The modern global market is associated with the use of sophisticated supply chain management that has to address numerous security issues. The US government has come up with several plans to address the challenges and ensure that no lasting disruptions will occur (Mangan & Lalwani, 2016). The strategic plan under the title “Strategy to enhance international supply chain security” issued in 2007 was aimed at enhancing international supply change security. The plan addresses the primary challenges the modern international trade is facing including terrorism, environmental concerns, as well as such aspects as technological advances, standardization, and so on. This paper provides a brief analysis of five chapters of the plan such as Purpose, Guiding Principles, Considerations, Methodology, and Training Requirements.
The Purpose section reveals the purpose of the plan and the overall focus of the Department of Homeland Security in this area. Importantly, the goals of this strategy are the enhancement of the international supply chain security, facilitation of global commerce, the provision of trade resumption after an incident disrupting a supply chain (Department of Homeland Security, 2007). These goals are consistent with practitioners’ expectations and behaviors as the stakeholders tend to become more active in a secure environment and if they know that there is a sound plan that will help them recover soon if an accident occurs (Wisner, Tan, & Leong, 2016). The strategic objectives described are likely to help in the implementation of the plan. These objectives involve the development of trusting relationships between stakeholders, the provision of benefits for the actors that enhance their own supply chains security, the development of standards, proper information management and data security, the introduction of detection systems, and the development and use of efficient communication channels among stakeholders (Department of Homeland Security, 2007). The agency also aims at the development and use of technological advances, the development of patterns used to address any supply chain disruption, and the development of effective communication with international actors in the sphere of detection of illicit materials. The agency addresses the major areas that can ensure the enhancement of supply chain security. The focus on communication contributes to the effectiveness of the plan as this aspect is a core element of supply chain security (Mangan & Lalwani, 2016).
It is also essential to consider Guiding Principles of the plan as they define the frameworks and approaches used to achieve the set goals. One of the principles is related to the effective management of data (Department of Homeland Security, 2007). As has been mentioned above, proper information sharing and management enhances supply chain security as all stakeholders try to collaborate effectively and are prepared to respond to numerous challenges. Durach, Straube, and Wieland (2014) claim that leading companies have acknowledged the benefits of such collaboration and focus on the development of effective relations with partners. Another important guiding principle is associated with the use of technology. It is stressed that technological advances can help in addressing the objectives mentioned above. The focus is on detection systems that can help control the flow of items at all the stages of a supply chain. Shi and Chan (2014) emphasize that such systems are crucial for enhancing supply chain security as they can help identify any illicit and hazardous materials, which can help prevent many types of disruption. Importantly, the economic impact assessment is another principle to take into account. It is stressed that this assessment helps identify the extent to which security issues can be addressed. Wisner et al. (2016) also claim that if the costs of certain measures exceed the economic gains of the activity, the incentive will be abandoned or will undergo further development.
An analysis of the Considerations section shows that the strategy is based on sound assumptions, which enhances its effectiveness. The major assumptions made are consistent with the existing trends in the international supply chain management (Holma & Salo, 2014). The focus on technology and effective information management has become a characteristic feature of the industry. Detection systems are now seen as the primary tools to ensure the safety of the flow of items across borders as well as within the boundaries of the country. Stakeholders tend to enter various partnerships to facilitate the development of international supply chain management.
The methodology is another section to pay specific attention to as it unveils the methods used to develop the strategy. The analysis of the methods employed can help assess the effectiveness and reliability of the plan in question. The strategy was developed in collaboration with such component agencies as DHS Policy, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, USCG, and others. The involvement of other partners ensures the comprehensiveness of the plan and its applicability in different settings (Mangan & Lalwani, 2016). The effectiveness of the strategy is enhanced by the review process as the plan was reviewed by different stakeholders including but not confined to non-DHS agencies, international trade partners, as well as employees of the Department. Finally, the review of the strategy after its approval ensures its efficiency. Again, the involvement of different stakeholders makes the review process rather rapid and effective as every component of the plan will be evaluated.
Finally, the analysis of the training section of this strategy can shed light on people’s potential readiness to implement the plan properly. Durach et al. (2014) state that training and exercise are instrumental in bringing people together, developing effective communication channels, and so on. The training described in this section involves the collaboration of different governmental and non-governmental agencies, private companies, international partners, etc. (Department of Homeland Security, 2007). This collaboration facilitates the development of effective communication channels that can be employed in case of emergency. The use of technology is a characteristic feature of the training described in the plan. The focus of the training is on communication, collaboration, and prevention. This approach is efficient as people learn how to react to various situations and prevent or address any disruption in a supply chain.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that the strategy in question is effective as it is developed with close attention to the trends existing in international supply chain management. The major principles of the strategy are based on such concepts as collaboration, communication, information management, and the use of technology. The involvement of different stakeholders in the process of the plan development and evaluation ensures that all areas and elements of the strategies are addressed and assessed properly. The strategy can be applied in different settings. Training and exercise implemented by the Department in collaboration with other stakeholders ensure the development of the necessary skills and knowledge. The plan under consideration can be regarded as an efficient framework to use to enhance the international supply chain.
References
Department of Homeland Security. (2007). Strategy to Enhance International Supply Chain Security. Web.
Durach, C. F., Straube, F., & Wieland, A. (2014). Trends and strategies in global logistics and supply chain management. In D. Waters & S. Rinsler (Eds.), Global logistics: New directions in supply chain management (pp. 29-48). Philadelphia, PA: Kogan Page Publishers.
Holma, H., & Salo, J. (2014). Improving management of supply chains by information technology. In D. Waters & S. Rinsler (Eds.), Global logistics: New directions in supply chain management (pp. 227-243). Philadelphia, PA: Kogan Page Publishers.
Mangan, J., & Lalwani, C. (2016). Global logistics and supply chain management (3rd ed.). West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons.
Shi, X., & Chan, S. (2014). Information systems and information technologies for supply chain management. In D. Waters & S. Rinsler (Eds.), Global logistics: New directions in supply chain management (pp. 210-226). Philadelphia, PA: Kogan Page Publishers.
Wisner, J., Tan, K., & Leong, G. (2016). Principles of supply chain management (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.