebiete zu finden und zu nutzen. Das Ziel der Untersuchung war es, Ähnlichkeiten und Unterschiede in den
Lösungsansätzen für die Anforderungen an die Logistik in der humanitären Hilfe aus der Perspektive des öffentlichen
Sektors in Japan und in den USA zu identifizieren. Darüber hinaus war das andere Ziel es, eine erweiterte humanitäre
Logistik als Konvergenzverfahren für nationale Behörden vorzubereiten.
Methode: Die hier gezeigte kritische Analyse wurde in zwei wirtschaftlich hochentwickelten Ländern durchgeführt. Die
dabei gefundenen Determinanten der Entstehung von Überschneidungen lassen eine Einteilung der Konvergenz der
Logistik der humanitären Hilfeleistung in drei unterschiedlichen Arten zu.
Ergebnisse: Der Artikel behandelt die Prozesse bei der Entstehung einer Konvergenz bei logistischen Anforderungen der
humanitären Hilfe in Japan sowie in den USA. Der Charakteristik der Konvergenzfaktoren wurde eine kurze theoretische
Betrachtung des analysierten Problems vorangestellt. Es werden die wichtigsten Determinanten mit ihrem Einfluss auf
die Konvergenz aufgeführt, sowie deren beachtliche Vielfalt. Als Ergebnis wurde ein universal brauchbares Verfahren für
nationale Behörden bereitgestellt, das die beiden herausragenden Ansätze umfasst.
Fazit: Die Schäden von Naturkatastrophen zu verhindern, zu minimieren oder gar zu beseitigen, stellt die entsprechenden
Akteure vor große Herausforderungen. Der Artikel zeigt auf, in wieweit der funktionierende öffentliche Sektor als die
wichtige fundamentale Ebene bei der Bearbeitung von Fragestellungen der humanitären Logistik zu betrachten ist. Die
Koordination und Integration der wichtigen Akteure als die Führungsaufgaben stellen dabei einen wichtigen Aspekt des
Zusammenspiels der beteiligten Stellen dar. Daher können alle an dem betreffenden Konzept interessierten Einheiten der
öffentlichen Verwaltung die projizierte Prozedur effektiv einführen. Dabei weist der Autor auf die Notwendigkeit hin, die
Indikatoren der Prävalenz von Naturkatastrophen, die Parameter des Wirtschaftswachstums, der logistischen Kapazitäten,
der Risikofaktoren und anderer Kennziffern sowie der möglicherweise auftretenden Konvergenz einer Analyse zu
unterziehen.
Codewörter: humanitäre Logistik, humanitäre Logistik-Konvergenz, Naturkatastrophe, Integration, Koordinierung,
Verfahren
Jakub Mateusz Marcinkowski
Department of Strategic Management and Logistics
The Faculty of Economics, Management and Tourism
Wrocław University of Economics
Nowowiejska 3 St, 58-500 Jelenia Góra, Poland
e-mail: jakub.marcinkowski@ue.wroc.pl
