IT hosted global supply chain security services: Improving the global supply chain through tightening information technology security

Automotive Global Supply Chain (GSC) trade and transport is very complex. It involves multiple players and a gigantic number of complex transactions. Consequently, there is a constant need to obtain, analyze, and exchange data securely and compliantly.;The rapid changes in Information Technologies coupled with political and socio-economic factors are continuously transforming international trade and transport operations. However, much of the exchange of transactional data among international businesses remains electronically fragmented -- parts of the data exchange are paper based and other parts are electronic. In recent years, world organizations have increasingly emphasized the importance of GSC security and compliance (e.g. World Customs Organization WCO SAFE Framework(TM) and Data Model, UN Recommendation 33, etc). Such phenomenon further complicates the ability to comply and exchange electronic data securely - and efficiently - within the GSC, since there is lack of congruence among standards to which an organization must comply.;In many security informatics applications, it is important to monitor traffic over various communication channels and efficiently identify those communications that are unusual for further investigation. Therefore, this research intends to analyze the GSC data exchange and trade compliance dynamics, and propose a conceptual solution (design model) along with a systematic approach to implement such a solution in a manner that could improve IT security and compliance levels in the USA and across the globe, especially in developing countries.;The hypothesis for this research is:;"The security of the global supply chain may be improved if all participating trading partners adopt a systematic approach to information exchange."The literature review shows that a significant portion of processing GSC documents in the automotive industry is still paper based. Although there are several research initiatives and an abundance of trade and data exchange standards, little is done to improve the situation, especially in underdeveloped countries. Therefore, one continues to see significant transport delays and increases in the potential for errors and exposures.;The conceptual model proposed by this research, and detailed in Chapter 4, involves establishing a GSC Hosted IT Security Infrastructure Framework coupled with a GSC IT Security Policy that aligns and interoperates with UN Recommendation 33 and is recommended to be imbedded within the WCO Data Model.;The research sought to explain strategic issues related to IT management and industry participants behavior. The study used a mixed-methods descriptive research design using a questionnaire and a set of 11 interviews, with representatives from the automotive industry, as the primary means for data collection.;The analysis of the research findings confirmed the hypothesis. The results of the questionnaire demonstrated a statistical correlation between IT Security and trade compliance. These results are beneficial to GSC IT Security administrators, technical, and operational specialists.;Keywords. Global Supply Chain (GSC), IT Security, Hosted IT Services, Secure Electronic Transport...