Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
92
Table 22: Initiation Phase - Challenges and Options
Challenges
1. Weak Vision Process
Vision and strategy documents are often too general and not the result of an inclusive strategy
development process. Visions and strategies also lack quantifiable objectives and performance
indicators.
Why does this matter?
Vision and strategy documents are important to build commitment and adherence across
organizational boundaries that can sustain government rotation.
2. Resistance to the Project
Often there is an insufficient mobilisation for the project due to resistance from stakeholders from
the public and private sector.
Why does this matter?
Political overseers need to support the project as they have the ability to make regulatory changes
and allocate resources. Stakeholders from the trading community need to be brought into the
process early to ensure a design that caters to their needs as much as the needs of the government
agencies. Ideally, the project has support from end users and service providers, i.e. government
agencies.
3. Limited Scope of Support
SW initiatives may be pushed by one particular part of government; i.e. Customs, Ministry of
Trade, or Port Authority.
Why does this matter?
A limited reach of support may negatively impact the design choice as it does prevent a
comprehensive planning and strategy. Agencies may not adhere to a project that is perceived as
being driven by one agency instead of the whole of government.
4. Financial Constraints
Some governments depend on financial assistance to conduct the preparatory work and to
provide the funding for the investment.
Why does this matter?
Scarcity of funding and visibility of available funding can impact design choices in this phase. This
increases the risk to focus on low cost changes taking precedence or replying high costs changes.
Policy Options
1. Idea Champion or Broad Coalition
Projects with high costs, long timeframe and broad efforts require broad support but also find it
more difficult to get this support. Two strategic choices can bemade when faced with the difficulty
of mobilising support:
 using an idea champion; or
 building a broad guiding coalition.
These two options have their advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.