Aligning Performance Management Systems for Lasting Outcomes in Humanitarian Organizations
Abstract
Logistics is dynamic, expansive, and critical to organizational success. While it is generally believed that effective logistics management is associated with positive performance outcomes, the links between organizational practice and performance are understudied. This dissertation leverages resource-based theory and organizational learning theory to examine organizational practice and performance in non-traditional logistics settings, with particular focus on military organizations and humanitarian operational settings. First, a meta-analytical study establishes generalizable associations between various operations management practices and performance outcomes. Then, this is applied to dynamic humanitarian logistics settings, exploring how practitioners perceive practice and performance, and how this is reported and documented for organizational performance improvement. A cumulative case study provides actionable recommendations for humanitarian practitioners and insights into an understudied area of performance management and organizational learning, which are then examined in-depth in a humanitarian field exercise. This dissertation demonstrates the importance of deliberate resource alignment, collaboration and learning for lasting logistics operations management success. To address these gaps, this dissertation 1) establishes generalizable associations between various organizational practices and performance outcomes; 2) applies this insight to humanitarian logistics settings, exploring how practitioners perceive practice and performance; and 3) examines how these associations are codified for organizational improvement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1110700
Entities
People
- Kalyn M. Howard
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology