Humanitarian Logistics and Disaster Management: An Interview with Ing. Jana Abíková, Ph.D.

Humanitarian logistics and disaster management are fields that may at first glance seem far removed from the academic environment. However, Jana Abíková from the Faculty of Business Administration at the Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE) demonstrates that the university can play a key role in preparing experts capable of responding to a wide variety of crisis situations. In the Horizont VŠE podcast, she explains how her work connects research, practice, and helping people in need.

Humanitarian Logistics in Practice

Humanitarian logistics is a discipline focused on the efficient planning, management, and implementation of supply and service flows in disaster-affected areas. Jana Abíková engages in this field not only in the academic sphere but also through field research. In the interview, she shares her experiences from refugee camps, where she sought to understand the processes of supply chain management, water and medicine distribution, and the application of innovative logistics models.

“In humanitarian logistics, speed, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing conditions are key. Every day brings new challenges,” says Jana Abíková.

Educating Future Experts at VŠE

At VŠE, Jana Abíková leads courses that introduce students to disaster management and humanitarian logistics. She emphasizes practical scenarios and simulations, allowing students to learn how to respond to real-life crisis situations.

“The goal is for graduates not to be equipped only with theoretical knowledge but to be able to apply their skills immediately in practice – whether in international organizations, public administration, or the non-profit sector,” she explains.

Sustainability and a Long-Term Approach

Alongside addressing acute crises, Jana Abíková also highlights the importance of long-term perspectives and the sustainability of humanitarian aid. In her view, it is not enough to focus solely on the immediate management of disasters but also on considering the lasting impact interventions leave on local communities.

You can listen to the full interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Knx1wxMssdMdx5jnXCEjq?si=rJnT5rH_QNa5w-sMmguAfg