Gaming as a research method in humanitarian logistics

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for research through game design and discuss how simulation games can be used to bridge the gap between operational exercises and simulation or analytical modelling and to provide guidelines on how simulation games can be designed for different research purposes in the context of humanitarian logistics. Design/methodology/approach: This paper combines a literature review on gaming as a research method with an analysis of requirements for humanitarian logistics research methods. Starting from this theoretical framework, the authors develop a design thinking approach that highlights how games can be used for different research purposes. To illustrate the approach, the authors develop two different game set-ups that are of increasing fidelity and complexity. Finally, the authors discuss the results of the evaluation of both approaches, reflect on the design choices and provide recommendations for research and practice. Findings: Gaming is a suitable research method to explore and analyse behaviour and decisions in emergent settings that require team work and collaborative problem solving. Especially when safety and security concerns may hinder access and experimentation on site, gaming can offer a realistic and engaging quasi-experimental environment. The aspects of engagement and realism also make gaming a suitable tool to combine training and research. Originality/value: Although the use of games has attracted some attention in commercial supply chain management and crisis response, there is no systematic overview of gaming as a research method in humanitarian logistics. This paper is set to make a headway in addressing this gap by proposing a concrete approach to design games for humanitarian logistics research.

[1]  Luk N. Van Wassenhove,et al.  Humanitarian aid logistics: supply chain management in high gear , 2006, J. Oper. Res. Soc..

[2]  Jan H. G. Klabbers,et al.  On the Architecture of Game Science , 2018 .

[3]  Casper Harteveld,et al.  Guest editorial: games for learning and dialogue on humanitarian work , 2015 .

[4]  Bartel Van de Walle,et al.  On the Nature of Information Management in Complex and Natural Disasters , 2015 .

[5]  I. Ståhl.  Operational gaming : an international approach , 1983 .

[6]  Hugh M. Cannon,et al.  Constructs of Simulation Evaluation , 2002 .

[7]  Luk N. Van Wassenhove,et al.  Using OR to adapt supply chain management best practices to humanitarian logistics , 2012, Int. Trans. Oper. Res..

[8]  Jan Egeland,et al.  To stay and deliver : good practice for humanitarians in complex security environments , 2011 .

[9]  Gerald Reiner,et al.  A meta‐analysis of humanitarian logistics research , 2012 .

[10]  M. Ivimey.  Annual report , 1958, IRE Transactions on Engineering Writing and Speech.

[11]  T. Comes,et al.  Managing in-country transportation risks in humanitarian supply chains by logistics service providers: Insights from the 2015 Nepal earthquake , 2017 .

[12]  G. Kovács,et al.  Trends and developments in humanitarian logistics – a gap analysis , 2011 .

[13]  M. Copier,et al.  Beyond the magic circle : A network perspective on role-play in online games , 2007 .

[14]  M. Hitt.  Relevance of Strategic Management Theory and Research for Supply Chain Management , 2011 .

[15]  Willy Christian Kriz,et al.  A Systemic-Constructivist Approach to the Facilitation and Debriefing of Simulations and Games , 2010 .

[16]  Igor S. Mayer,et al.  The Gaming of Policy and the Politics of Gaming: A Review , 2009 .

[17]  Rob Nadolski,et al.  Serious games for higher education: a framework for reducing design complexity , 2008, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[18]  K. Eisenhardt.  Building theories from case study research , 1989, STUDI ORGANIZZATIVI.

[19]  L. V. Wassenhove,et al.  Relevance of humanitarian logistics research: Best practices and way forward , 2017 .

[20]  Bartel Van de Walle,et al.  Cold chains, interrupted: The use of technology and information for decisions that keep humanitarian vaccines cool , 2018 .

[21]  Bartel Van de Walle,et al.  Towards More Relevant Research on Humanitarian Disaster Management Coordination , 2015, ISCRAM.

[22]  Katja Lindskov Jacobsen,et al.  Experimentation in humanitarian locations: UNHCR and biometric registration of Afghan refugees , 2015 .

[23]  Elliot Bendoly,et al.  Rigor in Behavior Experiments: A Basic Primer for OM Researchers , 2006 .

[24]  Adriana Leiras,et al.  Literature review of humanitarian logistics research: trends and challenges , 2014 .

