Understanding material and supplier networks in the construction of disaster-relief shelters: the feasibility of using social network analysis as a decision-making tool

Main author: Copping, Alex
Other authors: Kuchai, Noorullah
Hattam, Laura
Paszkiewicz, Natalia
Albadra, Dima
Shepherd, Paul
Sahin Burat, Esra
Coley, David
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-41473
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description Purpose: Understanding the supply network of construction materials used to construct shelters in refugee camps, or during the reconstruction of communities, is important as it can reveal the intricate links between different stakeholders and the volumes and speeds of material flows to the end-user. Using social network analysis (SNA) enables another dimension to be analysed – the role of commonalities. This is likely to be particularly important when attempting to replace vernacular materials with higher-performing alternatives or when encouraging the use of non-vernacular methods. This paper aims to analyse the supply networks of four different disaster-relief situations. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from interviews with 272 displaced (or formally displaced) families in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Turkey, often in difficult conditions. Findings: The results show that the form of the supply networks was highly influenced by the nature/cause of the initial displacement, the geographical location, the local availability of materials and the degree of support/advice given by aid agencies and or governments. In addition, it was found that SNA could be used to indicate which strategies might work in a particular context and which might not, thereby potentially speeding up the delivery of novel solutions. Research limitations/implications: This study represents the first attempt in theorising and empirically investigating supply networks using SNA in a post-disaster reconstruction context. It is suggested that future studies might map the up-stream supply chain to include manufacturers and higher-order, out of country, suppliers. This would provide a complete picture of the origins of all materials and components in the supply network. Originality/value: This is original research, and it aims to produce new knowledge.
format Journal Article
author Copping, Alex
author_facet Copping, Alex
Kuchai, Noorullah
Hattam, Laura
Paszkiewicz, Natalia
Albadra, Dima
Shepherd, Paul
Sahin Burat, Esra
Coley, David
authorStr Copping, Alex
author_letter Copping, Alex
author2 Kuchai, Noorullah
Hattam, Laura
Paszkiewicz, Natalia
Albadra, Dima
Shepherd, Paul
Sahin Burat, Esra
Coley, David
author2Str Kuchai, Noorullah
Hattam, Laura
Paszkiewicz, Natalia
Albadra, Dima
Shepherd, Paul
Sahin Burat, Esra
Coley, David
title Understanding material and supplier networks in the construction of disaster-relief shelters: the feasibility of using social network analysis as a decision-making tool
publisher Emerald
publishDate 2022
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/41473/