Hossein Baharmand

• Giorgadze, Ia & Baharmand, Hossein (2026). Field Driven Heuristics for Routing Decisions in Humanitarian Supply Chains. Proceedings of the International ISCRAM Conference. 23. doi: 10.59297/y9b96907. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Routing in humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) in sudden onset disaster response must contend with fragile infrastructure, volatile security conditions, and limited information. Although several HSC studies have suggested supporting routing under uncertainty through stochastic or robust optimization, the suggested methodologies typically assume known probability distributions, stable network topology, and continuous information flow. In reality, many of such assumptions often do not hold: road access may be structurally uncertain, regulations can change abruptly, and communication between field teams and coordination centers may be intermittent. Thus, how do field-based decision-makers actually route humanitarian cargo in HSCs under access fragility and communication latency? This work-in-progress research uses a case study design to explore heuristics commonly used by field-based decision makers for routing in HSCs. Drawing on operations in the South Caucasus and Türkiye, we identify latency‑aware heuristics such as pre‑validated alternative corridors, engineering‑first feasibility screening, decentralized trigger-based rerouting, multimodal buffering, and regulatory pre‑clearance strategies. We describe how these heuristics function, their benefits, and limitations, and offer an initial foundation for developing an empirically grounded methodology to support routing decisions in sudden onset disaster response.

• Khan, Aima; Aboughonim, Ahmed Abdeltawab Abdelgawad S.; Baharmand, Hossein & Sgarbossa, Fabio (2026). When digital aid meets reality: A socio-technical analysis of feasibility requirements in cash-based interventions. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. ISSN 0040-1625. 231. doi: 10.1016/j.techfore.2026.124807. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Using digital technologies (e.g., mobile phones, prepaid cards, and bank transfers) as delivery mechanisms in cash-based interventions (CBIs) promises to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance. Yet, our understanding of the relationships between key feasibility requirements (e.g., beneficiaries' documentation, their mobile ownership, and liquidity capacity of financial service providers (FSPs)), and their dynamic impact on CBIs' performance is limited. In this study, we propose a system dynamics (SD) methodology developed based on insights from interviews with key actors in CBIs for refugees (e.g., FSPs and humanitarians) and field surveys in settlements in Uganda. The proposed methodology introduces novel quantitative metrics for inclusiveness and dignity (i.e., common qualitative aspects used to evaluate CBIs) and is validated through workshops with representatives of CBI stakeholders. We apply the methodology to the case of CBIs for refugees in settlements in Uganda (the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa). Our results show that the projected impact of feasibility requirements on inclusiveness, timeliness, cost efficiency, and dignity can vary unexpectedly over time. Our study suggests that policymakers need to carefully consider tradeoffs when selecting the digital delivery mechanism in CBI.

• Baharmand, Hossein & Behdani, Behzad (2026). Generative artificial intelligence and mathematical modelling for eco-friendly humanitarian supply chains. International Journal of Production Research. ISSN 0020-7543. doi: 10.1080/00207543.2026.2646335. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) are critical for delivering relief items to affected communities in disaster response. One challenge in HSCs is the environmental impact of the waste generated by the packages of relief products. A promising approach to addressing this challenge is to use circular approaches in HSCs, aiming to reuse, repurpose, and recycle packages, thereby minimising waste in target areas. However, optimising the material flow in HSCs with circular considerations is not trivial given the uncertainties and complexity of the response. This study presents a decision support system for humanitarian field-based decision-makers to balance environmental impact with effective, efficient, and equitable distribution of relief items. The system integrates generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) with an evidence-based multi-objective mathematical model that supports determining material flows during the response. We apply our methodology to a real dataset from the humanitarian response to the 2022 Pakistan floods, collected from various textual reports published by involved humanitarian organisations across different outlets, such as their websites, common humanitarian databases, and blog posts. Our findings indicate that combining Gen-AI and mathematical modelling is a scalable approach that enables the incorporation of circularity insights from extensive textual data to reduce the environmental impact of humanitarian response.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence to Address Data Management Challenges in Humanitarian Operations. IFAC-PapersOnLine. ISSN 2405-8971. 59(10), p. 1486–1491. doi: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2025.09.250. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Integrating generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) into humanitarian operations presents a transformative opportunity to enhance decision-making and resource allocation. This paper explores how Gen-AI can address data management challenges in humanitarian contexts, thereby supporting decision-making and resource allocation in humanitarian operations. We examine the practical benefits and challenges of implementing this technology by studying three pilot projects: the Humanitarian Data Insights Project, the UNHCR and Arm partnership, and the WFP’s voice-to-text project. The findings highlight the potential of Gen-AI to streamline data processes, enhance accuracy, and facilitate real-time insights while also addressing concerns related to bias, data privacy, and accountability. The paper concludes with recommendations for humanitarian organizations to effectively leverage Gen-AI, emphasizing the importance of relevant data governance, AI literacy, and cross-sector collaboration. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on applying advanced technologies in humanitarian operations, offering insights for future research and practical implementation.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Darmian, Sobhan Mostafayi; Khan, Aima & Sgarbossa, Fabio (2025). Evaluating the impact of technology-supported interventions in humanitarian aid: literature review and future research directions. IFAC-PapersOnLine. ISSN 2405-8971. 59(10), p. 2034–2039. doi: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2025.09.342. Full text in Research Archive
• Boey, Lise; Baharmand, Hossein; Phillips, Ross Owen; Vandaele, Nico; Balcik, Burcu & Kjøndal, Jan Ove [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2025). Developing an intuitive decision support system for equitable vaccine distribution during pandemics. Scientific Reports. 15, p. 1–11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-01640-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Effective organization of the vaccine supply chain is vital to achieve high vaccination rates in pandemics. This paper presents a novel approach for developing a decision support system (DSS) to support health officials and policymakers who must make timely and impactful decisions with limited information for distributing vaccines. We combine a stakeholder-informed systems approach for problem definition with a user-centered design approach for DSS development. The methodology has been tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used system modeling to capture stakeholders’ knowledge, experience, and learnings from the H1N1 pandemic, leading us to focus on the central vaccine allocation problem (CVAP), which involves determining the number of vaccines allocated to each municipality in an equitable way. We designed a dashboard that embedded a mathematical model as a DSS for in-country CVAP during a pandemic. A Lightning Decision Jam workshop was conducted to define the DSS’s characteristics, with the visualization of scenarios and decision-making transparency being key features during the development process. We validated the DSS with policymakers and built it for the Norwegian context, with flexibility for adaptation to other regions, particularly those still grappling with high vaccine supply deficits. Our approach offers a novel and practical way to develop DSSs to support policymakers making critical decisions during pandemics.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Evaluating protection, inclusiveness and dignity in humanitarian aid: a systematic literature review. Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management. ISSN 2042-6747. 16(1), p. 15–26. doi: 10.1108/jhlscm-11-2024-0159. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Evaluating aid is crucial to ensure that assistance has reached the intended beneficiaries without exacerbating their vulnerabilities or causing further harm. This study aims to systematically review the academic literature and humanitarian reports to identify indicators that address the complex socio-cultural and environmental intricacies of regions receiving aid and actors involved in delivering operations. Such localized indicators are necessary for rigorous assessment of the impacts of aid. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis to collect and review 74 peer-reviewed papers and field reports. Findings Current frameworks suggest a universal understanding of aid effectiveness. Literature does not offer a systemic approach to incorporate local voices in humanitarian evaluation, specifically with respect to protection, inclusiveness and dignity (PID). Future research should address the following gaps: the need for the recognition of localized indicators in practice, the need for context-specific evaluation frameworks, the need for the involvement of target people and the need for meaningful and universally accepted indicators for PID. Research limitations/implications The study’s scope is limited to selected high-ranked journals and a single source for field reports. Future research could include a broader range of academic sources, additional field report repositories and other document types such as books, conference papers and PhD theses to provide a more comprehensive review. Originality/value The paper outlines new perspectives on how humanitarian aid should be analyzed and evaluated so that it can be tailored to the target context.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Teknologiens rolle i ansvarlig lederutdanning for fremtidige bedriftsledere. In Örtenblad, Anders & Rypestøl, Jan Ole (Ed.), Praksisorientert og studentaktiv læring: Arbeidslivsrelevans og akademiske verdier i høyere utdanning. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202870478. p. 223–240. doi: 10.23865/cdf.244.ch9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how technology can be used to enhance responsible management education (RME) for future business managers. It addresses the increasing demand for skills in sustainability reporting and policy to prepare future managers to tackle ethical, social, and environmental challenges in the business world. The author proposes using available technologies (such as virtual reality) as pedagogical means to equip future leaders with the necessary knowledge and skills for responsible management. The unique features of technology, such as the ability to deliver personalized learning experiences, facilitate real-time feedback, and create interactive experiences (for example, through gaming), make it particularly effective in transforming teaching methods. By optimizing teaching methods, fostering creativity, supporting entrepreneurial processes, and promoting technological solutions for sustainable development, technology can play a crucial role in transforming RME.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Exploring barriers to circularity in humanitarian supply chains. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 125. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105572. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Nearly 60% of humanitarian assistance is provided as in-kind goods through humanitarian supply chains (HSCs), which can result in waste and adverse environmental impacts. Despite growing interest in circular economy principles, their implementation in humanitarian contexts remains limited. This study identifies and prioritizes barriers to circular HSCs through combining literature review, expert focus groups, and interpretive structural modeling (ISM). Our findings highlight funding gaps, unpredictable demand, and insufficient training as critical barriers. We develop a structured understanding of barriers and their relationships in a hierarchical model that provides humanitarian organizations with a strategic roadmap for enhancing circularity while operating within existing resource constraints. We propose feasible circular economy approaches – reusing, repairing, repurposing, and recycling – that require minimal additional infrastructure while delivering environmental benefits and operational efficiencies. Our study contributes to the literature by offering context-specific insights for more sustainable aid delivery systems.

