|Logistics - Trainer's Guide - 1st Edition (Disaster Management Training Programme, 51 p.)|
|PART 2: STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION OF RELIEF LOGISTICS (30 minutes)|
Explain the concept of a supply chain as applicable to all relief programs. Explain the difference between the long haul and forward supply divisions of the supply chain.
Explain the diagram on the overhead. Be careful to note that this is a generalized scheme of a bulk logistics systems only and not a representation of any particular operation.
If time allows, divide the participants into regional or country groups and ask them to make a similar diagram that describes an actual (present or past) logistical operation in their regions. If no-one in a group is familiar enough to diagram a real situation, ask that group to design an ideal system incorporating realities of their own region.
Ask for examples of both large and small scale relief logistics operations and the extent of the facilities needed to manage them. Have some examples ready to fill in the discussion. Use the overhead to check that all items have been mentioned.
Depending on the size of the operation, logistics programs may require:
offices and administrative equipment
fuel stores and workshops
vehicle parks and checkpoints
personal; vehicles for staff
truck fleets and specialized moving & handling equipment
accommodations for field personnel
Discuss the tasks and functions needed for the logistics operations listed on the overhead. Do all of these functions need to be covered regardless of the size of the operation?
What are the repercussions of neglecting any aspect? Can the participants think of any functions not already mentioned?
Explain the types of management structures usually encountered in logistics operations, (loose structures, governmental structures, and unitary structures). Poll the participants for any other structures of logistics management they have encountered.
What structures do the local or regional governments offer for a relief logistics operation? What problems can the participants foresee in separating the management of the general national transport network from the emergency relief logistics network?
Discuss the meaning of a unitary organization as it applies to logistics. Is this concept a realistic one, and if not, why not?
Discuss the perception of the distribution of commodities to people in need as distinct from the transport and handling of bulk consignments. Ask participants to discuss why the distribution aspect of the logistics operation is difficult to control by the unitary structure method and what problems might occur.
Use the overhead to refer to distribution as the end of the chain.