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Centre for Customs and Excise Studies

The Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) was established as a private company under Australian corporation law in 2003 and operates as an autonomous organisation. Originally attached to the University of Canberra where it delivered a number of Postgraduate programs, it has recently relocated to Charles Sturt University where it now delivers vocational, undergraduate and post graduate programs.

Globally CCES is recognised as an international centre of excellence in research and innovative training, education and professional development in the areas of customs, excise, border management, revenue management and related areas. It has an extensive portfolio of successfully delivering Customs education and training in the Asia Pacific, South Asia, Middle East, and Caribbean regions, including the delivery of a Diploma in Customs Management for the Maldives Customs Service; an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Customs Management for the Qatar Community College; the delivery of two cycles of vocational training in Timor Leste; design, development and delivery of a Strategic Management Course for the Royal Malaysian Customs Department; and the design and delivery of an intensive management training program for participants from the Pacific region.

Through its partnerships with leading universities, CCES plays an active role in the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) PICARD program (Partnership in Customs Academic Research and Development), of which it is a founding partner. The WCO has officially recognised only 14 academic programs that comply fully with the WCO Professional Standards, six of which have been developed by CCES. For this reason, CCES is the trainer of choice for Customs administrations around the world. As a Training Centre delivering World Customs Organisation (WCO) accredited courses, CCES also has the capability to design and develop a training curriculum and training materials that represent the latest in approach to customs administration. We also have extensive direct experience in supporting the development of human resources to support this approach including verifiable competency based staff assessments.

Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a national university focusing on excellence in education for the professions, strategic and applied research, and flexible delivery of learning and teaching. The University works in close association with industry, professions and government to ensure its courses meet and support industry needs, resulting in high graduate employment levels and starting salaries. CSU attracts around 37,000 students from Australia and around the world and is well-known for its

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innovative approach to education, offering practical, hands-on courses, supported online to provide our students with accessible, world class education.

The partnership with CCES complements CSU’s existing School of Policing Studies and Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, providing three schools with specific law enforcement and security focus, and a spread of subjects and industry expertise that sets CSU apart.

Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council

(CCLEC)

CCLEC has been the leading provider of training for regional Customs administrations in the Caribbean since the 1980s and has developed several training modules for use by member administrations.

CCLEC’s aim is to develop a structured approach to management training for Customs and to this end it has partnered with the CCES, Charles Sturt University to develop and administer a Customs Management Program specially geared to improve the managerial capacity of individuals at the middle and senior levels of management within regional Customs administrations.

Globalization, market liberalization, the convergence of information and communications technology, and the ever increasing demand for new and better quality services demand a modern organisation which will be able to cope with new challenges. The Executive Diploma program will provide Customs managers with the knowledge and skills needed for effective leadership and effective change management, in order to lead and improve organizational change efforts.

CCLEC/CCES Executive Diploma in Customs Management

The Executive Diploma is offered to CCLEC member administrations with the objective of availing staff with an opportunity to obtain an academic qualification specializing in Customs. It has been developed by CCES, Charles Sturt University, in conjunction with CCLEC to meet the training and education requirements of CCLEC members and is compliant with the WCO PICARD competency requirements. Successful completion of the course will also provide advanced standing for further academic study in this area of Border Management offered by CSU

Goals

The specific goals of the course are:

 To establish a learning culture at the frontline and operational level within the CCLEC member administrations

 To provide operational staff the opportunity to obtain a tertiary qualification related to Customs competencies locally within their own working environments

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 To provide operational – frontline staff the opportunity to obtain a tertiary qualification that is articulated into an accredited academic qualification in the field of border management

 To build operational capacity within CCLEC member administrations

Course Duration

The course will comprise two years of study (part time) focused on three key areas:  International Customs Management (including the Revised Kyoto Convention);  Customs Management in the CCLEC Region (including the role of intelligence

and operational activities).

 Public Sector Management (including governance and integrity)

The final unit of the course will require the students to undertake a major workplace project where they will have the opportunity to apply their theoretical skills and knowledge into practice through the identification of a performance related issue, analysis of the issue and developing recommendations to solve the issue.

Each subject will be taught for 10 (ten) weeks online. Most student assessments will be done online with an examination at the end of each semester. After each subject, there will be a one week break.

The total study requirement per subject is a minimum of at least 60 hours, made up of:

Reading the Study Guide, Online Postings and Activities:

2 hours per week per subject

Online and Library Research: 2 hours per week per subject Assignments (research, preparation and

submission): 2 hours per week per subject

Accreditation and Materials

The curriculum and course content have been developed to cater to the knowledge requirements of the CCLEC member administration staff at frontline and operational level. The Executive Diploma will be the stepping stone for staff to pursue higher studies in Customs leading to graduate and postgraduate level.

The course content has been based on the standards set by the World Customs Organization through the PICARD Professional Standards and the academic standards of Charles Sturt University.

