Introduction
Background and Problem Statement
In most places around the globe, supply chain managers have been experiencing various challenges when it comes to realizing transportation within the global supply network interconnecting different geographical locations. Part of this challenges include security concerns emanating from terrorist acts and attacks that usually has direct adverse impact on the smooth operation of the transportation systems in different parts of the world. The other part of the challenge is attributable to occurrences such as natural disasters and catastrophes whose aftermath often lead to break down and disruption of the transportation infrastructure hence adversely interfering with supply chains. In the recent past, the world has witnessed acts of terrorists that have gone to the extent of largely undermining the transportation of goods and people across key geographical points (Haveman, Shatz and Vilchis, 2005). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility and effectiveness of strategic solutions such as total security management in addressing security concerns affecting supply chain management within various forms of transportation.
It is also evident that natural disasters and catastrophes that have taken place in the recent past have destroyed the transportation infrastructure and significantly interrupted the supply chain operations. For instance, the occurrence of hurricane Irma in Puerto Rico literally crippled the transportation infrastructure within the territory of that small island thus making it impossible for any supplies relying on road and rail transportation to get to their destinations. As such, it is highly necessary that the transportation system and the global transportation network should be upgraded and enhanced especially with regard to installation of effective security measures to allow for an efficient supply chain relied upon by supply chain managers. Moreover, it is necessary to think about strategically developing the concept of Total Security Management (TSM). The focus of this concept involves carrying the necessary steps towards prudent management of the transportation system to mitigate security risks and ensure a fully and efficiently functional supply chain system across different geographical locations (Kemp, 2006).
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Research question
How can a strategic and effective solution to the problem of insecurity and disaster occurrences presently affecting the management of supply chain through various forms of transportation be attainable?
Literature Review
The issue of security concerns related to the system of transportation continues to form part of critical consideration for logistics and supply chain managers in trying to achieve different goals and objectives towards the success of their respective organizations or businesses. Since, the late 1970s, logistics and supply chain management have increasingly continued to obtain considerable attention owing to their vital role in the overall success of various organizations and businesses. In the last couple of years, various researchers have been able to highlight some of the problems facing different forms of transportation around the world that are relied upon by supply chain managers to facilitate their operations. In addition, some of researchers have attempted to investigate the role of TSM in ensuring that an entire value system and particularly the chain of supply are effectively responsive to security concerns. The observations made by Haveman, Shatz, and Vilchis (2005) have extensively demonstrated that a comprehensive management of security risks across a value chain for a business venture or a profit-making organization could be easily realized through the adoption of the TSM phenomenon. A strategic adoption of this phenomenon is capable of ensuring the achievement of a comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the procedure and policies determining the level and extent of preparedness in addressing security incidences that may affect the transportation system. Various disruptive incidences and events such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks have been seen to cause extensive interference to the transportation infrastructure meant for distribution by supply chain managers and other distribution purposes by members of the public.
The outcome of the 9/11 terrorist attacks brought about an instance of heightened and increased attention directed towards the vulnerability of various supply chains. This vulnerability is a reflection of the extent to which channels of distribution and the entire chain of supply can be sensitive to disruption especially those with direct impact of the different forms of transportation. The objective of coming up with a strategic security plan towards supply chain operations is largely the prevention uncertainties, risks and other antagonistic threats arising from terrorist attacks or natural disasters that may affect the transportation infrastructure. The findings by Kemp (2006) demonstrated that acts or terrorism have often hampered logistic efficiency by ensuring that various forms of transportation are brought to a halt. Most countries have attempted put considerable resources and efforts towards the improvement security mechanisms and measures in different modes of transportation with the objective of streamlining supply chain management. According to Popa and Strer (2016), the current state of affairs in relation to security within the transportation sector continues to raise critical concerns especially following various terrorist attacks that have been directed towards the aviation industry. A such, it would be expected that some of the stakeholders who are largely affected such as supply chain managers would seek to come up with effective measures and strategies like TSM to address some of these concerns. Some of the important security measures that form part of the objectives of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) include the improvement of the security mechanism that has been operational in the sector of maritime transport. This development appears to be in agreement with the desires and of most supply chain managers who rely on maritime transportation to supply their commodities and services to the target customers.
