The role of logistics in crisis management (Case study: Kermanshah earthquakes)

  During the past years, some areas of the country have been affected by environmental crises such as floods and earthquakes. The large numbers and the extent of destruction have increased the necessity of proper crisis management and coherence among management factors. Logistics and its management is one of the most important factors. This research considers the importance and position of logistics management during a crisis and provides appropriate strategies in this regard. The main objective of this research is to study theoretical literature on describing common methods and research perspectives on logistics management in times of crisis; and also provides directions and perspectives for future studies in the field of logistics management during the crisis. The domain of this research is defined as 7.2 Richter scale earthquakes in Kermanshah in November 2017. The methodology of this study is a descriptive (qualitative) research by collecting data as a functional purpose. Interviews, collaborative observations, documentation, questionnaire and etc. are used as qualitative data to better understanding and explaining social complex phenomena. The emergence of qualitative research relates to a human factor. Findings: The studies and analysis of the interviews showed that logistics in the field of crisis management, especially for earthquakes, has a significant role; because of this outstanding role in the earthquake crisis, logistics may have a significant impact on the success of crisis management measures. Accordingly, logistical measures in crises such as earthquakes includes activities such as equipment supply, warehousing and maintenance, fleet management, tools and materials and individuals transportation’s management, asset management, facility management, security, information and management and communications