Strengthening Humanitarian Disaster Response Value Chain Using Robotic Process Automation: a Case for World Food Programme

Abstract

In the digital space, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is drawing more attention in the corporate world. The advent of RPA has the potential to disrupt the traditional Humanitarian Disaster Response Value Chain (HDRVC). The gaps unmasked by the analysis of the HDRVC make coordinating the organizational activities and finding the right resources to combat the catastrophes difficult as it requires time and money, which neither the humanitarian agencies nor the victims have during a disaster. The objective of this project was to analyze the HDRVC and establish opportunities within which RPA can be applied to bring efficiency and effectiveness in the value chain system. The project used Porter’s Value Chain Framework to analyze the HDRVC and sought to validate the framework as suitable for HDRVC analysis. The project used a descriptive case study of World Food Programme to understand the opportunities in which RPA can be applied. Results showed gaps in the HDRVC which create the best opportunity to apply RPA in ensuring fast, efficient, and cost-effective aid delivery to the beneficiaries. Further results using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test and validate Porter's value chain framework as suitable for HDRVC indicate that PVCM is reasonably near a perfect fit. Consequently, PVCF was found suitable for HDRVC. These results can be used by different other humanitarian organizations to tailor their value chain to assume seamless, effective, and efficient aid delivery. The results provide a concrete tool that can be used by different organizations, regardless of the industry, to analyses their value chain system in quest for effective service delivery. This research project envisages the future of the humanitarian sector by introducing RPA and describing its usage in revolutionizing the HDRVC by creating a seamless, effective, and efficient aid delivery system. Despite the overwhelmingly positive results, we acknowledge that qualitative study methods do not guarantee validity and reliability. As such, considerations for RPA-based aid delivery operations and a series of research questions are presented with the objective to create a dialogue in this evolutionary area. Ultimately, to remain relevant, organizations must combine innovative technologies with the skills and knowledge of qualified professionals.