Bragdon (2008) observes that the introduction of International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) has played a critical role in boosting the effectiveness of the security status at the port. Despite such improvements, there are security gaps and concerns that still need to be addressed especially in the maritime transportation and shipment of goods and services. In this respect, the issues of piracy and acts of terrorist targeting ships that are majorly used by supply chain managers still require to be addressed strategically and effectively. Researchers have been able to look at the issues of security in transportation from the perspective of a system where logistics in supply chain management takes place in different levels including material, resources, and infrastructure. In this regard, the application of a security management system to secure the operations of the transportation requires a logistic system, which comprises nodes and links. The nodes are representations of fixed geographical points such as terminals and factories where products depart from and the links are representations of the transportation infrastructure such as the roads, rails or air networks used by different forms of transportation. The smooth flow of people and goods through the various modes of transportation forms one of the levels in the logistic system. Essentially, the flow of commodities from one geographical location to another is the reason for the existence of the different modes of transportation within the distribution network that needs to be adequately secured to avoid interruptions. The movement of goods and people from geographical point to another through infrastructures like airports, harbors, roads, and terminals calls for supply chain managers to think through the need to have strategic approaches to security concerns. Such approaches may involve the adoption of concepts like that of TSM.
Kemp (2006) found that the introduction of the concept of happened as a way of responding to the need to secure transportation networks around the globe in a manner that would effectively address insecurity concerns. TSM provides a comprehensive solution to various stakeholders in the transportation sector when it comes to dealing with security matters in the context of business practices that are regarded as sound. Moreover, the TSM approach addresses, the emerging issues in the contemporary society in relation to the changing view of supply chain management on security matters. Nonetheless, some business managers, as well as other stakeholders in the transportation sector, have been seeing the need to upscale security in the transportation infrastructure as an impediment to free interaction and an extra cost. Popa and Strer (2016) introduce a different perspective by arguing that the growing trend in acts of terrorist targeting operations within the transportation system have contributed to making security to emerge as a competitive viable that is relevant in adding value to transportation services. The concept of TSM in managing transportation security is a crucial component that serves to increase the efficiency of the supply chain for supply chain managers as well as other stakeholders in the transportation sector. The security and efficiency of a supply chain or distribution network is largely dependent on the functionality of links such as producers, suppliers, wholesalers, terminals, and carriers that are usually involved in managing, monitoring and facilitating the movement of goods and services around the globe.
The observations made by Fatokun (2013) indicates that transportation and logistics involved in distribution of goods and services would require the adoption and implementation of the TSM strategy as a way of benefiting both the present and future state of security affairs in the transportation industry. In analyzing the previous and present state of security with regard transportation in the aviation industry, it is clear that several fundamental challenges still underlie the effective management of security measures. Part of such challenges include the best way of allocating scarce finances and resources with the aim of reducing the chances of terrorists succeeding in their acts against civil aviation transportation operators. In this case, the economic dimension of scarcity involves the some of the resources that are often allocated towards the procurement and implementation of security measures in the aviation industry as well as those securing non-aviation systems. Moreover, the allocation of resources towards addressing security concerns in the aviation transportation faces the uphill task of ensuring that the decision-making process takes place in a strategic manner. The relevance of strategic decision-making process at this point goes to the extent of encouraging a sense of pro-activeness in addressing some of the security inadequacies that continue to characterize transportation in the aviation industry. Over the last couple of years, the security systems in most modes of transportation that have been used by supply chain manager in the distribution of good and services to various locations have largely been operating on reactive rather than pro-active basis. The effectiveness of the decision-making process towards the implementation of security measures is a practice that often requires prior planning as well as allocation of resources on a standby basis in readiness to deal with any eventuality that may appear to threaten the security well-being of transportation.
The transportation industry that facilitates supply chain operations in various geographical locations around the world is often faced with a number of challenges of critical concern such as terrorism. Such concerns and challenges that are likely to be encountered through different modes of transportation such as road or marine are natural disasters like earthquakes and acts of terrorism that may interfere with transport infrastructure. The critical nature of the role played by the transportation industry in the supply chain management makes it more vulnerable to terrorist attacks thus there it is prudent to always ensure that enhanced levels of security are accorded to various modes of transportation. Findings on previous security breaches such as the 9/11 incident have been able to demonstrate that terrorists commonly aim at causing destruction and interference at airports as well as vehicle terminals and train stations to end up with as many casualties as possible. Most modes of transportation that are commonly used by supply chain managers have always developed security management strategies that have considerable failed to include the input of all stakeholders in transportation industry. As such, some legitimate security concerns from certain perspectives have been left unaddressed for a long time, thus there is need for a well-coordinated approach with total inclusion when it comes to addressing security matters. In addition, the inclusion of ideas and proposals from a wide range of stakeholders in the transport industry would be expected to play a significant role towards the realization of smooth and efficient transport operations to the benefit of supply chain management among other sectors (Meyer and Njord, 2005).
