Strategies for an integrated US industry response to a humanitarian disaster

Abstract

This thesis focuses on developing strategies to improve coordination between private businesses, relief agencies, and the government in order to deliver more efficient and effective disaster relief during major national disasters within the United States. We approached the study of humanitarian disaster relief using three contexts - (1) it focuses on disaster relief for "major disasters" which are defined as an event or events that are sufficiently large in scale and impact that overwhelm local response capacity and resources, (2) the study is confined to the geographical context of the U.S. and (3) it uses the Hurricane Katrina disaster for the insights and lessons learned. Based on literature research, interviews, and case studies, we were able to develop a framework for developing effective partnerships between private corporations, NGOs and relief organizations that would help strengthen disaster relief efforts. We also developed recommendations for further improvements in disaster relief supply chains and other supporting public initiatives.