Perspectives on how to conduct responsible anti-human trafficking research in operations and analytics

Renata A. Konrad, Kayse Lee Maass, Geri L. Dimas and Andrew C. Trapp

European Journal of Operational Research, 2023, vol. 309, issue 1, 319-329

Abstract: Human trafficking, the commercial exploitation of individuals, is a gross violation of human rights; harming societies, economies, health and development. The related disciplines of Operations Research (OR) and Analytics are uniquely positioned to support trafficking prevention and intervention efforts by efficiently evaluating a plethora of decision alternatives and providing quantitative, actionable insights. As operations and analytical efforts in the counter-trafficking field emerge, it is imperative to grasp subtle, yet distinctive, nuances associated with human trafficking. This paper is intended to inform those practitioners working in the Operations and Analytics fields by highlighting key features of human trafficking activity. We grouped ten themes around two broad categories: (1) representation of human trafficking and (2) consideration of survivors and communities. These insights are derived from our collective experience in working in this area and substantiated by domain expertise. Based on these areas, we then suggest avenues for future work.

Keywords: OR in societal problem analysis; Human trafficking; Operations research; Analytics; Responsible research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ejores:v:309:y:2023:i:1:p:319-329

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2022.12.028

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