Arguably, the idea of analyzing the present state of security in relation to the transportation infrastructure linking various geographical locations is a critical necessity in accessing the workability and effectiveness of the TSM approach to addressing issues of insecurity. This is because such an analysis goes to the extent of revealing some of the underlying systemic as well as operational failures in logistics and secure management of distribution channels even in the face of uncertainties. It worth noting that some security measures aimed at averting terrorist acts in the aviation transportation industry have demonstrated some significant levels of pro-activeness in the implementation of security measures. In this respect, virtually all airlines that take part in the transportation of cargo, as well as passengers, have been able to put in place effective scanning equipment and mechanism that make it extremely difficult for any passenger or cargo to get on board with any forms of explosives. The review of information regarding the analysis of rail and road transportation by Branscomb, Ellis, and Fagan (2012) revealed some of the effective security measures that continue to be put in place by different stakeholders in the transportation industry to secure passengers and cargos such as those distributed to supply chain networks. One of such security measures involves the idea of having efficient sensors in place to ensure that high-speed trains are adequately protected against unmanned aerial vehicles that are often used by terrorist to carry and release bombs and explosives. The effects and outcomes of terrorist acts targeting rail transportation system would include massive loss lives, injuries, and property loss.
The analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness and operation of some of the security measures directed towards the rail and road transportation system can be best achieved through the application of the TSM concept. This is because the TSM concept provides a wide platform that includes the views and input from various stakeholders in the transportation sector including the supply chain managers who largely rely on rail and road transportation as part of their means of supplying products. Several proposals have been made by researchers in recent times with regard to dealing with the challenge posed by unmanned aerial vehicles to rail transportation. Such proposals include the coming up with security mechanisms on trains and vehicles to reinforce their protection whenever aerial vehicles that are unmanned approach them. In this respect, the operational principle of the security mechanism involves the detection and immediate suppression of the signals associated with radio channels that may attempt to interfere with the operation of a stationary train or the one in motion. Essentially, suppression becomes possible once the interfering radio signals have been activated in the unmanned aerial vehicles. The evaluation by Fatokun, S. (2013) on airline transportation in supply chain management indicates the security measures put in place may fail at times due to lack of regular maintenance and improvements. For instance, the sensor and alarm mechanism meant to detect and indicate the presence of explosives at airports may fail to perform their expected tasks by failing to give signals or giving wrong signals.
The aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attack has significantly contributed towards the establishment of new technologies and mandates as well as sophisticated approaches towards addressing or responding to a global guest for a revamped supply chain security. In the recent past, the aspect of security of most modes of transportation involved in supply chain management at the global level has attracted more interest in relation to its relevance and significance. Such amounts of interests and concerns have most likely been able to emanate from the need to have various products and services supplied to the right geographical point at the right time through the right channels. To this extent, the security of the modes of transportation used with a supply chain usually forms a critical aspect in the management of supply chains linking various locations around the world. Production, transportation as well as safe and secure delivery of products and services to the intended location is has increasingly become a complex affair owing to the various obstacles and challenges that have, in the recent years, emanated from the threat of terrorism and other insecurities. Despite evidences of considerable progress made with regard to enhancement of security measures on operations along different chains of supply, real threats of insecurity emanating from terrorist acts still pose challenges due to the incorporation of technological advancements in some of these acts. As such, it is important for security measures to be continually subjected to a regular update and upgrade from a technological perspective (Fatokun, 2013).
Discussion of ideas on the topic and problem
In discussing the problems that face the supply chain with regard to the transportation sector, it is important to highlight and explore some of the security concerns and threats that supply chain managers are expected to address through the adoption of the TSM. Such problems are as follows:
Terrorism
Acts of piracy
Theft and loss of commodities
Smuggling of products
Terrorism
The terrorist attack that took place in the year 2001 on the World Trade Centre largely interfered with the status and operations in accordance with logistics that had previously been put in place by various stakeholders in the world of business. The aftermath of this major historical attack by terrorists completely brought logistic functions and activities to an abrupt halt apart from causing massive loss of lives and properties. The findings by Meyer and Njord (2005) have continue to raise questions in relation to the ability of terrorist attacks on transportation and logistics systems to increase the amount of expenses and resources spent on security measures. Some researchers and experts have been able to argue that acts of terrorism targeted on the transportation industry and other logistics operations are capable of raising costs or security measures. This is because such acts have often led to an increase in the cost of insurance premiums as well as the cost of other counterterrorism measures. Terrorist attack of various modes of transportation have always been motivated by the need for the attackers to make a significant impact on the economy by killing or injuring multitudes of people and destroying significant properties.