• Aboughonim, Ahmed Abdeltawab Abdelgawad S.; Khan, Aima & Baharmand, Hossein (2023). Exploring gaps in using digital delivery mechanisms for cash-based assistance in refugee crises. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 96. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103907. Full text in Research Archive
• Phillips, Ross Owen; Baharmand, Hossein; Vandaele, Nico; Decouttere, Catherine & Boey, Lise (2022). How Can Authorities Support Distributed Improvisation During Major Crises? A Study of Decision Bottlenecks Arising During Local COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-Out. Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making. ISSN 1555-3434. 17(2), p. 166–187. doi: 10.1177/15553434221125092. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Despite the increased importance attributed to distributed improvisation in major crises, few studies investigate how central authorities can promote a harmonic, coordinated national response while allowing for distributed autonomy and improvisation. One idea implicit in the literature is that central authorities could help track and tackle common decision bottlenecks as they emerge across “improvising” local authorities as a result of shared, dynamic external constraints. To explore this idea we map central functions needed to roll-out vaccines to local populations and identify and classify bottlenecks to decision-making by local authorities managing COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Norway. We found five bottlenecks which emerged as vaccine roll-out progressed, three of which could feasibly have been addressed by changing the local authorities’ external constraints as the crisis developed. While the national crisis response strategy clearly allowed for distributed improvisation, our overall findings suggest that there is potential for central authorities to address external constraints in order to ease common bottlenecks as they emerge across local authorities responding to the crisis. More research is to explore alternative centralized response strategies and assess how well they effectively balance centralized and distributed control. The study contributes to the growing literature examining the interaction between local and centralized response in crisis management.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Vega, Diego; Lauras, Matthieu & Comes, Tina (2022). A methodology for developing evidence-based optimization models in humanitarian logistics. Annals of Operations Research. ISSN 0254-5330. doi: 10.1007/s10479-022-04762-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The growing need for humanitarian assistance has inspired an increasing amount of academic publications in the field of humanitarian logistics. Over the past two decades, the humanitarian logistics literature has developed a powerful toolbox of standardized problem formulations to address problems ranging from distribution to scheduling or locations planning. At the same time, the humanitarian field is quickly evolving, and problem formulations heavily rely on the context, leading to calls for more evidence-based research. While mixed methods research designs provide a promising avenue to embed research in the reality of the field, there is a lack of rigorous mixed methods research designs tailored to translating field findings into relevant HL optimization models. In this paper, we set out to address this gap by providing a systematic mixed methods research design for HL problem in disasters response. The methodology includes eight steps taking into account specifics of humanitarian disasters. We illustrate our methodology by applying it to the 2015 Nepal earthquake response, resulting in two evidence-based HL optimization models.

