Against All Odds: The World Food Programme’s Use of Amphibious Vehicles in Humanitarian Logistics Operations

In 2017, the World Food Programme decided to procure six amphibious all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as a way to achieve ‘last-mile’ delivery to the most remote or disaster-hit areas on the planet. After two successful pilots, it is looking to incorporate ATVs into its disaster response operations as well as its ongoing development operations. The case explains the capabilities of this new type of vehicle, designed to withstand the harshest conditions, and discusses the challenges of integrating its deployment by a decentralized global organization (WFP) that operates in more than 100 countries. It also explores alternatives for setting up new supply chains and business models to ensure the use of ATVs is efficient and effective.

The case is well suited for classes on supply chains and operations management in difficult conditions, particularly in the humanitarian context, with a focus on how to operationalize a specialized transportation asset – the all-terrain vehicle. How and where can the ATV best be used? For what types of applications? How can it be integrated with other transport assets like planes, helicopters and trucks? What value does it add in terms of cost reduction and speed of getting aid to beneficiaries? How must the supply chain be (re)designed to operationalize amphibious vehicles? How will the business model work: will the vehicles be leased and under what conditions? Given the multi-faceted nature of the case setting it can be taught in multiple courses, allowing instructors to decide which facet(s) to emphasize: e.g., supply chains, technology and business model innovation, introduction of innovation and intrapreneurship, or various funding and financing models.
The case covers a broad range of topics: humanitarian relief operations, innovation management, supply chain design, logistics management, change management, stakeholder management and business model design. Six documents are provided to support the teacher. The main case file is the slide set, which contains most of the case information. The “Case Study” text document can be regarded as a teaser for the students. Please check the “Guidelines for Lecturers” file for a full overview of the different case documents.