Thus, it is not easy to foresee certain antagonistic concerns on the transportation system that are primarily not motivated by economic considerations. The modern aspect of terrorism that has been happening in the recent past appears to be more associated with the improvements and sophistication in information technologies as opposed to the security faults and inadequacies in various supply chains. Despite the new developments and the modern dimension taken by terrorists and their activities, there is still need to introduce the strategic concept of TSM in dealing with terrorist threats facing the transportation sector as an important component in supply chain management. According to the findings obtained by Kemp (2006), four and five percentages represented the number of transportation operations that were targeted by acts of terrorism in the years 2006 and 2007 respectively. Over the last one decade, terrorist activities have appeared to be more common in Asia as well as Persian Gulf/ Middle East. The attacks by terrorists on the transportation system have largely involved armed attacks as well as use of bombs and explosives. Interestingly, the geographical aspect of terrorism is that most acts of terrorists have majorly focused on regional contexts.
Acts of piracy
According to the analysis done by Fatokun (2013), the security threats posed to the marine transportation by acts of piracy largely emanates from weaknesses and inadequate competencies in central governances. Essentially, governments in most nations have failed to take up their active roles in arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators of piracy despite it being regarded as an international crime that is becoming common around the world. In the last couple of years, security concerns associated with acts of piracy targeting shipment through the sea have received growing attention especially considering that they have a direct negative impact on supply chain operations that utilize this mode of transportation. The increment in the number of instances of security threats arising from acts of piracy fundamentally at the horn of Africa has forced most shipping routes to either stop their operations shortly or change. Other shipment companies have been forced to cancel their operations and acuities to countries whose shipping routes have severely been affected by acts of piracy. The number of piracy attacks that have kept on being witnessed on the last decade is a clear indication that the security threats and challenges brought about by piracy have been on an increasing trend especially close to countries such as Somalia. Moreover, the pirates have increasingly been able to change their targets as well as their tactics that has included the adoption of advanced techniques and using some very sophisticated weapons. Tabulation and graphical representation of some of the previous trends in acts of piracy are indicated below.
| Year | Number of piracy acts | Number of people killed | Number of people who sustained injuries | Number of people who went missing | Number of kidnappings | Number of assaults | Number of ships hijacked | Number of ships missing |
| 2006 |
254 |
17 |
23 |
0 |
224 |
225 |
10 |
0 |
| 2007 |
310 |
22 |
75 |
57 |
223 |
39 |
18 |
0 |
| 2008 |
330 |
6 |
22 |
38 |
773 |
21 |
47 |
1 |
| 2009 |
406 |
8 |
57 |
9 |
746 |
2 |
56 |
2 |
| 2010 |
489 |
1 |
27 |
0 |
1027 |
30 |
57 |
12 |
Table 1: Tabulated presentation of trends in acts of piracy between the years 2006 and 2010
Figure 1: Graphical presentation of trends in acts of piracy between the years 2006 and 2010
Theft and loss of commodities
The other security concerns that faces the management of supply chain and distribution as the supply chain manager utilize various forms of transportation are theft or loss of commodities being transported before they get to their intended destinations. Haveman, Shatz, and Vilchis (2005) established that the rate at which supply chain had been losing their commodities through different forms of transportation was increasing at a worrying rate in relation to the total amount of annual sales recorded within any given year. Some of the causes of such losses of commodities along the supply chain have been cited as fraud by the transporters, thefts by employees of the supplying company and administrative mistakes among others. Theft and loss of commodities during transportation of distribution have been approximated to be close to fourteen percent of the total annual sales made from a given product. Various reports have also indicated in their findings that the rates of loses recorded due to theft ranged from 14 to 25 percent of the total revenue for most companies involved in distribution around the world. Concerns regarding the security of the cargo being distributed through various modes of transportation along the distribution chain have increasingly become a global problem and it is estimated that the total amount of theft experienced yearly can be quantified up to US $10 billion in the United States alone. The estimated value of the cargo that gets lost in the process of distribution within the European Union is valued at close to 8.2 billion Euros per year. However, it is worth noting that such a figure may not be a true reflection of the actual situation on the ground due to the difficulties and challenges encountered in trying to gather information related to theft. Moreover, there is lack of an efficient tracking system as well as lack of sufficient reporting of the incidences and value of theft by most operators in the transportation industry. In addition, the issue of losses incurred through cargo theft has not been accorded the required priority and significance by most transport organizations since they consider it as part of the business cost (Haveman, Shatz and Vilchis, 2005).