• Balcik, Burcu; Yucesoy, Ecem; Akca, Berna; Karakaya, Sirma; Gevsek, Asena Ayse & Baharmand, Hossein [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2022). A mathematical model for equitable in-country COVID-19 vaccine allocation. International Journal of Production Research. ISSN 0020-7543. 60(24). doi: 10.1080/00207543.2022.2110014. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Given the scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines, equitable (fair) allocation of limited vaccines across the main administrative units of a country (e.g. municipalities) has been an important concern for public health authorities worldwide. In this study, we address the equitable allocation of the COVID-19 vaccines inside countries by developing a novel, evidence-based mathematical model that accounts for multiple priority groups (e.g. elderly, healthcare workers), multiple vaccine types, and regional characteristics (e.g. storage capacities, infection risk levels). Our research contributes to the literature by developing and validating a model that proposes equitable vaccine allocation alternatives in a very short time by (a) minimising deviations from the so-called ‘fair coverage’ levels that are computed based on weighted pro-rata rations, and (b) imposing minimum coverage thresholds to control the allocation of vaccines to higher priority groups and regions. To describe the merits of our model, we provide several equity and effectiveness metrics, and present insights on different allocation policies. We compare our methodology with similar models in the literature and show its better performance in achieving equity. To illustrate the performance of our model in practice, we perform a comprehensive numerical study based on actual data corresponding to the early vaccination period in Turkey.

