Title: Applying linear programming for logistics distribution of essential relief items during COVID-19 lockdown: evidence from Bangladesh

Authors: Ziaul Haq Adnan; Abdul Hai Ashik; Muntasina Rahman; Sherajus Shalahin Bhuiyan; Anirban Ganguly

Addresses: North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh ' Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh ' Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh ' Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh ' Jindal Global Business School, Sonipat, India

Abstract: COVID-19 induced lockdowns have made it extremely difficult for the poorer section of the community to arrange sustenance items like food and medicines due to the lack of cash flow coupled with the closure of markets. Although multiple organisations took initiatives to help this vulnerable cohort by distributing essential items, they ended up either oversupplying or undersupplying at different regions due to the lack of a reference framework. Hence, the study develops a model to aid the national relief distribution process during a pandemic. This study considers the capacitated plant location model and applies the linear programming tool to formulate and solve the model. The model assigns a target and service zones, to relief organisations based on their capacity and proximity and avoid redundant relief goods to easily accessible areas. The model can be used by government, private, and non-profit alike to distribute relief during any similar future events as well.

Keywords: COVID-19; pandemic; essential items; relief distribution; capacitated plant location model; linear programming; Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLEG.2022.120808

International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation, 2022 Vol.9 No.3, pp.191 - 204

Received: 30 Jul 2021
Accepted: 17 Oct 2021
Published online: 10 Feb 2022 *