Smuggling of products
The illegal supply chains that have been operating in concurrence with most genuine chains of supply have also continued to contribute towards the insecurity of supply networks operated by various modes of transportation. The aspect of smuggling commodities through the commonly used distribution channels usually presents scenarios where money is spent on doubtful and non-authentic products. As such, genuine suppliers using the same supply chains end incurring losses at the expense of the commodities being smuggled since the black market often operates under supply and demand forces guiding the legal markets. Meyer and Njord (2005) observe that smuggling of commodities and illegal products exit in most markets and regions around the world thus posing a problem that supply chain managers have to address in the course of their planning and operations. Further, the problems associated with smuggling of products have been increasingly complicated by the fact that not all countries classify similar products as being illegal. This situation makes it challenging or difficult for operators in the transport industry to monitor the movement of illegal products effectively. Statistical findings have been able to demonstrate that products worth approximately $180 billion were smuggled within Europe through various channels of distribution between the years 2006 and 2007. The business of supplying illegal and counterfeit products has been constantly evolving over the last couple of years in accordance with the present trends in technological improvements and changes. One of the factors that have made it difficult to address this security concern effectively is the fact that such products are often distributed using the same routes and means of transportation used by the legal products (Kemp, 2006).
Discussion of new solutions to the problem
Various perspectives can be explored when it comes to finding effective solution of the problem of insecurity in various modes of transportation as experienced by supply chain managers operating in diverse regions across the globe. The adoption of the concept of TSM is a critical consideration for the efficient management of security concerns that may exist along various channels of distribution or within the supply chain network. Fatokun (2013) argues that the adoption of TSM mainly by companies and dealers in the business of supply chain management provides them with the ability to establish focal frameworks as well as feedback looks that are critical in the analysis of risks and security threats. Moreover, the implementation of TSM in addressing security concerns permits the evaluation of risk management systems and techniques by various stakeholders in the transportation sector in relation to crucial business operations. The problem of insecurity in various transportation infrastructures has continued to worsen and become more complicated with time. As such, the application of TSM and other security management techniques that may be appropriate and effective to different stakeholders should aim at the creation and establishment of plans and procedures towards the compliance of security management. In addition, there is need for such techniques to put considerable emphasis and focus on the implementation of the relevant security operational processes.
This step should be followed by certain measures and exercises whose objective is to realize the effectiveness of various operational blueprints related to matters of security as well as carrying out appropriate adjustments to achieve incremental and continual enhancement of the overall security system. Nonetheless, Kemp (2006) has been able present a critical perspective with regard to the implementation of the TSM approach in handling and addressing security matters in supply chain management as well as operations in the transportation sector. In this respect, the argument presented indicate that most companies operating within the purview of distribution and supply chain management are not likely to gain from this the TSM approach since its standards of compliance are largely complex. The implications of this argument is that that finding new practical solutions to the problem of insecurity in the most mode of transportation operating within the distribution and supply networks may not be effectively achievable through the TSM approach (Fatokun, 2013). This is because the adoption and implementation of this approach is largely premised on strictly high levels coordination and commitments that requires a considerable amount of resources as well as highly skilled personnel. To that extent, most medium and small-scale companies will certainly go for different alternatives other than TSM as a means of addressing the security concerns affecting their distribution and supply networks. Furthermore, critics have argued that the TSM approach may be limited in its application considering that it would be costly and unreasonable for distribution chain managers to invest in a security system with the ability to provide more that is required at the expense of other key operations The vulnerable systems are identified before coming up with appropriate ways and mechanisms that can be used to prevent attacks. Essentially, various organizations and agencies have often demonstrated the impact of their combined efforts when it comes to the application of TSM measures in detecting and responding security concerns in various modes of transportation. In order to enhance to the road transportation with regard to the present as well as future security considerations, the concerned authorities in the United States have managed to install systems of security surveillance on major highways bridges to detect and avert various security threats ( Popa and Strer, 2016).
