Product details

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Abstract

The logistician at a major humanitarian food aid organization (HFAO) is facing the decision whether to source globally or locally. The logistician is overseeing the distribution of a common fortified food product, a maize-soy blend (MSB), to a refugee camp in Africa. The main task of this case study is to evaluate the two potential sourcing options (globally versus locally), potentially by conducting a life cycle assessment of the two potential food supply chains. One possibility is to get the product locally, from the same country or region in Africa. The alternative would be to go global and receive the product from a supplier in Europe. The HFAO is concerned about their environmental impact. Advantages and disadvantages of local vs global procurement must be considered and carefully weighted, to identify which one is more sustainable. After all, the HFAO wants to champion sustainability, and add socioeconomic and environmental value to its aid operations.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in Apr-23.

Geographical setting

Region:
World/global
Country:
South Sudan

Featured company

Humanitarian food aid organization
Type:
Non-profit
Industry:
Humanitarian Organizations

Featured protagonist

  • Sam (male), Logistician of a major humanitarian food aid organization

About

Abstract

The logistician at a major humanitarian food aid organization (HFAO) is facing the decision whether to source globally or locally. The logistician is overseeing the distribution of a common fortified food product, a maize-soy blend (MSB), to a refugee camp in Africa. The main task of this case study is to evaluate the two potential sourcing options (globally versus locally), potentially by conducting a life cycle assessment of the two potential food supply chains. One possibility is to get the product locally, from the same country or region in Africa. The alternative would be to go global and receive the product from a supplier in Europe. The HFAO is concerned about their environmental impact. Advantages and disadvantages of local vs global procurement must be considered and carefully weighted, to identify which one is more sustainable. After all, the HFAO wants to champion sustainability, and add socioeconomic and environmental value to its aid operations.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in Apr-23.

Geographical setting

Region:
World/global
Country:
South Sudan

Featured company

Humanitarian food aid organization
Type:
Non-profit
Industry:
Humanitarian Organizations

Featured protagonist

  • Sam (male), Logistician of a major humanitarian food aid organization

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