[25]  Fred D. Davis.  Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology , 1989, MIS Q..

[26]  M. Rungtusanatham,et al.  THE VIGNETTE IN A SCENARIO-BASED ROLE-PLAYING EXPERIMENT , 2011 .

[27]  R. Duke,et al.  Policy games for strategic management , 2004 .

[28]  L. V. Wassenhove,et al.  Introduction to the Special Issue on Humanitarian Operations and Crisis Management , 2014 .

[29]  Shalini Kurapati,et al.  Improving resilience in intermodal transport operations in seaports: a gaming approach , 2015 .

[30]  Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour,et al.  An analysis of the literature on humanitarian logistics and supply chain management: paving the way for future studies , 2019, Ann. Oper. Res..

[31]  Vernon L. Smith,et al.  Using Laboratory Experiments in Logistics and Supply Chain Research , 2013 .

[32]  Dag Näslund.  Logistics needs qualitative research – especially action research , 2002 .

[33]  Yan Wang,et al.  Behind the Scenes of Scenario-Based Training: Understanding Scenario Design and Requirements in High-Risk and Uncertain Environments , 2017, ISCRAM.

[34]  Bartel Van de Walle,et al.  Disaster in my backyard: A serious game introduction to disaster information management , 2013, ISCRAM.

[35]  Laura Laguna Salvadó,et al.  A multicriteria Master Planning DSS for a sustainable humanitarian supply chain , 2018, Annals of Operations Research.

[36]  Yan Wang,et al.  Policy Gaming for Humanitarian Missions , 2017, ISCRAM.

[37]  Marianne Jahre,et al.  Theory development in humanitarian logistics: a framework and three cases , 2009 .

[38]  Ian Heigh,et al.  A Peek into the Future of Humanitarian Logistics: Forewarned Is Forearmed , 2010 .

[39]  Bartel Van de Walle,et al.  Risk Accelerators in Disasters - Insights from the Typhoon Haiyan Response on Humanitarian Information Management and Decision Support , 2014, CAiSE.

[40]  Tsan-Ming Choi,et al.  Multi‐Methodological Research in Operations Management , 2016 .

[41]  R. Oloruntoba,et al.  Humanitarian aid : an agile supply chain? , 2006 .

[42]  Shalini Kurapati,et al.  Situation Awareness for Socio Technical Systems : A simulation gaming study in intermodal transport operations , 2017 .

[43]  Martin Schrepp,et al.  Construction and Evaluation of a User Experience Questionnaire , 2008, USAB.

[44]  Kenny Meesters,et al.  Making sense of crises: the implications of information asymmetries for resilience and social justice in disaster-ridden communities , 2019 .

[45]  Jan H. G. Klabbers,et al.  Terminological Ambiguity , 2009 .

[46]  Shalini Kurapati,et al.  Fostering sustainable transportation operations through corridor management : A simulation gaming approach , 2018 .

[47]  Nezih Altay,et al.  Challenges in humanitarian information management and exchange: evidence from Haiti. , 2014, Disasters.

[48]  Shalini Kurapati,et al.  A Scientific Foundation of Simulation Games for the Analysis and Design of Complex Systems , 2018, Simulation & gaming.

[49]  G. Kovács,et al.  Identifying challenges in humanitarian logistics , 2009 .

[50]  Eric Chavez,et al.  Engaging donors in smart compassion: USAID CIDI’s Greatest Good Donation Calculator , 2015 .

[51]  Barbara Tint,et al.  Applied improvisation training for disaster readiness and response , 2015 .

[52]  Tina Comes,et al.  Innovative Research Design – A Journey into the Information Typhoon , 2014 .

[53]  Martin Shubik.  Chapter II – GAMING: A STATE-OF-THE-ART SURVEY , 1983 .

[54]  Elliot Bendoly,et al.  RIGOR IN BEHAVIORAL EXPERIMENTS: A BASIC PRIMER FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT RESEARCHERS , 2011 .

[55]  L. V. Wassenhove,et al.  A model to define and assess the agility of supply chains: building on humanitarian experience , 2010 .

[56]  V. Smith.  Microeconomic Systems as an Experimental Science , 1982 .

[57]  Robert W. Bailey,et al.  Human performance engineering: A guide for system designers , 1982 .