International Trade, Shipping, and E-Commerce Strategies

Introduction:

Organizations today face increasing complexity in domestic and global trade, particularly with the rise of e-commerce. This International Trade, Shipping, and E-Commerce Strategies course is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to effectively source suppliers, manage quality, cost, and delivery within the supply chain. The course emphasizes the need for strategic management in these areas to add value to the organization amid dynamic environments.

Objectives:

By the end of this International Trade, Shipping, and E-Commerce Strategies course, participants will be able to:

• Outline cost-effective global vendor sourcing strategies.
• Analyze basic shipping options and cost structures.
• Develop efficient global supply chain management strategies.
• Plan for risk mitigation and marine insurance policies.
• Ensure vendor compliance with international standards and CSR.
• Create tailored baselines and progress monitoring frameworks.
• Understand the fundamental concepts and tools for global supplier sourcing.
• Conduct vendor audits and ensure compliance.
• Identify alternative shipping methods and insurance options.
• Design effective supply chain logistics.

Training Methodology:

• Case Studies
• Interactive Workshops
• Simulations
• Group Discussions
• Role-Playing
• Scenario Analysis

Course Outline:

Unit 1: International Trade – Challenges and Opportunities:

• International trade strategies within organizations.
• Mapping geographic potentials based on industrial sectors.
• Common problems and issues in foreign trade.
• Strategies for sourcing vendors.
• Cross-cultural engagement and communication.
• Foreign currency considerations.
• Global supply chain management.

Unit 2: Vendor Sourcing & Management:

• Developing specifications and positioning statements.
• Controlling quality, price, and delivery.
• Understanding Incoterms.
• Creating additional value through sourcing.
• Evaluating country risks – macro and micro levels.
• Adhering to global industry norms.
• Implementing CSR.
• Vendor audit strategies and toolkits.
• Service agreements and international law principles.

Unit 3: Shipping & Logistics Management:

• Factors influencing shipping costs.
• Shipping structures: consolidation, part container, and outsourcing.
• Risk and cost factors in shipping with cost-effective strategies.
• Marine insurance: coverage levels, premium factors, and reduction strategies.
• GPS tracking and modern technology for security.

Unit 4: Customs/Port of Entry:

• Duties of customs and tariff calculations.
• Customs processes and systems.
• Advantages of bonded warehouses.
• Options for duty postponement.
• Role of freight forwarding agents.

Unit 5: Finance & Documentation:

• Creating the organizational trading cycle.
• Effects of the trade cycle on cash flows.
• Meeting advanced finance requirements in offshore trade.
• Documentation in the international supply chain.
• Best practices and action planning strategies.

Unit 6: Considerations of E-Commerce: Expanding Market Boundaries:

• E-commerce in a broader context.
• E-commerce environment and specific challenges.
• Developing organizational structures for e-commerce.
• Defining e-commerce needs and applying integrated architecture.
• Making websites culturally relevant.
• Organizational gap assessment and e-commerce infrastructure.
• Using digital technologies for promotion.