LOG904-184 Cross-border Logistics (Autumn 2024)

Cross-border Logistics Operations is a very practical subject that is shaped by the forces governing the global business environment. In that environment businesses must deal with a wide range of border related issues that concern, for example: the collection of customs duties and taxes; licensing requirements; the enforcement of prohibitions and restrictions; veterinary and phytosanitary checks; supply chain security; the enforcement of environmental policies; and compliance with market standards.

Yet, border formalities are often dismissed as “just a bit of paperwork and a few checks”. The reality is that the regulatory demands and compliance practices that arise in the cross-border movement of goods are far more complex. Solutions to help make things easier require a lot of effort. The use of technology is dependent on standards. Commercial and regulatory procedures need to be aligned. Most modern border management practices are based on trust and cooperation, which needs to be earned and cultivated – whether it is between border agencies, between business partners up and down the supply chain or between business operators and the border agencies.

Competency in the subject matter requires a broad skill set that extends significantly beyond knowing how to fill in a form or check a vehicle. This seminar addresses those skill requirements by:

• Setting out the context within which cross-border logistics operations take place in today’s contemporary international business environment;
• Offering a brief introduction to cross-border compliance and clearance practices;
• Exploring options that can reduce experienced costs and make supply chains more competitive from an operational and wider economic (trade policy) point of view;
• Detailing the various interfaces between business operators and regulators - whether in an operational context or by shaping the environment within which cross-border logistics activities take place.

Keywords include: Logistics, supply chain management, international transport, business regulation, supply chain compliance, customs, trade procedures, border management, technology, trade facilitation, trade policy and economic development through cross-border trade.

Knowledge: Become familiar with cross-border trade and transport environment; Understand the interdependences between regulation and the operational environment within the context of cross-border trade; Gain awareness of common cross-border trade and transport compliance requirements; Be aware of how relevant regulations and procedures in cross-border trade are shaped and can be influenced.

Skills: Critically analyse the interplay between regulation, technology, trade & customs procedures, policy making, border management, and supply chain management and logistics practice; Become familiar with standard online research tools and business compliance requirements within cross-border logistics operations or their control.

General competence: To prepare and discuss solutions to complex challenges using various media including written and verbal forms of communication through classroom interaction, exercises, and dialogue with the seminar leader ­– a leading regarded expert in the field.

• Form of assessment: Home assessment with focus on a cross-border logistics related compliance or control challenge; consisting of a group panel discussion which is pre-recorded and uploaded to Inspera.
• Proportion: 50%
• Duration: 7 minutes
• Grouping: Group
• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)
• Support material: Details to be shared on Day One. Deadline for uploading the video recoding is Friday 23:59.

• Form of assessment: Individual short essay
• Proportion: 50%
• Duration: 800 words
• Grouping: Individually
• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)
• Support material: MS Word submitted via Inspera. Details to be shared on Day One. Deadline Saturday 23:59