Are there ways to improve compliance, safety, security,
operational efficiency and information quality in
international trade? Reduce the administrative burden
for business and government? Foster the uniform
application of Customs legislation? Encourage mutual
understanding between the public and private sector,
and even share responsibilities in the fight against
smuggling, terrorism and criminal organizations?
We believe there are, but to do so there is a need for
people who are knowledgeable in various disciplines.
The Master Degree in Customs and Supply Chain
Compliance developed by the Rotterdam School of
Management offers this type of education by integrating
three disciplines: Customs regulations; supply chain
management and logistics; and information technology
and auditing. In this article, we discuss the objectives
of the degree and the educational philosophy of the
programme, and reveal some of the lessons learned in
setting it up.