Challenges in humanitarian procurement coordination: Evidence from multiple case study research

Coordinating various aid providers in humanitarian supply chain activities, e.g. procurement, transport and warehousing, is complex, multidimensional and directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the demand satisfaction process in disaster areas. This paper devotes attention to challenges related to procurement coordination and presents alternative strategies for coordinating humanitarian stakeholders. The authors applied case study research including expert interviews with procurement agents and heads of logistics from international NGOs, start-ups and military logistics centers. Results indicate that the missing incentives to cooperate, poor communication, unclear division of competences and noncompliance to standards and regulations constitute substantial challenges in procurement coordination.