Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
• it includes penalties associated with shortages/surpluses at the demand points
with respect to the uncertain demand, and
• it enables the decision-maker to prioritize the demand points based on the
population, geographic location, etc., by assigning different time targets.
We used a variational inequality approach for the model formulation. The
developed model was then verified through illustrative numerical examples
followed by the sensitivity analysis of the optimal solution to the model
parameters. We also used variational inequality theory to present a solution
algorithm with nice computational features and solved two larger examples.
Our constructed framework can assist disaster relief organizations to plan
their procurement and distribution strategies before the occurrence of unex-
pected natural catastrophes. The organization's management can also evaluate
the timeliness of its service to the survivors of disasters under various scenarios
of demand, time targets, and costs. Possible extensions of our framework may
include the incorporation of uncertainty associated with link time functions, as
well as additional empirical work, which might include the construction of
alternative penalty functions and time completion functions. The modeling of
cooperation as well as competition among disaster relief agencies could also be
addressed. Our variational inequality approach in this paper provides the foun-
dation for such extensions. Indeed, we recognize that having multiple disaster
relief agencies—rather than a single organization—may be quite beneficial,
provided that the collaboration among the agencies is rigorously planned well
ahead of time. Moreover, here the focus was on planning for a single (the next)
disaster—it would also be interesting to consider the possibility of multiple
disasters in neighboring regions.
Acknowledgments
This paper is dedicated to the memory of Professor Walter Isard, the founder
of Regional Science, whose vision, research and scholarship, energy, kindness, and mentorship
will never be forgotten.
The authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewer for helpful comments and suggestions as
well as to the Editors for their work in putting this volume together.
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