The World Customs Organisation and the European Commission – amongst other key international organisations and agencies – consider knowledge of supply chains a core competency for border management professionals in the public and private sector.
This one-day (or two half-days) masterclass works towards that requirement (see Annex below) at the operational and strategic level by detailing how supply chains: enable modern production systems; generate significant economic wealth; define much of contemporary trade and customs policy; and are at the heart of contemporary border management operations.
A significant aspect of the masterclass is the opportunity for participants to explore with their tutor Prof Andrew Grainger how supply chain philosophies, challenges and practices apply to the work of border professionals, and how border management and trade compliance practices can be reimagined in line with supply chain principles. Participants will cover:
- contemporary supply chain management theories, strategies, and operational practices
- the economic and regulatory forces that drive international supply chains and subsequent demand for efficient border management services
- the interfaces amongst supply chain operators, especially those with customs and other border agencies
- the roles played by the various border agencies and supply chain actors
- supply chain enabling notions of coercion, trust and partnership
- supply chain data, trade documents, and systems designed to share such information
- the cost of friction and inefficiencies amongst supply chain operators and with border agencies
- scope for innovation and trade facilitation
- the influence of contemporary supply chain management ideas and principles on trade policy, and border management strategies and practices.
The masterclass is suitable for aspiring and practicing leaders in border management, trade facilitation, and trade compliance. Their work might have a significant operational, strategic, or trade and customs policy related component. The course is also suitable for supply chain practitioners who want to explore how their field applies to ports and borders, and the regulatory environment which gives shape to border management arrangements.
The interactive small group format is online (via Zoom) and provides for an enriching, personalised learning experience.
Course outline
The online master class is designed to encourage a high level of interaction with opportunities to explore how supply chain principles apply to the cross-border trade and customs environment. To help give the course structure, the subject is approached in four parts:
1. Fundamentals: international supply chains, trade and production
Here we take a detailed look at contemporary supply chain thinking, strategies and concepts, and the driving political and economic forces that give shape to modern supply chains. We will also look at the impact of trade, tariff and customs policy on supply chain arrangements. The impact of operational risks, the need for business competitiveness and resilience is discussed, too.
2. Supply chain operations
Part two takes a closer look at the operational and commercial arrangements between supply chain partners with specific focus on their respective roles and obligations, and supporting technology and systems. Here we will also elaborate on applicable trade documents, and the methods by which trade and customs relevant data can be shared across the supply chain and with border staff.
3. Supply chain management within the context of trade and customs policy
In part three we focus on supply chain management practices with focus on trade compliance, supply chain security, and control. We also examine the costs experienced by public and private sector actors, and how supply chain principles can be applied to achieve greater trade facilitation. In this session we will also take a closer look at the impact that border agencies and their operations might have on supply chain management decisions and configuration.
4. Applied supply chain thinking
The master class concludes with a dedicated session to how the relationships between the public and private sector can be applied to improving supply chain performance, and how supply chain principles and ideas are reflected in contemporary trade and customs policy at both the strategic and operational level.
Requirements
A reasonably good understanding of English is essential. We ask that when you attend you are in a relatively undisturbed environment. Comfort breaks are offered between sessions; and there will be a lunch break, too. Please note that Zoom software is dependent on a stable internet connection. Interactivity is greatly enhanced if the camera is switched on (though we understand the this is not always feasible).
Preparations
We recognise that participants will have different backgrounds and experiences – this is OK and generally enriches the small group learning experience.
Prior to delivering the course we will contact you with a brief list of questions to help fine-tune course content and delivery.
Important
The course will not be recorded. This is to ensure that there is room for a lively discussion and interaction. A set of presentation slides with a list of additional learning resources is emailed closer to the start date. Questions and dialogue are actively encouraged throughout the course.
Your tutor
The course is delivered by Prof Dr Andrew Grainger.
Dates
Please contact us
Fee / Costs
Please contact us.
Annex
Box 1: Extracts from the WCO Picard (2019) Professional Standards
| Strategic Managers/Leaders | Operational Managers and Leaders |
| International Supply Chains: | |
| The individual should be able to: 5.1. Understand the complexities of an international supply chain. 5.2. Recognize the stakeholders, documentation and terminology of a global supply chain and the linkage with Customs supervision and trade compliance. 5.3. Understand international supply chain instruments and standards (e.g. the Revised Kyoto Convention, SAFE Framework, INCOTERMS, etc.). 5.4. Understand international, regional and national regulations affecting the international supply chain, including supply chain security measures. 5.5. Understand the value of technology for global supply chains in terms of traceability, compliance, resilience etc | The individual should be able to: 10.1. Understand the complexities of the international supply chain. 10.2. Recognize the stakeholders, documentation and terminology of the global supply chain and the linkage with Customs and trade compliance. 10.3. Understand international supply chain instruments and standards (e.g. the Revised Kyoto Convention, SAFE Framework, INCOTERMS, etc.). 10.4. Understand international, regional and national regulations affecting the international supply chain, including supply chain security measures. 10.5. Understand the value of technology for global supply chains in terms of traceability, compliance, resilience etc. |
| International Economics | |
| The individual should be able to: 6.1. Describe Customs, trade, fiscal and economic policy and its impact. 6.2. Compare free trade vs. protectionism policies. 6.3. Explain the role of the tariff and taxes in economic development. 6.4. Sketch an economically attractive climate for national and international investments. | The individual should be able to: 8.1. Describe Customs, trade, fiscal and economic policies and their impact. 8.2. Compare free trade vs. protectionist policies. 8.3. Express the role of the tariff and taxes in economic development. |
| Visioning | |
| The individual should be able to: 19.1. Think outside the box. 19.2. Formulate future strategic options. 19.3. Convince stakeholders at all levels of the need for reform through informed and compelling arguments and effective communication (e.g., public consultations and hearings). | |
| Customer Orientation | |
| The individual should be able to: 39.1. Understand customer needs and their business environment. 39.2. Develop and implement customer service standards. 39.3. Create a customer evaluation and feedback system. | The individual should be able to: 37.1. Understand customer needs and their business environment 37.2. Develop and implement customer service standards 37.3. Create a customer evaluation and feedback system |
Box 2: Extracts from the European Commission’s (2019) Customs Competency Framework “CustComp(eu)”
| Supply Chain Operations Competency |
| “The Supply Chain Operation competency covers all aspects of the International Supply Chain – this relates to both the core Customs flows (import/export/ transit) and the supply chain of Trade and how they are linked. Emphasis on effective working methods between Customs and Trade and the safety and security aspects of supply chains”. Learning topics: a. The integrated supply chain (Customs and Trade) b. Maximising smooth supply chain operations c. Safety and security aspects of the supply chain |
| Strategic Supply Chain Management Competency |
| The Strategic Supply Chain Management competency refers to the following activities: • Has knowledge of the international supply chain logistics and the role of Customs herein; • Focuses on improvements to reduce waste and administrative burden, and to increase efficiency for both Trade and Customs; • Knows what drives trade facilitation and looks to optimise cooperation and transparency; • Understands safety and security considerations, economic impacts, EU and International trade legislation and agreements; • Focuses on cost reductions in relation to Customs controls and actions; Applies supply chain models and has understanding of how outsourcing models are used in supply chains, and the elements of the supply chain that are outsourced to different parties; • Captures the requirements of the different stakeholders; • Assesses risk related to supply chain operations. Learning Topics: a. General strategic supply chain management topics b. Customs and the supply chain |
Trade Facilitation Consulting 