• Seddighi, Hamed; Baharmand, Hossein; Sharifabadi, Ali Morovati; Salmani, Ibrahim & Seddighi, Saeideh (2021). The efficiency of COVID-19 testing centers in Iran: A data envelopment analysis approach Hamed Seddighi, Hossein Baharmand, Ali Morovati Sharifabadi, Ibrahim Salmani, Saeideh Seddighi. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. ISSN 1935-7893. p. 1–4. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2021.226. Full text in Research Archive
• Seddighi, Hamed; Salmani, Ibrahim; Baharmand, Hossein; Seddighi, Saeideh & Sedeh, Mehrab Sharifi (2021). Rapid Assessment of COVID-19 Screening Program for Travelers in Iran: A Qualitative Study. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. ISSN 1935-7893. p. 1–5. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2021.219. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Maghsoudi, Amin & Coppi, Giulio (2021). Exploring the application of blockchain to humanitarian supply chains: insights from Humanitarian Supply Blockchain pilot project. International Journal of Operations & Production Management. ISSN 0144-3577. 41(9), p. 1522–1543. doi: 10.1108/IJOPM-12-2020-0884. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose – Some studies and reports have recently suggested using blockchain technology to improve transparency and trust in humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). However, evidence-based studies to display the utility and applicability of blockchains in HSCs are missing in the literature. This paper aims to investigate the key drivers and barriers of blockchain application to HSCs and explore whether evidence could support that the application of blockchain improves transparency and trust in HSCs. Design/methodology/approach – This paper puts forward a two-stage approach to explore the blockchain application in HSCs: an initial exploration of humanitarian practitioners and academicians interested in blockchain through focus group discussions; semi-structured interviews with practitioners involved at the UK Department for International Development’s Humanitarian Supply Blockchain pilot project. Findings – First, we found that main drivers include accountability, visibility, traceability, trust, collaboration, time efficiency, reducing administrative work and cross-sector partnership. Main barriers, however, are composed of engagement issues, lack of technical skills and training, lack of resources, privacy concerns, regulatory problems, pilot scalability issues and governance challenges. Second, evidence from our case study revealed the blockchain application could have added value to improve visibility and traceability, thus contributing to improve transparency. Concerning trust, evidence supports that blockchain could enhance both commitment and swift trust in the pilot study. Practical implications – Our study contributes to a more understanding of added values and challenges of blockchain application to HSCs and creates a perspective for humanitarian decision-makers. Originality/value – This study provides the first evidence from the actual application of blockchain technology in HSCs. The study discovered that it is still less evident in many humanitarian organizations, including medium- and small-sized nongovernmental organizations, that they engage in a direct deployment of in-house or customized blockchain-based HSC. Instead, these actors are more likely to indirectly use blockchain in HSCs through a private commercial partner.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Balcik, Burcu; Boey, Lise; Decouttere, Catherine; Phillips, Ross Owen & Saeed, Naima [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Toward a decision support system for COVID-19 vaccine allocation inside countries. NOKOBIT: Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. ISSN 1892-0748. 2021(2), p. 1–14. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has proved to be a challenging task for public health authorities in many countries. Among several decisions involved in the task, allocating limited available vaccines to administration points is indeed critical. However, the operation management literature lacks evidence-based mathematical models that could support effective, efficient, sustainable and equitable vaccine allocation decision. This paper develops the fundamentals of a decision support system for COVID-19 vaccine allocation inside countries. The proposed DSS intends to support public health authorities in real-time by illustrating possible vaccine alternatives. The system could also inform and support other actors in the COVID19 distribution for planning and collaboration. Two illustrative cases for the COVID-19 vaccine allocation have been investigated to highlight potential benefits of our methodology.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Saeed, Naima; Comes, Tina & Lauras, Matthieu (2021). Developing a framework for designing humanitarian blockchain projects. Computers in industry (Print). ISSN 0166-3615. 131. doi: 10.1016/j.compind.2021.103487. Full text in Research Archive
• Seddighi, Hamed & Baharmand, Hossein (2020). Exploring the role of the sharing economy in disasters management. Technology in society. ISSN 0160-791X. 63. doi: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101363. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Comes, Tina & Lauras, Matthieu (2020). Supporting group decision makers to locate temporary relief distribution centres after sudden-onset disasters: A case study of the 2015 Nepal earthquake. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 45. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2019.101455. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein & Comes, Tina (2019). Leveraging Partnerships with Logistics Service Providers in Humanitarian Supply Chains by Blockchain-based Smart Contracts. IFAC-PapersOnLine. ISSN 2405-8971. 52(13), p. 12–17. doi: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2019.11.084. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Comes, Tina & Lauras, Matthieu (2019). Bi-objective multi-layer location–allocation model for the immediate aftermath of sudden-onset disasters. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review. ISSN 1366-5545. 127, p. 86–110. doi: 10.1016/j.tre.2019.05.002. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein & Comes, Tina (2018). Measuring the Quality of Humanitarian Information Products: Insights from the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. In Rocha, Alvaro; Adeli, Hojjat; reis, luis paulo & costanzo, sandra (Ed.), Trends and Advances in Information Systems and Technologies. Springer Nature. ISSN 9783319777023. p. 132–141. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-77703-0_13. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Information plays a critical role in humanitarian assistance. It has become a product that is shared for multiple purposes such as situational awareness, decision-making, coordination, reporting, and attracting funding. In the aftermath of sudden onset disasters, humanitarians are constrained with huge workload, time pressure, and uncertainties and thus, information products are often criticized with respect to quality issues. In this paper, we aim at developing an empirically grounded framework that can measure the quality of information products through accuracy, objectivity, completeness, and consistency. We validate the framework with the help of practitioners and apply it to the information products of UN WFP for the 2015 Nepal earthquake response. Our analysis shows that the quality of studied information products could be improved with respect to consistency, accuracy, and objectivity. We discuss the implications of our study and propose future research directions.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Comes, Tina & Lauras, Matthieu (2017). Towards Designing and Implementing an Empirically Grounded Research for Humanitarian Logistics after Nepal Earthquake. In Hellström, Daniel; Kembro, Joakim & Bodnar, Hajnalka (Ed.), NOFOMA 2017 The 29th NOFOMA Conference: "Taking on Grand Challenges". Nordic Logistics Research Network. ISSN 9789177533375. p. 44–59. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Comes, Tina & Lauras, Matthieu (2017). Managing in-country transportation risks in humanitarian supply chains by logistics service providers: Insights from the 2015 Nepal earthquake. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 24, p. 549–559. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.07.007. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) play a central role in effective and efficient disaster relief operations. Transportation has a critical share in HSCs and managing its risks helps to avoid further disruptions in relief operations. However, there is no common approach to or culture of risk management that its applicability has been studied through recent cases. This paper incorporates an empirical research design and makes a threefold contribution: first, it identifies in-country transportation risks during Nepal response. Second, we evaluate afore identified risks through an expert driven risk assessment grid. Third, we use our field data to study how some humanitarian organizations in Nepal response used logistics service providers for managing moderate- and high-level transportation risks. In this paper, we use both qualitative and quantitative methods. Our qualitative analysis reveals that some of the most important in-country transportation risks were delivery delays; market fluctuations; insufficient capacity; loss of cargo; cargo decay; unreliable information; and ethical concerns. Our quantitative work shows that while participants categorized the first three risks as high-level, the rest were ranked as moderate-level. More investigation in our field data indicates that using logistics service providers (LSPs) helped humanitarians significantly to manage afore in-country transportation risks during Nepal response. It also improved overall HSC performance with respect to flexibility, effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness. While this finding empirically confirms the “tools” role of LSPs for managing in-country transportation risks in response, it implies another role for LSPs; “contributors” to performance improvements.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Comes, Tina & Lauras, Matthieu (2017). Defining and measuring the network flexibility of humanitarian supply chains: insights from the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Annals of Operations Research. ISSN 0254-5330. p. 1–40. doi: 10.1007/s10479-017-2713-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The efficient and effective response to disasters critically depends on humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). HSCs need to be flexible to adapt to uncertainties in needs, infrastructure conditions, and behavior of other organizations. The concept of ‘network flexibility’ is, however, not clearly defined. The lack of an unanimous definition has led to a lack of consistent understanding and comparisons. This paper makes a threefold contribution: first, it defines the concept of network flexibility for HSC in the context of sudden onset disasters. Second, it proposes a framework to measure network flexibility in HSCs. Third, we apply our framework to the 2015 Nepal earthquake case and provide evidence-based insights regarding how humanitarian organizations can improve network flexibility in HSCs. Our analyses for Nepal case show that delivery, IT support, and fleet criteria have the most influence on flexibility. Also, the application of our framework on the downstream network of nine humanitarian organizations shows low levels of network flexibility in all but one. This finding explains why several disruptions happened in relief distributions during the Nepal response.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Boersma, Kees; Meesters, Kenny; Mulder, Femke & Wolbers, Jeroen (2016). A multidisciplinary perspective on supporting community disaster resilience in Nepal. In Tapia, Andrea H.; Antunes, Pedro; Banuls, Victor A.; Moore, Kathleen & Porto, Joao (Ed.), Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Federal University of Rio De Janeiro. ISSN 9788460879848. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Fostering community resilience in the aftermath of a disaster constitutes a significant challenge and requires an adequate understanding of the community’s specific capabilities and vulnerabilities. We carried out a field study in Nepal as a multi-disciplinary research team that explored whether and how the humanitarian response enabled community resilience in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquakes. We explored three elements of resilience: persistence, adaptability, and transformability by zooming in and out between the local community and humanitarian organizations operating at the national level. Our combined insights from three distinct disciplines, social sciences, information management and logistics, show that humanitarian organizations operating in Nepal still primarily aimed to (re)build community resilience ‘from above’ instead of enabling communities to strengthen their resilience in a bottom-up way. In this paper, we contend that fostering an inclusive and networked response has the potential to strengthen the adaptive capacity of humanitarian organizations and community groups and boost local resilience.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Comes, Tina & Lauras, Matthieu (2016). Mitigating transportation risks at humanitarian supply chains: insights from the 2015 Nepal earthquake. In Dreyer, Heidi Carin & Netland, Torbjørn H. (Ed.), 23rd EurOMA Conference. Interactions. Book of abstracts for EurOMA 2016. NTNU Trondheim, Department of Production and Quality Engineering and the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management. ISSN 9788230332771. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21321.34406. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Humanitarian relief organizations struggle with many uncertainties and risks during the response. Through this paper, field-driven insights will be used to discuss how practitioners currently mitigate such risks in relief transportation. The qualitative analysis of collected data after the 2015 Nepal earthquake reveals some of the most important transportation risks that threatened relief operations in response: delivery delays; loss of cargo; insufficient capacity; cargo decay; market fluctuations; unreliable information; and ethical concerns. Research findings explain that using logistics service providers has helped in mitigating transportation risks and improved the overall performance of humanitarian supply chain in Nepal response.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Salvadò, Laura Laguna; Comes, Tina & Lauras, Matthieu (2015). On the Literature Divergences of the Humanitarian Supply Chain, Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management in Mediterranean Countries. Springer. ISSN 9783319243986. p. 194–204. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-24399-3_17. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein & Comes, Tina (2015). A Framework for Shelter Location Decisions by Ant Colony Optimization. In Palen, Leysia; Büscher, Monika; Comes, Tina & Hughes, Amanda (Ed.), 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. ISCRAM. ISSN 9788271177881. p. 941–948. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4901.1921. Full text in Research Archive

View all works in NVA

• Baharmand, Hossein (2026). Hvor er forskerne i totalforsvaret? Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Knut Berg beskriver i Agderposten 17. april et totalforsvar som hviler på fire bein: kommuner, næringsliv, myndigheter og frivillige organisasjoner. Det er en gjenkjennelig og viktig liste. Jeg lurer på hvor akademia og forskerne er?

