Theory building using SAP-LAP linkages: an application in the context of disaster management

Management of disaster relief operations is a complex task involving pre-disaster, during disaster and post-disaster operations. It requires the involvement and coordination of multiple actors and processes. Traditionally, operations research applications in general and specifically for disaster relief have been made, largely, on quantitative and analytical front. There is a lack of qualitative and interpretive approaches in operations research applications. This paper uses an interpretive method, SAP-LAP (situation, actor, process, learning, action, performance) framework and linkages, in the context of disaster management. It enables to develop a theoretical framework for disaster management answering the fundamental questions of theory building. The paper first provides a selective review of disaster management and identifies the gap in building theoretical framework for the same. It then describes the methodology in terms of SAP-LAP framework and linkages with a broad appreciation of its application in operations as well as strategic management. This methodology is applied to develop a theoretical framework for disaster management. The paper finally discusses both the theoretical and practical implications of the proposed framework and concludes with future directions of research.