Temporary Facility Location Problem in Humanitarian Logistics: A Systematic Literature Review

María Fernanda Carnero Quispe (), Lucciana Débora Chambilla Mamani, Hugo Tsugunobu Yoshida Yoshizaki and Irineu de Brito Junior
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María Fernanda Carnero Quispe: Production Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, Universidade de São Paulo—USP, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
Lucciana Débora Chambilla Mamani: Production Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, Universidade de São Paulo—USP, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
Hugo Tsugunobu Yoshida Yoshizaki: Production Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, Universidade de São Paulo—USP, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
Irineu de Brito Junior: Production Engineering Department, São Paulo State University, Bauru 17033-360, Brazil

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-27

Abstract: Background: Facility location is a key challenge in humanitarian logistics, particularly in disaster response, where rapid and efficient resource deployment is crucial. Temporary facilities offer a cost-effective solution due to their rapid deployment and flexibility in addressing increased demand and the dynamic conditions of post-disaster environments. Methods: This study conducts a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines to analyze facility location problems involving temporary or modular facilities in humanitarian logistics. A total of 65 articles from Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed. Results: Most studies focus on temporary facilities like shelters and medical centers in earthquake-affected areas, with most applications in Asia. Despite being temporary, only 6% of the studies consider closure decisions. Recent research explores modular facilities that enhance adaptability through module relocation and capacity adjustments. Conclusions: Temporary facilities after sudden-onset disasters require advanced modeling approaches that include multi-period planning, modular design, and complex decision-making, requiring solutions through heuristics or relaxations. However, there is a lack of research on their application in slow-onset and human-induced disasters. Moreover, considering geographical, cultural, and political factors is essential to ensure effective solutions. Further studies are also needed on facilities functioning as collection and processing centers, given their critical role in the humanitarian supply chain.

Keywords: temporary facility; modular design; location problem; humanitarian logistics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:1:p:42-:d:1616439

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