The World Customs Organisation and the European Commission – amongst other key international organisations and agencies – recognise knowledge of supply chains as a core competency for border management professionals in the public and private sector.
This course outline draws on many years of university teaching, executive education, research, and applied work in supply chain management, international trade, customs, and cross-border logistics.
It explores how supply chains support modern production systems, create economic value, shape trade and customs policy, and influence contemporary border management practice.
Particular emphasis is placed on exploring how supply chain concepts, principles, and practices can inform trade compliance and border management, while encouraging participants to consider how supply chain thinking may be applied to contemporary border challenges.
Learners will explore:
- contemporary supply chain management theories, strategies, and operational practices
- the economic and regulatory forces that shape international supply chains and drive demand for effective border management
- the interfaces between supply chain actors, customs authorities, and other border agencies
- the roles and responsibilities of public and private sector actors within international supply chains
- the role of coercion, trust, and partnership in enabling effective supply chain relationships
- supply chain data, trade documentation, and the systems used to exchange and manage information
- the costs associated with friction and inefficiencies across supply chains and at the border
- opportunities for innovation, trade facilitation, and process improvement
- the influence of contemporary supply chain management principles on trade policy and border management strategies
The course would be particularly relevant to:
- aspiring and practising leaders in border management, trade facilitation, and trade compliance
- customs and border officials seeking a broader understanding of supply chain management
- supply chain, logistics, and trade professionals wishing to better understand the border management dimension of their work
- policymakers and advisors engaged in trade, customs, or border reform
- academics, researchers, and students with an interest in supply chain management, international trade, and border governance
Typical Learning Themes
The outline can be organised around four interconnected themes. Together, they provide a flexible framework that can be adapted to different audiences, learning objectives, and organisational contexts.
1. Fundamentals: international supply chains, trade and production
Attention is given to contemporary supply chain thinking, strategies, and concepts, alongside the political and economic forces that shape modern supply chains. This also provides an opportunity to explore the influence of trade, tariff, and customs policy on supply chain arrangements. Consideration may additionally be given to operational risks, business competitiveness, and resilience.
2. Supply chain operations
Operational and commercial arrangements between supply chain partners can be examined, together with the roles and obligations of different actors and the supporting technologies, systems, and information flows involved. This may also provide an opportunity to consider trade documentation and the ways in which trade and customs relevant data can be shared across supply chains and with border agencies.
3. Supply chain management within the context of trade and customs policy
Attention is placed on contemporary supply chain management practices and how they relate to trade compliance, supply chain security, and regulatory objectives. The costs and operational impacts experienced by public and private actors provide a useful basis for exploring how supply chain principles and trade facilitation objectives may align.
4. Applied supply chain thinking
This theme encourages reflection on how relationships between public and private sector actors can support improved supply chain performance, and how supply chain principles are reflected in contemporary trade and customs policy at both strategic and operational levels.
Teaching Approach
Activities are led by Prof Andrew Grainger and draw on experience gained through university teaching, executive education, research, and applied work in international trade, customs, and cross-border logistics.
Delivery formats range from executive workshops and short courses to university teaching and consultancy-supported learning activities. Where appropriate, teaching draws on the knowledge, experience, and perspectives that learners bring to the discussion.
Content is adapted to the audience, learning objectives, and organisational context.
Working Together
Please get in touch to explore opportunities for delivery, adaptation, or collaboration.
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 