MA/MS in Customs Process Management

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: To prepare future-oriented strategic managers - professionals who aspiring to be influential business leaders with up-to-date knowledge of customs process management, analytical abilities and skills of strategic customs process management in the creation and development of business, capable of taking leadership in managing these processes in private business and public sector organizations, making decisions on business processes, customs procedures and customs tax administration management, taking into account the latest requirements of risks management, social responsibility, sustainability and environmental standards requirements. Learning outcomes: 1. Knows and applies well-established principles of business, management, law, politics and communication sciences related to customs, tax and international trade in creating new ideas and initiating changes in business. 2. Reveals and applies interdisciplinary applied research methods based on theories of social sciences, systematically analysing and solving practical management problems of business that cooperates with customs under conditions of uncertainty. 3. Analyses, systematizes and critically evaluates the information received from various data sources, and determines the quantitative and qualitative research methods necessary to carry out applied research on the creation, development and management of complex situations in a business that cooperates with customs; initiates, organizes and conducts applied research evaluating private business and public sector organizations that integrate customs processes in their activities, social responsibility and the impact of their activities on the environment, and interprets the obtained results from an interdisciplinary point of view. 4. Applies a whole-of-process approach, collects, analyses relevant information on customs and tax administration, international supply chain management, customs process management, and prepares new informational and organizational tools for decision-making in business that cooperates with customs. 5. Combines theoretical knowledge and practical abilities in the implementation of advanced business management solutions, evaluates alternatives and possible surprises in the field of customs, taxation and international supply chains due to innovation introduced in business regulation and the latest risks, and based on them makes decisions when creating and developing a business. 6. Applies the latest business activities and environmental research methos, based on research results evaluates the totality and significance of customs and tax administration, customs procedures and international trade management processes for business and makes new business management decisions. 7. Able to communicate fluently in writing and orally, using appropriate terminology, with business representatives, the professional community and the public on customs, tax, international supply chains, business process management and development issues, including consulting and expert evaluation. 8. Able to plan, organize and carry out work individually and in groups, initiate the preparation of activity plans and projects related to the management of customs processes in private business and public sector organizations, lead them, share responsibility and tasks, in compliance with the principles of professional ethics and citizenship. 9. Takes the initiative to be an influential business leader in determining the needs for further professional development, according to which he constantly develops independently and makes management decisions with a high degree of autonomy; regularly analyses the latest scientific results and achievements in the fields of customs, taxes and international supply chains, is able to critically evaluate, select and make the most appropriate business development and management decisions based on these data and information sources. Activities of teaching and learning: Activities of teaching and learning included in the study programme ensures the achievement of learning outcomes. Active teaching/learning activities are used in the studies: case analysis, analysis of problematic examples, modeling of situations, case research, teamwork, independent performance of individual tasks and presentation and discussion in the audience. The studies of each study course are concluded with an assessment of the student's knowledge and abilities – an exam or other final assessment, the study programme is concluded with a final study project and its defense. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The assessment of student achievements is carried out according to the cumulative score evaluation system of student achievements implemented by VMU. The final evaluation of the study course is determined by the weighted average of intermediate evaluations, reports for independent work and the exam evaluation achieved during the semester. Applied assessment methods: colloquium; individual and group works; presentation and defense of individual and group works; exam. Exams are written. The intermediate evaluations and the exam are assessed using the following assessment methods: written survey (during the colloquium and exam); evaluation of individual and group works and their presentation and defense; monitoring and evaluating discussions. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: Study courses develop competences necessary to ensure the development of public sector and private organizations through the field of customs. By studying "Methodology of Applied Research", students will acquire knowledge and abilities to collect, structure, analyze, interpret and use information which necessary for professional activity, and formulate research conclusions. The courses "Tax Policy in International Trade", "Market-based Instruments and Environmental Policy", "Supply Chain Management and Customs Simplification", "Social Responsibility and Business Ethics" will provide competencies in managing business processes and ensuring the development of business organizations: students will understand legal and environmental constraints in international trade, the importance of customs in the supply chain, possible understandings for business entities; will develop abilities to critically assess business transactions and processes, creatively solve business management problems related to the customs area; will develop the ability to participate in discussions with professionals and national institutions in order to contribute to the achievement of business goals and sustainable development. "Law on Duties and Tax", "Management of Customs Procedures", "Customs Tax Administration and Management", "Internal and External Communication of Customs Staff", "Sustainable Customs Management" study courses aim to provide knowledge about the field of customs activities and its effective management; to develop abilities to understand the processes of the customs office and its other institutions, how they are related to each other and to manage them accordingly in business; to identify problem areas and to be able to make proposals to solve them, not forgetting the contribution to ensuring the interests of the state and citizens due to the entry of illegal or harmful goods into the market. The studies of the programme are concluded with the "Studies final project", it is prepared and defended in the last semester of studies. The final project of studies is a project of practical direction, in which the student identifies a practical problem, the solution to this problem, bases the innovation on scientific literature and conducts applied research. Specialisations: - Optional courses: - Distinctive features of a study programme: This is an intensive 1-1.5 year MBA programme. The studies are distance learning and are adapted to students working in business. Part of the study courses are taught by foreign teachers, so students will study the field of customs in a global context. The study courses of the program include business management, development and business environment processes in the field of customs, and they can be divided into two main groups: business management and business development. This program reveals the complexity and peculiarities of business management and development related to the customs field at the organizational, national and international level. The program is characterized by interdisciplinarity, as 40 percent courses bring together the disciplines of tax, customs, supply chains and communications. Other study courses are focused on customs (17%), tax policy (17%), business development (17%). Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: 1. To work in private sector organizations cooperating with customs, managers, project managers, process organization analysts, consultants, development managers, import-export managers, import-export coordinators, heads of customs brokerage organizations, customs warehouse managers, AEO responsible specialists, etc. 2. Work in public sector organizations as managers, project managers, process organization analysts, consultants, development managers, structural unit managers, advisers, experts, administrators, program coordinators, consultants, evaluators, public relations specialists in customs offices and other authorities responsible for customs development of activities. 3. To work in the field of applied scientific research. Access to further study: Continue doctoral (PhD) studies. When admitting MBA graduates to doctoral studies, universities may request additional evidence of the individual's preparation for research work (published articles, etc.).