• Baharmand, Hossein (2026). En sump for iranerne. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Siden mitt forrige innlegg på FVN (publisert 5. mars), har situasjon blitt verre i Iran.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2026). Gambling med 85 millioner menneskers fremtid. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Surrealistisk nok, ayatolla Khamenei er død. I gatene i Isfahan, Shiraz og Kermanshah veltet folk statuer og feiret. Men mens feiringen fortsatte, falt nye bomber. Og nå rammer iranske missiler amerikanske baser i hele Gulfen. Hormuzstredet er stengt. Oljeprisen stiger. Krigen sprer seg.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2026). Iran brenner. doi: https:/www.fvn.no/mening/kronikk/i/xr35wj/iran-brenner. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Folk har vært ute i gatene og protestert mot prestestyret i Iran, men det faller ikke før fengslene stormes og opposisjonelle ledere blir befridd.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2026). Forskningsrådet har misforstått likebehandlings­prinsippet. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Debatten om Forskningsrådet har handlet mest om kvaliteten på vurderingene. Men det er et annet problem som knapt er diskutert: hva skjer med forskerne som venter?

• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Muntlig eksamen: KI og quick fix. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Mange fagmiljøer innfører nå muntlige eksamener for å møte KI-juks. Muntlig eksamen kan gi verdifull innsikt i studenters forståelse. Men den passer ikke i alle fag eller for alle studenter. Vi trenger kloke, kontekstuelle valg.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Örtenblad, Anders; Johnsen, Hans Christian Garman & Karlsen, James Tommy (2025). Tillit, relevans og akademiske verdier. doi: https:/www.khrono.no/tillit-relevans-og-akademiske-verdier/1007112. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Språkmodeller er ikke svaret på alt. doi: https:/www.digi.no/artikler/debatt-sprakmodeller-er-ikke-svaret-pa-alt/562421. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Vi trenger ikke studenter som kan det samme som ChatGPT eller Copilot. doi: https:/www.forskerforum.no/innsendt/vi-trenger-ikke-studenter-som-kan-det-samme-som-chatgpt-eller-copilot/. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Debatt om nødhjelp til Gaza krever ansvar og nøyaktighet. doi: https:/www.fvn.no/mening/debattinnlegg/i/wg1dWP/debatt-om-noedhjelp-til-gaza-krever-ansvar-og-noeyaktighet#ui-core-comments. Full text in Research Archive
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Borgersen, Karl Audun Kagnes; Baharmand, Hossein & Örtenblad, Anders (2025). Det er på tide med en seriøs nytenkning rundt høyere utdanning. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hvis vi ikke fornyer undervisningsformene våre, risikerer vi at kvaliteten på utdanningen svekkes. Ikke fordi studentene har endret seg, men fordi vi fortsetter å undervise som om verden ikke har gjort det.

• Baharmand, Hossein & Örtenblad, Anders Ragnar (2025). Publisér mindre, tenk mer. doi: https:/www.khrono.no/publiser-mindre-tenk-mer/959162. Full text in Research Archive
• Örtenblad, Anders Ragnar; Karlsen, James Tommy & Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Praksis i høyere utdanning – balansegang på en ustø vippe. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Denne tsunamien burde vekket nordmenn. Vi er ikke forberedt på neste krise. doi: https:/subjekt.no/2025/08/06/denne-tsunamien-burde-vekket-nordmenn-vi-er-ikke-forberedt-pa-neste-krise/. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  I Japan er beredskap en del av hverdagen. Barn lærer evakueringsruter før de lærer å lese. Voksne deltar i lokale øvelser. Det er ikke paranoia – det er praktisk visdom. DSB informerer godt – men informasjon er ikke nok. Vi trenger øvelser, lokale kurs og praktisk trening. Chile evakuerte 1,4 millioner. Japan mobiliserte nesten to millioner. De lyktes fordi de hadde øvd. I Norge behandler vi beredskap som en forsikring vi håper aldri å bruke. Men ekte beredskap handler om å øve – ikke bare eie riktige ting. Egenberedskap handler ikke bare om én familie – det handler om å gjøre Norge sterkere når krisen kommer. For den kommer. Spørsmålet er bare når.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Flyslipp av nødhjelp til Gaza er teater – ikke en løsning. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  For noen dagers siden startet Israel med å slippe ned nødhjelp fra fly til Gaza. Bilder av fallskjermer som svever ned mot desperate mennesker, har fylt sosiale medier. Det ser dramatisk ut på TV, men det redder ikke liv. Tvert imot kan det koste liv. Jeg mener at dette er ikke hjelp – det er teater.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Utdanner vi ledere for fortiden? doi: https:/www.forskerforum.no/innsendt/utdanner-vi-ledere-for-fortiden/. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Bistandsdebatten mangler det viktigste perspektivet: mottakernes stemme. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Norsk bistand er under lupen. Mens noen hevder at bistanden er ineffektiv og fostrer korrupsjon, argumenterer andre for at den redder liv og skaper utvikling.

