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Begin New Search Political Geography Global Focus Author Leah Campbell

1. Systems Thinking Handbook for Humanitarians

Author:
Leah Campbell
Publication Date:
08-2022
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
ALNAP: Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
Abstract:
This handbook introduces the ‘how’ of systems thinking for humanitarians – specifically the particular skills that systems thinkers need to practice and seven basic tools for systems thinking. You can also find a helpful glossary of terms at the end. If you’re new to systems thinking, you may like to take a look at the accompanying ALNAP paper, Systems thinking for humanitarians: An introduction for the complete beginner, which provides further background on what systems thinking is and why it is relevant to and useful for the sorts of complex problems that humanitarians face.
Topic:
Humanitarian Aid, Handbook, and Systems Thinking
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2. Beyond Assumptions: How humanitarians make operational decisions

Author:
Leah Campbell and Paul Knox Clarke
Publication Date:
11-2019
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
ALNAP: Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
Abstract:
The ability to make good decisions – particularly under urgent and uncertain circumstances – is fundamental to effective humanitarian response. Yet decision-making to this extent has received little academic attention. The ALNAP Study ‘Beyond assumptions’ seeks to address this gap and it is the result of over two years’ work exploring the nature of humanitarian contexts, the different types of decisions that they require, and the most suitable approaches to making these decisions at the country/ field level. This research builds upon ALNAP’s previous work on humanitarian leadership and coordination, where the importance of good decision-making emerged as a key theme. Time and again humanitarian evaluations have also flagged it as an issue, with decision-making receiving regular criticism for being too slow, disconnected from strategy, opaque and unaccountable.
Topic:
Leadership, Decision-Making, Coordination, Humanitarian Response, and Assessment
Political Geography:
Global Focus

3. What’s missing? Adding context to the urban response toolbox: Annex A

Author:
Leah Campbell
Publication Date:
04-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
ALNAP: Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
Abstract:
This annex contains a more detailed description of the 25 tools reviewed as part of the ALNAP Study What’s Missing? Adding Context to the Urban Response Toolbox. The research sought to find tools which could be used to improve understanding of context (the environment and circumstances within which something happens and which can help to explain it). 25 tools were identified, and have been grouped as follows: 16 ‘Core’ tools developed for, or used in, urban or sub-national contexts in an emergency or crisis context, and deal in whole or in part with context. • Six ‘Supplemental’ tools these deal in whole or in part with context. Some focus on a country or an urban level in a crisis context but in a development or planning context. • Three ‘Related’ tools these tools have been considered because they address context in some way, but have a larger focus on, for example, needs or conflict.
Topic:
Urban, Humanitarian Response, and Humanitarian Organizations
Political Geography:
Global Focus

4. Making Operational Decisions in Humanitarian Response: A Literature Review

Author:
Leah Campbell and Paul Knox Clarke
Publication Date:
04-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
ALNAP: Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
Abstract:
During a crisis, humanitarian leaders must make a range of decisions including whether, when and how to intervene; how to address technical, logistical, political and security constraints; when and how to cease operations; and the list goes on. Many of these decisions are made in urgent circumstances, have life-saving implications, and take place in a context of uncertainty. The importance of effective decision-making in operational humanitarian response has emerged as a theme in ALNAP’s previous work on humanitarian leadership and coordination. However, little academic attention has been given to this subject so far. This literature review considers the context in which humanitarian leaders are asked to make decisions, explores the range of decision-making approaches which exist, and considers how effective these approaches might be in humanitarian environments. The paper draws from existing humanitarian literature and evaluations, and also from the wealth of experience which exists from the world of emergency management decision-making (including fires and public health emergencies). In doing so, it gathers existing knowledge, identifies gaps in understanding and proposes areas for future research. ALNAP is undertaking a new piece of research to better understand how humanitarians can make effective decisions in situations of urgency and/or uncertainty. To find out more about the research and how you can get involved read the Infosheet.
Topic:
Leadership, Crisis Management, Coordination, and Humanitarian Response
Political Geography:
United Kingdom and Global Focus

5. Working with people and communities in urban humanitarian crises

Author:
Leah Campbell
Publication Date:
06-2017
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
ALNAP: Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
Abstract:
This Working Paper explores the topic of working with urban populations and communities. It draws on practical challenges and approaches in relation to targeting and communication with urban populations, and in the mobilisation of urban communities.
Topic:
Communications, Media, Crisis Management, Accountability, Urban, Participation, and Humanitarian Response
Political Geography:
Global Focus