Each Subject within the course will contain its own Study Guide. These provide a starting point for students around the important areas of interest in each subject and are designed to contain questions/activities which highlight key issues, concepts or approaches. The questions and activities in the Study Guide require students to draw upon their own experience, as well as the relevant literature. The readings

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provide a selection of relevant texts, but are by no means a definitive collection of material. As students work through each subject they will be required to move beyond what is in the readings, and may need to seek out other sources of information. Students are particularly encouraged to make use of their own Customs Administration library and other internal information sources, as well as approaches and practice that can be used as case studies.

All participants are encouraged to download their course materials, which will provide them with an ongoing manual on Customs Management. This material will facilitate a unified approach within CCLEC member administrations to the range of issues addressed and provide an enduring training guide for the participants.

Delivery

The Executive Diploma will be delivered in a blended mode with online interventions using GoToMeeting and Skype coupled with online self study through CCES’s Learning portal ‘Moodle’. Each student will be issued with a login and password enabling them access to their Moodle Course site. Within each Course site will be the eight subject sites. Each site is designed to be easy to use, and an engaging place to study. Contained within each Moodle subject site is:

 A home page with information on how to use the site  Study Guide

 Links to necessary readings and other resource material, and  Activity, Discussion Forums and Assessment pages

Importantly the Moodle site is also a communication hub to facilitate student work and communication with each other and the subject coordinator. The subject coordinator will also use Moodle to post information and announcements about the subject. Each subject forum is where students share ideas, make contact with each other, and work collaboratively with other students on projects.

The resources required for on-line learning or distance learning requires each student to possess a standard PC with Internet and email capability. Importantly each student will be required to have basic computer literacy and should be able to perform the following before commencing the unit:

 use a standard word processing package  use a standard spreadsheet package  manage files

 access the Internet and use an email package  use File Transfer Protocol

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Academic Content

The Executive Diploma consists of the following learning components: Year 1

 Customs Management

 Introduction to Government & the Legislative Process

 Role of CCLEC and Intelligence Management in the Region

 International Trade Terms

Year 2

 Revised Kyoto Convention  Managing Operational Activities  Governance & Integrity

 Workplace Research Project

Year 1 Subject Content

Customs Management

The subject is focussed on analysing the role of Customs as a revenue collecting, border management and trade regulating agency. It examines relevant theoretical aspects under the following topics:

 Customs organisations and structures  Border taxes, including Excise

 Facilitation and control

 Elements of compliance (incl post clearance auditing) The content sets the foundation for a higher level of understanding in relation to the important role Customs plays at the border.

Introduction to Government & the Legislative Process

The subject looks at the government and its three arms: the executive, the legislature and judiciary. Each has a part to play in the formation and interpretation of legislation and the job of a customs officer, as part of the Customs administration is to carry out and implement the laws in place. We will look at these issues in the following topics:

 Institutions and Processes of Government  Functions of the Constitution

 Roles of the Executive, legislature and Judiciary  Comparison of Systems of Government

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Role of CCLEC and Intelligence

Management in the Region

The subject introduces students to CCLEC and the role of Customs in the Caribbean. It then examines how Intelligence work areas should operate and methods of profiling and targeting of persons, conveyances and goods on the basis of risk. An examination of risks specific to CCLEC is undertaken and the following topics are covered:

 Historical development of CCLEC and its Strategic Focus

 The global positioning of CCLEC

 Current trends in drug trafficking, money laundering, TRIPS violations, CITIES violations in the CCLEC region

 The Intelligence Cycle and sources of information  Profiling and Targeting

 Developing Intel Networks

 Gathering and dissemination of Intel  CCLEC and WCO/RIL

International Trade Terms

The subject examines the international sales of goods and the complex legal rules which determine the rights and liabilities of the seller, buyer and the carrier involved in the transport of goods from one country to another by sea, air or land. The topics covered are

 Contracts of Carriage

 Contracts of Sale and Terms of Trade  Inco-terms

Year 2 Subject Content

Revised Kyoto Convention

The subject provides a close examination of the Revised Kyoto Convention. The Revised Kyoto Convention provides a comprehensive set of uniform principles for simple, effective and predictable Customs procedures. The content ensures that participants examine the Convention against the needs of both modern day Customs administrations and the demands of international trade. The following topics are covered within the unit:  Introduction to the Revised Kyoto Convention;  Structure of the Convention; and

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Managing Operational Activities

The subject looks at a range of Customs operational activities and the international and domestic environment that impact on Customs operations. It examines the following range of topics:

 Introduction to the Customs Operational Environment  Guiding International Organizations

 Cargo Processing Overview  Contract of Carriage

 Customs Facilitation and Control

 Compliance with Customs Laws and Regulations  Working with Industry and Government Agencies

Governance & Integrity

The subject focuses on the issues of governance and integrity with special attention to Customs as a public sector agency. It discusses critical issues related to the subject while aiming at promoting policies and strategies that will help improve governance and integrity in Customs. The following topics are examined:

 Introduction to Customs as an arm of Governance  Governance issues in the Customs Environment  Integrity in Customs

Workplace Research Project

This subject will comprise the practical application of theoretical knowledge learnt in the course. It will involve initially the study of data gathering and analysis with a view to the student identifying a performance problem within their own Customs Administration; researching and analysing this issue; and then preparing a 3000 word report on possible remedies. They will then have to present this report to a panel of three teachers, who will assess the students’ through a live question and answer session.