• Granberg, Tobias Andersson & Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Guest editorial: Emergency response logistics. Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management. ISSN 2042-6747. 15(1), p. 1–3. doi: 10.1108/JHLSCM-02-2025-164. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Forsyningskjedene rykkes opp. doi: https:/www.tu.no/artikler/forsyningskjedene-rykkes-opp/561293. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  President Trumps tollpolitikk tvinger mange store selskaper til å ha en todelt forsyningskjede: én linje for det amerikanske markedet, én for resten av verden, altså Asia, Latin-Amerika eller Europa. For Norge betyr dette at bedrifter må vurdere om de skal investere i produksjon i USA eller finne nye markeder. Jeg mener at Norges næringsliv må diversifisere eksporten med økt satsing på markeder uten høye tollsatser. De må også investere mer i teknologi og automatisering for å redusere produksjonskostnader og øke konkurranseevnen.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2024). Boikott: Akademikere må ta stilling for fred. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Universitetene kan ikke lukke øynene for menneskerettighetsbrudd.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2024). Universitetene må sende et klart budskap om at fusk ikke vil bli tolerert. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Kopiering uten referanser er fusk, uansett mengden tekst som er kopiert.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2024). Store akademiske forlag hindrer vitenskapelig fremgang. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Publisering har lenge vært sett på som et viktig kriterium for å avansere i en akademisk karriere. Men akademiske forlag har stor kontroll over publiseringsprosessen. Dette påvirker hvem som får sine arbeider publisert.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2024). Nyansert tilnærming for å vurdere bistand: Ja takk. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein & Maghsoudi, Amin (2024). DigCBA: Digital Cash-based Assistance. Full text in Research Archive
• Zarei, Hossein; Baharmand, Hossein; Bashiri, Mahdi & Madanian, Samaneh (2024). Technological advancements in humanitarian aid. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104527. Full text in Research Archive
• Khan, Aima; Baharmand, Hossein & Besiou, Maria (2023). Digital cash based assistance: Qualitative modelling using system dynamics. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Digital CBA refers to the use of digital technologies to deliver cash in humanitarian contexts. This study focuses on the selection of cash delivery mechanism in refugee crises and explores the feasibility requirements for using different technologies in CBA. The study uses system dynamics methodology to map the feasibility requirements for digital CBA. The developed CLD is informed by a systematic review of the literature and validated through interviews with CBA experts active in Uganda. The study contributes by enhancing the intuition and understanding for the delivery mechanism selection in refugee crises to facilitate the decision making by humanitarian actors.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2023). Norskopplæring er en investering i akademia og samfunn. doi: https:/www.khrono.no/norskopplaering-er-en-investering-i-akademia-og-samfunn/790875. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Jeg har jobbet i Norge som utenlandsk forsker i åtte år nå. Jeg kom til Norge i 2015 for å ta en doktorgrad ved Universitetet i Agder, og deretter hadde jeg en postdoktorstilling ved UiA i to år. I løpet av denne tiden lærte jeg norsk på et godt nivå, slik at jeg kunne få den førsteamanuensis-stillingen jeg har nå på Handelshøyskolen ved UiA. Et av kravene for denne stillingen var at jeg kunne beherske norsk. Det å lære norsk gir bedre kommunikasjon med norske kolleger, studenter og samarbeidspartnere. Det er lettere å delta i faglige diskusjoner, undervisning og formidling på norsk enn på engelsk. Det bidrar også til å bygge tillit og relasjoner på arbeidsplassen.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2023). «Hans» er bare begynnelsen: Slik ruster vi Norge. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Når landsbyer oversvømmes og veier forsvinner, er vi nødt til å spørre oss selv: Er vi virkelig forberedt? Ekstremværet «Hans» avslører Norges sårbarhet overfor klimarelaterte kriser. Jeg mener at vi trenger umiddelbare tiltak: innovasjon, kompetanse, forebygging, og en styrket rolle for frivillige organisasjoner.

• Baharmand, Hossein & Khan, Aima (2023). Responsible Use of Digital Cash-based Assistance for Refugees. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Digital delivery mechanisms for cash-based assistance (Digital CBA) - e.g., mobile money, smart cards, and bank accounts – promise to improve the effectiveness and dignity of assistance for refugees. Despite the growing interest on using Digital CBA in the field, information about the feasibility of different delivery mechanisms (i.e., what technology suits where and under which conditions) is fragmented and often not contextualized. There is a need for tools that could support CBA policy makers and actors to make informed decisions about the use of digital CBA in different contexts. This workshop is a part of the DigCBA project (https:\\digcba.uia.no) and has two objectives. First, we will disseminate the latest findings in the project. Second, we need help for brainstorming the interrelationships between the key aspects of feasibility assessment for the use of Digital CBA in the context of refugee camps.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2023). Tyrkia og Syria trenger akutt hjelp. Hva kan vi lære av feilene fra Nepal? Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Flere humanitære organisasjoner fra hele verden forbereder teamene sine til å reise til Sør-Tyrkia og Nord-Syria for å hjelpe de berørte etter jordskjelvet. Jeg håper hjelpeorganisasjonene denne gangen tar i bruk lærdom fra jordskjelvet i Nepal i 2015 – hvor rundt 9000 mennesker ble drept – for å hjelpe så mange som mulig i regionen. Vanlig bistandstilnærming er så fort som mulig å sende det som er tilgjengelig til den berørte regionen. Men den må raskt erstattes av en målrettet tilnærming basert på vurderte behov og sårbarheter. Hvis ikke kan den veldig lett kan føre til ekskludering av de mest desperat trengende, som folk med nedsatt funksjonsevne, kvinner og barn. I tillegg risikerer man overlapping av innsats, mangel på varetransport og at pengene går til et svart marked.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2022). Norge kunne unngått å sløse bort 120 000 Covid-vaksiner. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Nå får alle over 18 år tilbud om booster-vaksine. Vår forskning viser hvordan norske helsemyndigheter denne gangen kan unngå at vaksinedoser går til spille.

