The Customs Department within the European Community framework

Abstract

The objective of the dissertation is to examine whether the present structure of the Customs Department would be suitable when Malta joining the European Community. The task was divided in three chapter. The first part dealt with the present structure and the inherent defects of any organisation operating in all types of environment were identified. In the second chapter, the Single European Act is the central theme. This implies the dismantling of the barriers hampering the freedom of movement of persons, capital, services and goods. The third chapter proposes a new structure for the Department. The implications on the Department of the freedoms as well as the issues raised in the first chapter were the background against which the structure was suggested. It was concluded in this study that the Department lacks effective management. To this end, structures for planning and control were suggested in the new structure. Moreover, the impact of the environment would have effect on the human resource. This issue was not addressed here, which by, itself would warrant another study. The political will is perhaps the most important element in the process of change. Though structures and management are the factors mostly involved when change is to be effected, both are constrained in the public sector spectrum. The political will needs to be manifested in finding the solutions to the problems facing the implementation of change.