Identification and assessment influencing drivers of the humanitarian supply chain for disaster management: a BWM method

Purpose In recent years, the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters have exposed significant weaknesses in disaster response systems, particularly within the humanitarian supply chain (HSC). However, limited studies have systematically prioritized the key drivers that influence HSC effectiveness in disaster management. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying and evaluating the most influential drivers of the HSC in disaster contexts. Design/methodology/approach A structured framework was developed to identify critical HSC drivers based on expert input and literature review. The best-worst method (BWM) is a multi-criteria decision-making technique (MCDM) used to prioritize key drivers. Data were collected from experts at the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in Rasht, Iran, using a BWM questionnaire from May to August 2024. The study categorized the drivers into four main criteria and 16 sub-criteria. Findings The results revealed that resource scarcity is the most influential sub-driver in disaster-related HSC, while the system and information integrator ranked as the least significant sub-driver. Originality/value This study provided a structured decision-making framework that supports humanitarian organizations in recognizing and prioritizing key HSC drivers. The findings help managers and policymakers enhance disaster preparedness and response by allocating resources more effectively and planning strategically.