The views made by Haveman, Shatz, and Vilchis (2005) indicate that the process of finding and developing effective and practical solutions to the challenges of transportation that continue to become complex by the day requires a strategic and systematic implementation of revolutionary changes and adjustments. For instance, new global standards of security in freight transportation have been founded based on multi-modalism and inter-modalism concepts that have been aimed at streamlining this form of transportation through making improvements in logistics technology. Due to this development in freight transportation, a considerable progress has been realized in terms of securing the channels of distribution from various risks and threats over the last couple of years. Recent findings have indicated that the economic well-being and growth of developed countries such the United States and China among others is largely dependent on the efficiency and security of their different modes of transportation operating both presently and in future. In this regard, the competitive positioning of the economy of a given country in the global ranking is largely determined and influenced by seamless and efficient accessibility intermodal transportation with secure interconnections between road, marine, air and rail capabilities of transportation.
Another aspect of the new solution to the security problems and challenges experienced in supply chain management and transportation sector is the establishment and implementation of the voluntary security initiatives. In this respect, the initiatives are expected to provide a framework for the development costumed security standard and measures that are unique to a given organization or business. The problem-solving approach introduce such security initiatives are also expected to go to the extent of consolidated platforms that can be used to enhance trade both at the local and global levels with unique security features against, theft, terrorism and natural disasters among others. This approach towards the realization of secure supply chains also makes a considerable contribution when it comes to securing more trade partners who eventually help in boosting the social and economic wellbeing various markets around the globe. The observations made by Fatokun (2013) appear to indicate that the adoption of voluntary and custom security initiatives in the transportation sector and the industry of supply chain management have the objective of expanding the scope of security management. In this regard, the expanded scope will be in a better position to address the various security concerns associated with highly risky consignments as well as to enhance the efficiency with which cargos are administered from the supplier to their intended destinations.
The establishment of new solution to address security inadequacies and problems in the supply chain management calls for the establishment of supply chains security programs such as TSM. The September 11 attacks of the year 2001 on the Pentagon and the World Trade Centre increased the level of attention accorded to matters of security with regard to terrorist attacks. The development of security solutions in relation to 9/11 incident brought about the considerations certain critical factors. The first one involved the smooth transfer and flow of information, goods, and people as well as the manner in which their level of security would be enhanced or changed. The second one was concerned with the growing calls from business organizations with the intention of realizing a business environment guided by efficient and secure supply chain activities and operations. The third factor involved the urgency and importance of the need establish the necessary steps and procedures aimed at averting or preventing increasing threats associated acts of terrorism. The findings by Meyer and Njord (2005) appear to be in agreement with the argument that the developments of an effective and durable solution to the some of the insecurity challenges that continue to characterize supply chain operations require a holistic approach to the formulation of policies and the relevant procedures. Once the formulation bit has been achieved, it is important for the stakeholders to shift their focus to the implementation of those policies within the guidelines stipulated under the relevant procedures of operation. This is important because it forms the basis for the operationalization of the entire security strategy. Moreover, it is crucial to adopt the use of appropriate technology to boost the efficiency of the security measures applicable in the protection of the supply chain against threats and risks of terrorist attacks as well as other forms or insecurities. In the entire process of aiming at the development of the new solution, there is supply chain resilience which forms the other face of supply chain security. In this case, it is necessary to direct more focus and put more emphasis on the ability of a given chain or supply to withstand or recover from the adverse effects that may be presented by an incident of insecurity such as a terrorist attack.
Within the management of supply chain, one of the most vulnerable systems of transportation is air, which remains the potential target of terrorist attacks. The explanations given by Meyer and Njord (2005) indicate that dangerous explosive carried by passengers or within cargos being transported through air transportation are capable of resulting in massive losses as well as massive casualties. As for the cargos that are often transported through the marine transportation system, explosive and radioactive substances created by terrorists may be hidden within the marine containers or freight shipments. Explosions resulting from such dangerous substances could also lead to mass casualties, severe damage to the marine infrastructure as well as a considerable derailment to the growth of the economy. Apart from the threats related to insecurity, the global supply chains continue to face and experience a number of factors that go to the extent of compromising their expected standards of safety. One of such factors include the fact that most electric trains around the world are always driven at extremely high speed and in case of collision or operational fault massive losses and casualties are incurred. In that regard, it is necessary for the supply chain managers and other stakeholders in the rail transportation sector to push for the establishment of security and safety measures that that are sensitive to operational faults or errors that may occur in the course of transportation. The operation of supply chain management often takes place within a limited duration thus making it is difficult and challenging to ensure that all safety and security requirements and procedures are followed to the latter. The current aspect of fragmentation that often characterizes supply chain operation has also contributed towards making it difficult to guarantee and implement adequate security measures along such supply chains.
