Master of Advanced Studies
in Humanitarian Logistics and Management

Modeling for the Analysis and Improvement of Humanitarian Systems

This course aims to familiarize students with management science techniques for the analysis and improvement of humanitarian systems. The techniques, including linear and integer programming, and goal programming, will be illustrated through examples and case studies derived from humanitarian applications.

Objectives

Introduce students to the principles and practices of management science models for the analysis and improvement of humanitarian systems.

To provide an analytical framework for modeling and improving processes and decisions in humanitarian contexts.

To convey an intuitive understanding of widely-used analytical techniques and their applications (e.g., Linear and Integer Programming).

To provide hands-on experience with implementing models learned in class using excel.

Topics

Linear Programming (LP) Applications: Budget allocation, scheduling, transportation, production planning, transshipment and general transportation problems, shortest path and max flow.

Integer Programming Applications: Optimizing distribution of food aid with capacity constraints and losses, locating facilities to meet demand of beneficiaries, supply and demand constraints.