Course in Global Best Practices in Supply Chain Management and Import & Export Operations

In today’s rapidly evolving global business environment, supply chain management and import & export operations have become critical drivers of efficiency, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. The growing complexity of international markets, combined with the increasing demand for faster and more reliable trade flows, has made it essential for organizations to adopt global best practices in planning, coordinating, and supervising their supply chain activities. This specialized training program, offered by Geneva Institute of Business Administration under the title “Global Best Practices in Supply Chain Management and Import & Export Operations”, is designed to provide participants with advanced knowledge of modern strategies, tools, and regulatory frameworks that shape international trade today. The program emphasizes the integration of global standards, risk management, and sustainability approaches to empower participants with the skills required to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in international commerce.

Target Audience

• Supply chain and logistics managers who are seeking to strengthen their expertise by applying global best practices to their daily operations.

• Professionals working in import and export departments within trading and industrial companies who aim to enhance their understanding of international procedures and requirements.

• Procurement and sourcing specialists who oversee supplier contracts and cross-border material flows and wish to optimize their performance.

• Employees of shipping, freight forwarding, and customs clearance companies who need deeper insights into international regulations and efficient operational practices.

• Government officials, regulators, and policymakers engaged in trade and customs operations who want to stay aligned with the latest global frameworks and practices.

Objectives

• Introduce participants to the fundamental concepts of supply chain management and its vital connection to global import and export activities.

• Enable participants to identify key factors that influence supply chain efficiency and apply methods to optimize performance while reducing costs.

• Provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of international regulations, standards, and agreements governing cross-border trade.

• Develop participants’ ability to plan, manage, and mitigate risks associated with logistics, sourcing, and global trade operations.

• Strengthen participants’ skills in applying innovative and sustainable approaches to ensure long-term competitiveness in supply chain and trade management.

Course Outline

• Introduction to Supply Chain Management

  • Definition of supply chain management and its role in modern business.

  • Key components and functions of an effective supply chain.

  • The relationship between supply chains and organizational value creation.

  • Common challenges in global supply chain management.

• Global Supply Chain Strategies

  • Principles of integrated supply chain planning.

  • Emerging trends in global supply chain management.

  • Building resilience to respond to market disruptions.

  • Lessons from successful multinational companies.

• Import Operations Management

  • Essential steps and processes involved in import operations.

  • Required contracts, documentation, and compliance elements.

  • Legal and regulatory frameworks governing imports.

  • Common challenges in import management and how to address them.

• Export Operations Management

  • Phases of the export process from preparation to delivery.

  • Core documentation for export procedures.

  • International laws and compliance standards for exports.

  • Frequent mistakes in export management and ways to avoid them.

• International Trade Laws and Standards

  • Key global trade agreements and conventions.

  • The role and functions of the World Trade Organization.

  • ISO standards relevant to supply chain and trade management.

  • Importance of compliance with international regulations.

• Customs and Regulatory Procedures

  • The role of customs in facilitating and regulating trade.

  • Step-by-step customs clearance process.

  • Tariffs, duties, and taxation in cross-border trade.

  • Regulations on restricted and prohibited goods.

• Global Logistics Management

  • The role of logistics in achieving supply chain efficiency.

  • Modern transportation and distribution methods.

  • Warehouse and inventory management in global operations.

  • Technological advancements shaping logistics.

• Supply Chain Risk Management

  • Identifying sources of supply chain and trade-related risks.

  • Practical strategies for risk prevention and control.

  • Business continuity planning for global operations.

  • Importance of predictive analysis in risk management.

• Supplier and Partner Relationship Management

  • Criteria for selecting and evaluating suppliers.

  • Building long-term strategic partnerships.

  • Effective negotiation techniques with international suppliers.

  • The importance of transparency and trust in global relationships.

• Sustainability and Innovation in Supply Chains

  • Principles of sustainability in global supply chain management.

  • Reducing environmental footprint in logistics and trade.

  • The role of digitalization and technology in innovation.

  • Future trends shaping global supply chain strategies.