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Assessment

In order to successfully complete the Executive Diploma, for each subject students must:

 attempt all Online and Written Assignments

 gain an average of a Pass grade or higher when all assessment results are combined. Assessment for the first seven units of the course be in three parts and comprise:

o The first part is based on Written Assignments. (30%)

o The second part is based on the degree of participation in the Online Activities conducted via Moodle. The Online Activities must be completed as students work through the unit and be posted to Moodle. (20%)

o The third part is based on the results of your subject examination. (50%)  The assessment of the workplace project will be undertaken separately and

consist of

o Identifying a performance issue within their Customs Administration (10%) o Analysing the issue and prepare a project report (40%)

o Presenting their report (via Skype or GoToMeeting) to a panel of assessors (50%)

Assessment tasks will be provided to students at the commencement of each unit and any instructions, guidance and other additional support materials will be provided through Moodle or via email. Students will be encouraged to apply some of their workplace activities to assist in the completion of assessment tasks and to provide evidence of competence in particular skills or knowledge.

Assessment tasks will vary and include written essay tasks, project work, research based activities, scenario based tasks, case studies and mathematical equations. Assessment tasks will be submitted to Assessors using Moodle.

Students will be assessed in theoretical as well as practical knowledge and skills using the above assessment tasks.

Articulation Pathways

There are articulated learning pathways to selected universities which grant advance standing in their degrees. Charles Sturt University is committed to providing as much credit as possible for prior vocational study, enabling graduates to fast-track completing a university degree. Students completing the Executive Diploma can receive up to 33% credit towards the Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Border Management Degree.

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Fees and Dates

Course Tuition Fees Registration Date

Executive Diploma in Customs

Management

US$4,000

(US$500 per subject)

Anytime from 1 August 2014

FAQs

What are the entry requirements?

The course is open to all persons wishing to pursue a Customs or related career and who possess a minimum of 5 GCSEs or CXCs General Proficiency or its equivalent of which Mathematics and English are compulsory and two years experience in Customs.

Previous qualifications and experience may entitle you to entry via the Recognized Prior Learning Assessment route provided that you have 5 or more years of Customs experience and at least operated at the supervisory level. You will be required to submit your CV together with the completed application form for assessment.

How do I apply?

Complete our online Registration at: www.cclec.net/

http://www.cclec.net/en/forms/customs-management-form.html

Attach appropriate supporting documentation (proof of qualifications - e.g. a copy of the official transcripts and completion certificates). Where there is no formal qualification, send a CV showing any work experience achieved.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy appraisal to determine competencies. This will assist teachers to prepare assessment tasks.

Send your application to:

Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council P. O. Box 1030

Castries, St Lucia Fax: 1.758.453.2563

or Email to: [email protected] or [email protected]

How long will it take for my registration application to be processed?

We aim to process all applications within 4 weeks from the date of receipt.

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How will I know if my application has been successful?

As soon as your registration application has been processed successfully (please allow up to 6 weeks), you will receive a communication confirming your enrolment. Prior to commencement of the course students are required to sit a Learning, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment to determine their level of competency in five core areas of Learning, Reading, Writing, Oral Communication and Numeracy. This is used only to assist teaching staff in communicating appropriately with students and does not contribute towards the qualification.

How to pay

After receiving your Letter of Acceptance from CCLEC, you will be required to make a deposit payment, which is 50% of the total course fees (US $2,000). The balance of 50% will be due before the commencement of the last semester of year 1.

Deposits can be paid by bank draft or wire transfer. Drafts should be made payable to Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council.

Bank transfers should be made by contacting the Secretariat.

Can I pay fees in installments?

Yes. Fees can be paid in installments, although we charge an additional $100 per year if this method of payment is chosen. For example, the course fee is US$4,000 for two years if paid in full during the first year of the course. If paid in installments the fee increases to US$4,200 comprising 4 payments of US$1,050 each.

Fees will be due before the commencement of semester.

Contact Information

Course Contact Points: Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council Phone: 1 758 452 3247

Fax: 1 758 453 2563 Email: [email protected]

Centre for Customs & Excise Studies Phone: +61 (0)2 6272 6300 Email: [email protected]

Administrative Contact Details: Elvira Samuel

Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council Phone: 1 758 453 7705/2556 Fax: 1 758 453 2563 Email:[email protected]; [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.cclec.net