According to Haveman, Shatz, and Vilchis (2005), the initiatives aimed at finding solutions to the security problem presently affecting the transportation and management aspects of supply chain management should go to the extent of incorporating resilience as a critical consideration. This incorporation may be achieved through the adoption of the concept of Total Security Management. The recent findings in related studies and research on secure management of supply chains have been able to identify a number of changes and adjustments that should be implemented for the expeditious realization of appropriate security system. First, the security mechanism and measures adopted in this respect should include anti-terrorism as well as theft prevention features. Second, the focus of such a system should be directed towards global security matters in addition to the national and regional ones. Third, the aspect of managing different levels of insecurity incidences or situations should be able to form part of contingency planning and formulation with the aim of obtaining additional resilience. Fourth, the security challenges should be viewed and addressed from both internal and external perspectives in relation to the spread and covering of a supply chain network. Additionally, various ideas and techniques can be useful and effective when it comes to a holistic and quality management of the security affairs relating supply chain.
Conclusion
Having identified and discussed some of the strategic and effective solution to the problem of insecurity and disaster occurrences presently affecting the management of supply chain through various forms of transportation, it is worth indicating that there are some outstanding gaps that still require future research. For instance, there is a growing need to carry out studies concerning the weaknesses and shortcomings of some of the security measures that are presently in operation to try to secure the global system of supply chain and the associated modes of transportation. Various measures with regard to TSM have since been adopted with the aim of enhancing the security of supply chains in relation to the various modes of transportations from one geographical point to a different one. Part of the reasons why terrorist operatives have always found it within their convenience to aim their attacks at the various modes within the transportation system is the significant impact and adverse effects made on the economy as well as massive losses and casualties. Over the last couple of years, more than half of acts of terrorism have targeted the transportation aspect of the supply chain around the globe. This is a clear demonstration that effective security management measures such as the Total Security Management ought to be focused on securing the transportations sector possible acts of terrorists as well as others threats of security. Clearly, the application of Total Security Management (TSM) measures along the supply chain management and its operations is capable of achieving a considerable reduction of security threats and concerns including acts of terrorism. The security measures expected to be formulated and implemented in future ought to consider the foreseeable changes that might take place in the management of global supply chain. Future research and studies are expected to pay more attention to the identification of specific programs in relation to TSM measures that will be flexible enough to address the ever-changing security concerns.
References
Fatokun, S. (2013). Airport Security: Current Practice and Perspectives for 2030. Journal of Air Transport Studies, 4 (2), 26–39. https://www.atn.aero/jats.pl
Haveman, J., Shatz, H. & Vilchis, E. (2005). U.S. Port Security Policy after 9/11: Overview and Evaluation. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management , 2(4)
doi:10.2202/1547-7355.1165
Kemp, R. (2006). Review of 9/11 and the Future of Transportation Security. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management , 3(4), 21–48. doi:10.2202/1547
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Meyer, M. D., & Njord, J. R. (2005). Critical Issues in Transportation. American Journal of Transportation Research Board, 1 (5), 7–14.
Popa, A., & Strer, J. (2016). Analysis of Passenger and Vehicle Flows with Microscopic Simulations as a Result of Security Checks at Ferry Terminals. Transportation
Research Procedia, 14 (2), 1384-1393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2016.05.211
Appendix 1: Definition of terms
Supply chain- This refers to the various sequential processes including transportation that used in the distribution of commodities from the point of production to the consumer or the end user. Supply chain also entails a network used by different producers to avail their products and services to their intended customers.
Supply chain management-This is a critical process that involves the integration and coordination of various flows of products and services from the manufacturer to the consumer or the end user.
Total Security Management (TSM)-This refers to a strategy that involves a holistic approach to addressing various security concerns in business such as the management of supply chain operations. The concept of TSM aims at the development and resilient implementation of effective security measures while aiming at reducing costs operations.
