A model and tracking system proposal for the humanitarian logistics planning process: The case of Hatay

The world is facing numerous humanitarian crises where decisions on the affected population, human losses and sufferings are made. With a strong tradition, Turkey became the country providing the best humanitarian aid in the world. Hatay is a border to the turmoil in Syria, exerting intensive efforts to combat the ongoing humanitarian crisis and mass population mobility. Various solutions were found for humanitarian aid logistics activities in previous humanitarian crises across the world; however, these general solutions are not responding to regional requirements. This study aims to determine the problems in humanitarian aid logistics by the QFD technique and to develop a model to offer solutions. The research consists of three stages. Firstly, the problems were identified with the DELPHI method by taking the opinions of the relevant literature and the authorities of the institution/organization providing humanitarian aid logistics. Then, the solution weights of these problems were determined by the AAS method. Lastly, "creating a system to follow up on humanitarian aid" was determined as the best solution, thanks to the QFD relationship matrices. A solution proposal was implemented with the project named "Humanitarian Aid Registration System Software Infrastructure" carried out by Hatay Provincial Directorate of Disaster and Emergency. With this thesis, a model has been developed for the humanitarian aid logistics planning process, and the model has been put into practice. Thus, the model, which was planned with a systematic approach, has been implemented and necessary precautions are continued to be taken by ensuring its controls.