• Baharmand, Hossein & Aboughonim, Ahmed Abdeltawab Abdelgawad S. (2022). Doner penger til de krigsrammede. Full text in Research Archive
• Khan, Aima & Baharmand, Hossein (2022). Technological advancements for digital cash based assistance in refugee crisis: a literature review. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Saeed, Naima & Abdelgawad, Ahmed Abdeltawab (2022). The DigCBA Project: Responsible Use of Digital Cash based Assistance. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  During this session we’ll learn about the project’s experience to date in digitizing assistance from assessment to delivery to communicating with recipients – all with data responsibility in mind. The discussion is based on the experiences of CALP members, including the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2021). Hvordan best gi digital pengestøtte til flyktninger? [Journal]. bistandsaktuelt.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2021). Koronasmitten i store norske byer stiger igjen. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Våre prediksjoner viser høyere smittetall i Bergen, Kristiansand og Trondheim i dagene fremover. Dessverre er ikke disse byene blant de prioriterte kommunene som får flere vaksinedoser, skriver kronikkforfatteren, som har vært med å lage en trendanalyse for koronasmitte, basert på kunstig intelligens.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2021). Implications of tradeoffs between fairness, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability for COVID19 vaccine allocation: insights from Norway. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In this study, we use a multi-objective mathematical model to investigate the COVID-19 vaccine allocation decision based on effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and fairness. We define four proxies for each objective based on literature review and discussion with decision-makers in public health authorities. Our proxies are 1) coverage of vaccine demands (effectiveness) 2) potential logistics costs (efficiency) 3) Co2 emission of potential logistics (sustainability) and 4) ratio of allocated vaccine to demand (with respect to priority group in each municipality). We solve the mathematical model based on the data for the first four-week vaccination period in Norway (January 4th to January 31st, 2021) considering three vaccines for high- and one low-priority groups (one for each) in three municipalities. As expected, analysis results depict that tradeoffs between demand coverage vs. costs are inevitable. However, results show that improving demand coverage would increase fairness, too; when the model allocates vaccines to high priority groups in all municipalities, the fairness score increases considerably. Sustainability remained the same in all alternative solutions though, as we considered very few municipalities and a rather short time frame in our experiment. We also compare our results with the allocation decision of Public Health Institute in Norway and show how our model could support increasing the fairness of allocation. This abstract is connected to the CONTRA (COVID19 Technology-based Responsive Action) research project funded by the Research Council of Norway.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2021). Mixed-methods research: An exciting journey from field study to mathematical modelling! Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Sgarbossa, Fabio; Piotrowicz, Wojciech; Ntayi, Joseph & Widera, Adam (2021). (Digital) Technology in Cash-based Assistance in Refugee Crises. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Digital technology is transforming cash-based assistance (CBA) with the potential to increase access to financial resources and services during times of crisis while increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of assistance. Innovations based on digital technology range from how main CBA actors (i.e., humanitarian organizations (HOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), donors, technology providers and business partners) identify and verify people eligible for assistance, collect data for assessments and monitoring, in addition to communicate with disaster-affected populations [1]. Digital payment systems, including mobile money, electronic vouchers, electronic cash, and recently blockchain-based transfers – when used appropriately – can deliver timelier, more secure, cost effective, and more inclusive assistance [2]. The growing interest on CBA among HOs, NGOs, and donors (organizations or governments) has stimulated the need to explore using digital technology where feasible. Here, feasibility refers to consider (i) contextual characteristics such as the data infrastructure conditions in the target country as well as community’s preference, technology access and digital literacy; (ii) the relative readiness and acceptance of main CBA actors to adopt, implement and use the technology in target locations. The volume of reports and white papers from such attempts is impressive, however, they tend to converge forming a literature on what digital technologies could do in CBA [3]. The insights often lack critical approach and details on feasibility requirements and therefore, when and where what type of digital CBA is feasible has remained unanswered. As such, the available insights cannot be easily translated to practical action points to support policy makers making an informed decision about the use of digital technology in CBA. Moreover, academic research on technology aspects of CBA is scant [4]; available studies mainly discuss the impact of CBA on beneficiaries (e.g. nutrition [5]). As the volume of data CBA actors collect, store, and share about refugees grows, research could help CBA actors to ensure that their information systems keep pace and that they understand and mitigate for the risks inherent in new technologies. That said, there is a need to research and operationalize the general guidelines and frameworks enabling the responsible use of digital CBA. Our research seeks to answer how to support policy makers at HOs, NGOs, and donors to make informed decisions about the use of digital technologies in CBA. This is the main theme of the DigCBA research project that has been funded by the Research Council of Norway (2021-2024). Project’s principal investigators aim to stimulate the discussion about this topic in EUROHOpe 21 and communicate future steps to the participants.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2021). Saving lives by making Covid-19 vaccine distribution more cost efficient and fair. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2021). DSS Development in the CONTRA Project. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein & Haaland, Hanne (2021). Kontantbasert bistand trenger langsiktig planlegging. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2020). CONTRA Project - Status and Future Steps. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2020). Distribution of COVID19 Vaccine: a decision support system. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Public health officials worldwide often aim to deliver vaccines to targets effectively (in the right quantity and condition), efficiently (with the lowest costs and on-time), sustainably (with as few environmental effects as possible), and fairly (with different targets get vaccines at the same time). However, the goals are difficult to achieve given the uncertainties, limited resources, and potential disruptions. For instance, vaccines must be transported to refrigerated national storage facilities by cooling-enabled transportation means, which are often hard-to-find or limited. Or, roads might be blocked spontaneously due to heavy snow, and adhoc decisions must be made to reschedule vaccine transportation. This research deals with the supply chain problem of distributing the COVID-19 vaccine inside countries: from countries’ entry points (like international airports) to regional health facilities. Assuming everything goes to plan, around 12 months from now, the first COVID-19 vaccines will start to roll out of one manufacturer (or multiple ones) in bulk. The current discussion in national public health authorities is about how the most promising vaccine candidates could be delivered to the vaccine administration points effectively, efficiently, sustainably and fairly. The problem all comes down to Covid19 vaccine supply chain. A typical vaccine supply chain consists of four key parts namely product, production, allocation, and distribution. Most vaccines are sensitive products; if they get too hot or too cold, they’ll lose their potency and no longer work as effectively. So, transporting vaccines requires the highest quality of transportation equipment, strict temperature control, and robust operations planning called “Cold Chain”. In the cold chain and from national to regional facilities, clinics, or pharmacies, vaccines are usually hauled overland by truck or motorcycle - sometimes even being walked the final leg on the back of a healthcare worker. Besides the cooling challenge, social distancing measures, redeployment of frontline workers, and the possibility of large numbers of people falling sick could further disrupt the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. I lead a research project which aims to develop a decision support system based on mathematical models for publich health authorities to design an effective, efficient, sustainable, and fair COVID-19 vaccine supply chain inside countries. We aim to consider uncertainties like the number of vaccines needed or potential disruptions in the road network in our final system. The research project has been funded by the Norwegian Research Council for 18 months and gathers eight researchers and an SME from Norway, Belgium, and Turkey.

