Scope of Starting a Course on
Humanitarian Logistics in India
Dr. Joy Mukhopadhyay & Mr. K. Kanagaraj
DISASTERS IN INDIA
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
• Explore educational courses in Disaster
Management and Humanitarian Logistics
abroad.
• Explore educational courses in Disaster
Management and Humanitarian Logistics in
India.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
• This research is exploratory in nature and this paper is a
conceptual paper.
• The research is based basically on secondary data. Secondary
data was collected from media reports.
• There are sufficient media reports since it created a sensation
when it was introduced first in USA.
• Since then there are other institutions in other countries which
introduced similar courses and by now there are a few relevant
courses in India.
• Primary data was collected in the form of expert opinions. No
statistical analysis was attempted. Suitable recommendations
were made at the end.
SWOT ANALYSIS
From Academicians’ point of view
 Strength:
• There will be a pool of people who can be considered qualified
experts in this field of study.
• A knowledge bank can be created which can be further integrated
with technology and making a effective DSS during an
emergency. Will cater to needs of the society in terms of disaster
readiness.
 Weakness:
• Very few takers of this course unless it is sponsored by
Government/NGO
• The curriculum can be designed on a general basis on a specific
disaster basis.
• The practical aspects can be understood on in times of calamities
artificially calamities cannot be created on that scale.
Contd…
 Opportunities:
• At an international level coordination with other organizations like
Red Cross will help us is increasing our knowhow of humanitarian
logistics.
• Disaster readiness and effective evacuation methods can be
introduced at school level education so that they aware of the
basics of the same. Workshops can be conducted for the general
public for effective evacuation procedures.

•
•
•
Threats:
No takers of this course on a regular basis.
Lack of employment opportunities.
May not attract the best talent.
Contd…
From Administrators’ point of view
 Strength:
• Disaster management becomes professionally managed by
experts who are trained and equipped with the necessary
knowledge.
• Access to local & global knowledge bank regarding disaster
management.
 Weakness:
• Not sure of continuous employment.
• Where else these resources (people) can be utilized after the
disaster.
• Practical training will be a challenge.
Contd…

•
•
•
Opportunities:
Minimization of casualties.
Quick response time.
Effective recovery can be planned from the damages caused by the
disaster.
 Threats:
• Very few people may take this as career.
• Both the Academicians and Administrators agreed on two specific
points.
• They are not sure whether there are enough employment
opportunities on a regular basis for people finishing the course.
• What will be the practical content of the course?
CONCLUSION &
RECOMMENDATIONS
 Conclusion:
• We do not have a professional course for Humanitarian
Logistics; it is usually done only as a small part of Disaster
Management studies where as it forms the major activity
during a disaster.
 Recommendations:
• Premier institutes like IIM must start a specialized course on
Humanitarian Logistics where in Administrators like IAS
officials and Defense officials can trained and equipped with the
necessary knowledge to manage crisis.
• There should be special training programme for the local
population at the disaster prone areas at the panchayat level
so that they can contribute during emergencies.
• Disaster management basics should be introduced at the
school level education.
TRANSFORMATION