The role of centralization in the efficiency of national humanitarian logistics systems: a warehouse location model-based approach

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the operational and economic impact of centralized coordination in national-level humanitarian logistics, particularly regarding the location and management of warehouses during emergency responses. It addresses the inefficiencies arising from fragmented, decentralized efforts and provides quantitative evidence for more cooperative approaches. Methodology The authors developed a multiperiod multiperiod mixed-integer linear programming model to compare decentralized and centralized coordination strategies. The model was applied to a real-world case study – the 2016–2017 Mosul Offensive in Iraq – using actual data on refugee camps and logistics networks. The analysis considers dynamic demand, warehouse location decisions and resource allocation over time. Findings The centralized coordination strategy significantly reduced operational costs (by approximately $ 2.43 million or 25.7%) compared to the decentralized baseline. Key savings stemmed from reductions in fixed installation and operational costs. The multiperiod approach outperformed static models by adapting to temporal fluctuations in demand and optimizing warehouse capacity utilization, with fewer redundant facilities and higher efficiency. Originality This paper advances the humanitarian logistics literature by providing a dynamic, data-driven framework that quantifies the benefits of centralization in complex emergency settings. It uniquely integrates a multiperiod perspective with real-world operational data, offering actionable insights for policymakers and humanitarian organizations. The study bridges the gap between theoretical modeling and practical implementation in humanitarian supply chain design.