• Baharmand, Hossein & Phillips, Ross Owen (2020). Covid-19 vaksine: tiden er knapp for planlegging av effektiv distribusjon. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Etter et intenst kappløp om utvikling av Covid-19 vaksiner, er det nå tre gode vaksinekandidater. To av disse vaksinene ser ut til å gi over 90 prosent beskyttelse mot viruset. At beskyttelsesgraden er såpass høy er gledelig, men vaksinene med høyeste beskyttelsesgrad har egenskaper som gir krevende logistiske utfordringer for distribusjon til befolkningen.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2019). Towards a Capability Maturity Model for Blockchain Projects in the Humanitarian Sector: Insights from Cash Transfer Pilots. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2019). Planning for Relief Distribution after Sudden onset Disasters. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2019). Implications of the Blockchain Technology for the Humanitarian Sector. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2019). Topics in Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Basic Concepts. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein (2019). Topics in Distributed Ledger Technology; Blockchain For Humanitarian Assistance. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein & Comes, Tina (2015). Improving the coordination and decision-making process in humanitarian relief operations through integrated distribution plans. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Balcik, Burcu; Boey, Lise; Decouttere, Catherine; Fossli, Håvard & Kjøndal, Jan Ove [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Project report #3: Vaccine supply chain decision support system. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284270609. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The project "COVID-19 Network Technology-based Responsive Action" (CONTRA) started in June 2020. The CONTRA project initially aimed to develop a decision support system to support public health responders to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine effectively, efficiently, sustainably, and fairly. However, over the course of the project, also shown in this report, we found two important factors. First, the central allocation problem is the core of vaccine distribution inside countries: allocating different vaccines from national storage point to municipalities and regions. Second, optimizing the central vaccine allocation only based on the equity criterion could have two advantages. (a) It helps to avoid unnecessary trade-offs between several objectives that could prolong the decision-making process. (b) Based on observations that show the same behavior of effectiveness and equity measures for the central allocation problem, focusing on either of them would guarantee the other. This report summarizes the actions and results in the project, as of work package (WP) WP 3 in the period June - December 2021. In WP3, we design the decision support dashboard based on the mathematical model that we developed in WP2. We are grateful to the professionals at public health authorities and partnered businesses who have contributed with their time and expertise, and look forward to further collaboration. The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway (agreement No. 312773).

• Abdelgawad, Ahmed Abdeltawab; Khan, Aima & Baharmand, Hossein (2022). DigCBA D1.2–Digital Cash-Based Assistance Technologies: Literature Review Report and Gap Analysis. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284271248. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Khan, Aima; Maghsoudi, Amin; Ntayi, Joseph; Widera, Adam & Abdelgawad, Ahmed Abdeltawab [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2022). DigCBA – Project Annual Report #1. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284271262. Full text in Research Archive
• Baharmand, Hossein; Balcik, Burcu; Birkeland, Asle; Boey, Lise; Decouttere, Catherine & Fossli, Håvard [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2022). Project report #4 – Final report: System Demonstration and Validation. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284270753. Full text in Research Archive
• Balcik, Burcu; Akca, B; Yucesoy, E; Andersen, Per-Arne; Boey, Lise & Baharmand, Hossein (2021). Project report #2: Mathematical Modelling and Performance Measurement. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284270364. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The vaccine distribution network within a country starts from the main entry point of the country, in which COVID-19 vaccine supplies can arrive in multiple supply waves. In each supply wave, the vaccines, which arrive at a national storage point must be allocated among the smaller administrative units (municipalities or districts) of the country. This is called central vaccine allocation problem (CVAP). In CVAP, the decision makers must consider a variety of factors simultaneously in making allocation decisions such as the type of the vaccine, the size and distribution of the priority groups in the country, and the current status of infection. Moreover, multiple objectives must be considered such as total coverage achieved at national level as well as equity achieved across the municipalities. Cost of logistics can also be a concern, although at a lower criticality, due to implications of decisions on saving human lives. We propose an integer programming model to solve the CVAP. The mathematical model can incorporate different features depending on the decision making needs. The trade-offs among different objectives result in various allocation decisions. In CVAP, decision-makers can prefer whether to achieve a more efficient allocation or more equitable allocation at the beginning of the model. We elaborate on such issues through several illustrative examples.

• Baharmand, Hossein; Balcik, Burcu; Decouttere, Catherine; Phillips, Ross Owen; Saeed, Naima & Vandaele, Nico (2020). CONTRA Project report #1: Requirements identification and system mapping. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284270067. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The research project “COVID-19 Network Technology-based Responsive Action” (CONTRA), funded by the Research Council of Norway, commenced in June 2020. The CONTRA project develops a decision support system (DSS) based on mathematical modeling and stochastic optimization, and machine learning tools for designing a robust COVID-19 vaccine distribution network. The project follows two main objectives within two phases. In response to the on-going COVID-19 outbreak, rapid analyses will provide actionable advice to public health authorities in Norway regarding vaccine distribution and delivery to responders. This phase involved a systematic study of vaccine distribution system actors in Norway and their decision-making needs. Based on such insights, the project will develop a DSS based on mathematical models to support designing the vaccine distribution network. The DSS should contribute to the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and sustainability of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The proposed solution will also support vaccine distribution in future pandemics. The report describes the results of the first work package (WP) in the CONTRA project. The WP1 aims to identify the key actors in the vaccine distribution network in Norway, map their relation to each other, and distinguish critical decisions in the system. Moreover, the report presents an overview of related research on vaccine distribution networks, related decision support systems, and the progress in the literature about the COVID-19 pandemic. Through preliminary interviews, document review, and a workshop with multiple representatives from Norwegian public health authorities, the current vaccine distribution system is analyzed, and its actors have been mapped. This system map is the basis for further discussion both within the project team and with stakeholders. It should be noted that this map will change throughout the project due to the additional insights from other validation opportunities and the fact that the COVID-19 context is dynamic and is changing permanently. However, the system map has served as a basis for the problem definition in the CONTRA project. Based on our findings from the stakeholder workshop and system mapping, we have decided to focus on defining and studying the central vaccine allocation problem (CVAP), which is faced by Public Health Institute (FHI). As such, the CONTRA will investigate the problem of determining the amount of each vaccine to be shipped to every municipality. CVAP is challenged by the scarce amount of vaccines, the current immunization level, population, and priority groups in each municipality. In our project, CVAP will be formulated as a multi-objective resource allocation problem. Specifically, we will define and formulate objectives related to the following performance dimensions: efficacy (e.g., total coverage, coverage per priority group, etc.), efficiency and sustainability (e.g., logistics costs, waste), and fairness (e.g., distribution of efficacy among municipalities). The next step in the project will be to validate the problem definition and develop the mathematical model (second work package). Moreover, two individual reports for the actors map and system map will be published in the upcoming months by project partners.

• Baharmand, Hossein (2018). Designing Flexible Relief Distribution Networks for Sudden-onset Natural Disaster Response. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788271179052. Full text in Research Archive

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