2. WHAT IS A RELIEF LOGISTICS SYSTEM?

Figure

Discuss the goal of a logistics system and the general types of activities a logistics operation may entail. Ask participants to give examples of logistics operations they are familiar with and describe some aspects.

“The basic task of a logistics system is to deliver the appropriate supplies, in good condition, in the quantities required, and at the places and time they are needed”.

3. COMMODITIES AND MEANS OF TRANSPORT

Figure

Discuss the need to limit and prioritize relief goods; moving bulk commodities versus longer term specialist supply programs. Contrast this with the logistics of moving people.

On an overhead or a flip chart, list examples of logistics operations, the types of disasters they addressed and the commodities transported. Ask participants to give examples and suggest how planning for transport of different types of commodities, as well as for movement of people, would vary and, conversely, details they would have in common, such as the need for a systematic and professional approach.

Figure

Disaster	Commodities moved	Equipment or vehicles used

4. THE USE OF THE MILITARY

Figure

Discuss the use of military transport and personnel in relief logistics. Give examples of both international and national military involvement. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages as related to case studies that the participants are familiar with. It would be interesting to discuss current events in logistics which have appeared in the media during the week of the training course.

Photo

UNHCR/E. Dagnino, Sarajevo Airport Operations

5. THE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

Figure

List aspects of the operating environment which need to be considered when planning a relief logistics operation. Start with capacity or infrastructure. After eliciting a list of points from the participants, compare their list to the one provided on the overhead.

You may wish to use as an example the case study on the emergency relief operation in Ethiopia which describes the buildup of that logistics system during the famine relief effort of 1984-85. Refer the participants to the case study on page 10 of the companion module. Based on this short case study are there other points that should be added to the participants list of points?

Analysis of the operating environment for logistics should include determination of the:

Capacity of the system

Vulnerability of infrastructure and equipment

Political situation

Conflict situation, if any

6. PLANNING A LOGISTICS PROGRAM

Figure

Describe the essential aspects of an operations plan for logistics. How does this fit into a larger disaster management plan?

It is strongly suggested that you obtain for this course, examples of disaster management plans, logistics operations plans or logistics field manuals to display or pass around to participants. (See reference section of the module for suggestions) Many NGOs have field manuals which describe information and control systems in great detail and other technical aspects of logistical systems.

A good implementation and operations plan requires clear delineation of:

Goals and responsibilities

Steps needed to build the system

Resources involved

Measurable progress milestones or goals

Coordination with other plans or systems

Alternative procedures and redundancies

Adequate information and control systems

7. INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Figure

Show the overhead and ask these questions:

When is international management of a relief logistics system necessary?

What is the role of international agencies in relation to the national government in the management of logistics?

Figure

8. UN AND OTHER AGENCIES IN LOGISTICS ASSISTANCE

Figure

Discuss the roles of the various UN Agencies, how they differ and where they overlap. Discuss the participation of other agencies in logistics operations. Ask the participants to mention agencies not listed on the overhead and to describe others that they are familiar with.

UN	________________	IFRC	________________
	________________		________________
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WFP	________________	UNHCR	________________
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UNDP	________________	ICRC	________________
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DHA	________________	CARE	________________
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UNICEF	________________	MSF	________________
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WHO	________________	GTZ	________________
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