Use of delivery drones for humanitarian operations: analysis of adoption barriers among logistics service providers from the technology acceptance model perspective

Edwards, David; Subramanian, Nachiappan; Chaudhuri, Atanu; Morlacchi, Piera; Zeng, Wen

doi:10.1007/s10479-023-05307-4

Use of delivery drones for humanitarian operations: analysis of adoption barriers among logistics service providers from the technology acceptance model perspective

Edwards, David; Subramanian, Nachiappan; Chaudhuri, Atanu; Morlacchi, Piera; Zeng, Wen

Authors

David Edwards

Nachiappan Subramanian

Professor Atanu Chaudhuri atanu.chaudhuri@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Piera Morlacchi

Wen Zeng

Abstract

Delivery drones are yet to be adopted as a systematic delivery system for humanitarian operations but have the potential to substantially increase the efficiency and effectiveness of future delivery options. Thus, we analyse the impact of factors affecting the adoption of delivery drones by logistics service providers for humanitarian operations. A conceptual model of potential barriers to adoption and development is created using the Technology Acceptance Model theory involving security, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude as factors that affect the intention to use. We validate the model using empirical data collected from 103 respondents by the 10 leading logistics firms located in China between May and August 2016. through a survey to examine factors currently affecting the intention/non-intention to adopt delivery drones. The results show that ease of use and addressing key security considerations about the drone, the delivery package and the recipient are crucial for adopting the technology as a specialized delivery option for logistics service providers. This is the first study of its kind and contributes to understanding the operational, supply chain and behavioural factors in the adoption of drones by logistics services providers for humanitarian operations.

Citation

Edwards, D., Subramanian, N., Chaudhuri, A., Morlacchi, P., & Zeng, W. (2024). Use of delivery drones for humanitarian operations: analysis of adoption barriers among logistics service providers from the technology acceptance model perspective. Annals of Operations Research, 335(3), 1645-1667. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-023-05307-4

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Mar 20, 2023
Online Publication Date	Apr 19, 2023
Publication Date	Apr 1, 2024
Deposit Date	Oct 20, 2023
Publicly Available Date	Oct 20, 2023
Journal	Annals of Operations Research
Print ISSN	0254-5330
Electronic ISSN	1572-9338
Publisher	Springer
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	335
Issue	3
Pages	1645-1667
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-023-05307-4
Keywords	Adoption barriers, Drones, Humanitarian logistics, China
Public URL	https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1807370

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