Prima Denny Sentia, Syaimak Abdul Shukor, Amelia Abdul Wahab, Muriati Mukhtar
Purpose – The use of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) in the operation of the humanitarian supply chain (HSC) is an essential topic among researchers. However, an extensive literature review mapping the essential topics studied in HSC’s IT and IS fields is barely available. Therefore, this study aims to identify which topics are currently understudied or less explored by previous studies to formulate research gaps and develop recommendations for future research. Design/methodology/approach – This study combines a systematic literature review methodology and thematic analysis called the Crossbreed Literature Review (CBLR) by modifying the existing protocols. Seven search strings were performed using an identified set of keywords in combination with the Boolean search, and the result was analyzed using the thematic method to answer the research question. Findings – The extensive review of previous research on IT and IS in HSC operations has identified six topics: (1) Utilization of IT and IS to improve the transparency, coordination and collaboration between HSC stakeholders and society; (2) IT and IS to assist the stakeholders on HSC decisions; (3) Logistical and inventory planning using IT and IS; (4) IT and IS for identifying facility location and warehousing; (5) IT and IS for solving the delivery and routing problems; (6) Identifying and evacuating victims using IT and IS. These topics highlight important gaps in the current research and emphasize the pressing need for deeper exploration and fresh innovations in HSC. Originality/value – This study shows no adequate literature identifying and synthesizing topics studied in IT and IS studies in HSC operations. As a result, the findings of this study have an important role in guiding future researchers in determining the focus of their studies. The results of this study provide significant contributions to developing new theoretical frameworks and models by referring to previous research. © 2025 Prima Denny Sentia, Syaimak Abdul Shukor, Amelia Abdul Wahab and Muriati Mukhtar
Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia; Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
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