Humanitarian cluster leads: lessons from 4PLs
Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management
ISSN: 2042-6747
Article publication date: 19 October 2012
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the role of humanitarian cluster leads through applying lessons from the fourth‐party logistics (4PL) literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary data for this paper are based on an extensive case study of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian logistics covering specifically the UNJLC (United Nations Joint Logistics Centre) and the Logistics Cluster. In total, 37 semi‐structured interviews were conducted, together with site visits and review of official documentation.
Findings
The paper finds that the 4PL concept provides a partial match for the cluster leads with important lessons from the 4PL literature. In particular, lessons are related to selectivity of central participants for the cluster, and the need to develop relationship management skills.
Research limitations/implications
The paper shows some clear areas where lessons from the 4PL literature are highly relevant to the logistics cluster lead. Some of these implications can also be applied to the other clusters, but further concepts should be developed for the cluster system as a whole.
Social implications
The analysis shows that cluster leads should think of themselves more as facilitators rather than channel captains.
Originality/value
The tasks for the humanitarian cluster leads have been outlined in some detail, but the ways to accomplish them and how they should operate in relation to other actors in the field has been less clear. By using the 4PL concept the paper demonstrates a number of lessons that are relevant to the logistics cluster lead in particular.
Keywords
Citation
Jensen, L. (2012), "Humanitarian cluster leads: lessons from 4PLs", Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 148-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/20426741211260732
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited