Sustainability and Business
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ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT COVERSHEET |
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Course/Unit Information |
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Course |
Extended Diploma in International Business and Strategy |
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Course Code |
GP39 04 |
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Unit Name |
Sustainability and Business |
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Unit Code |
HX3Y 04 |
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Instructor Information |
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Name |
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Assignment Information |
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Schedule Code |
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Full/ Part Assignment |
Full Assignment |
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Date Assignment Issued |
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Date Assignment Due |
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Student Information (To be filled by the student prior submitting the assignment) |
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Name |
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Student ID |
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Your assignment should meet the following requirements. Please confirm this by ticking 🗹 the boxes before submitting your assignment
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The first page is completely labeled with my name, instructor name and assignment information. |
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I have completed and ticked the declaration page. |
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The contents of my assignment have been submitted to Turnitin and I have downloaded the report. |
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I have strictly followed Harvard Referencing Style and Citations. |
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STUDENT DECLARATION
I hereby confirm that this assignment is my own work and not copied or plagiarized. It has not previously been submitted as part of any assessment for this qualification. All the sources, from which information has been obtained for this assignment, have been referenced as per Harvard Referencing format. I further confirm that I have read and understood the Westford rules and regulations about plagiarism and copying and agree to be bound by them.
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Declaration |
Date of Submission |
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□ Tick the box to agree |
Click or tap to enter a date. |
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LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK
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Summative Feedback:
Overall Feedback on current work with emphasis on how the student can further improve in future. |
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The following grading criteria will be applicable for the course, Executive Diploma in International Business and Strategy:
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Marks |
Grade |
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70 to 100 |
A - Distinction |
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60 to 69 |
B - Merit |
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50 to 59 |
Pass |
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40 to 49 |
Fail with Resubmit |
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0 to 39 |
Fail with Retake |
GENERAL GUIDELINES
(Please read the instructions carefully)
1. Complete the title page with all necessary student details and ensure that the signature of the student is marked in the declaration form.
2. All assignments must be submitted as an electronic document in MS Word to the LMS (Use 12 Times New Roman script).
3. All assignments must be submitted with an accompanying Turnitin report.
4. Assignment that is not submitted to the LMS by the prescribed deadline will be accepted ONLY under the REDO and RESIT submission policy of Westford.
5. The results are declared only if the student has met the mandatory attendance requirement of 75% and/or a minimum of 50% under extenuating circumstances approved and ratified by the Academic Director. The student has to repeat the module (with additional fees applicable) if the attendance is below 50%.
6. The assignment should not contain any contents including references cited from websites like www.ukessays.com , www.studymode.com , www.slideshare.net , www.scribd.com .
7. Students can refer Wikipedia as a source of information, but the references cited in Wikipedia must be mentioned.
8. Submit the assignment in a MS Word document with the file name being:
First Name Last Name_ abbreviation of the subject.
Example: John Smith_SB
Quick reference Checklist for the Faculty/Instructor to accept/reject the assignment before evaluation:
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Adherence to the deadline of submission date. |
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Original file, cover sheet and format retained. |
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Student information and signature intact. |
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Font style and size used as instructed. |
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Harvard Referencing Style is strictly followed. |
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Assignment |
Sustainability and Business
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Learning Outcome 1: Appraise the multiple dimensions of sustainability for businesses in the context of global challenges.
· PC 1.1: Demonstrate a critical awareness of global current issues and sustainability challenges of a specific industry. · PC 1.2: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of business (strategy & operations) in achieving the UN sustainable development goals. · PC 1.3: Discuss the effects of global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of biodiversity on a specific business or industry.
Learning Outcome 2: Critically review, evaluate, and develop sustainability strategies of organisations.
· PC 2.1: Critically review the existing business strategies of an organisation in relation to sustainability. · PC 2.2: Discuss how implementation of innovative business strategies have addressed the sustainability challenges. · PC 2.3: Formulate a sustainable strategy for an organization. · PC 2.4: Critically evaluate the role of leadership in achieving sustainability objectives.
Learning Outcome 3: Critically analyse the strategic alignment of the business functions to its sustainability.
· PC 3.1: Critically analyse the role of HR in driving sustainability in organisations. · PC 3.2: Discuss the importance of sustainability reporting and the sustainability report of an organization. · PC 3.3: Discuss financing challenges and solutions for sustainable. · PC 3.4: Discuss sustainability and its influence on production & design
Learning Outcome 4: Critically analyse an organisation’s global sustainability and your contribution to the impact on global sustainability.
· PC 4.1: Critically review the effects of sustainability on supply chains. · PC 4.2: Evaluate global best practices in ethical sourcing. · PC 4.3: Critically review the impact of regulations & international codes on sustainability. · PC 4.4: Discuss your leadership role in making an identifiable contribution to global sustainability in your organisation. |
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Assignment Task 1 |
Case Study [55 Marks] [2500-3000 words] |
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The Garment Industry in Bangladesh: A Human Rights Challenge |
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Keeping the paper by Peter and Sarah Stanwick as a frame of reference, please submit a compelling essay. Please ensure that you: |
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(Firstly, start with an academic definition of sustainability and demonstrate a general understanding of the term. Then use the case as a point of reference, highlighting the issues reported (e.g., human rights violation – child labor, gender inequality, minimum wage, working conditions etc.). Basically, highlight the current state of the garment industry in Bangladesh today. Articles, both academic and non-academic can assist here. Students should discuss the challenges of implementation of these initiatives in the in the garment industry. ( Such as political agenda, corruption, stage of economic growth, absolute poverty) and the key areas that need immediate attention. Discuss the UN SDGs in brief and link their objective to this discussion.)
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the effects of sustainability on supply chains in the apparel industry by evaluating some of the global best practices in ethical sourcing implemented by organisations in the apparel industry. [14 Marks] (To begin with, what are supply chains ? W hat is sustainable procurement or SCM? In the apparel supply chains what responsibility do fast fashion firms have ? What is the responsibility of their supply chain team? Should they be promoting recycling? Should they do business with ethical suppliers? In other words, should firms ensure that they conduct business with suppliers who treat employees fairly or treat them with dignity? And what about whether the goods and services sourced are ethical? These questions can be addressed. You will have to read about some of the market leaders who have adopted sustainable practices/initiatives in the apparel industry to be able to address this part. You can start by discussing the current situation pertaining to ethical sourcing in the apparel industry https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/6737/doing-something-different . Global best practices (read : https://www.sgtgroup.net/textile-quality-management-blog/4-brands-going-the-extra-mile-to-ensure-ethical-sourcing ) https://www.just-style.com/analysis/steps-to-a-more-sustainable-fashion-sourcing-model_id136707.aspx Some companies that are leaders in ethical sourcing – Patagonia, Everlane, Levi’s, Polo RL You can read through the Ethical Fashion Report. https://www.business-humanrights.org/sites/default/files/documents/FashionReport_2019_9-April-19-FINAL.pdf In brief, you can also discuss ethical sourcing standards.)
(Go through Slides on Key Sustainability Leadership Competencies and Sustainability and Leadership. Discuss the role of leaders in sustainable development. You can analyse the CEOs and heads of sustainability in the chosen organisation from the list provided above. Here, you can analyse the strategies formulated by CEOs of more than one organisation such as Benetton, Joe Fresh, Mango etc. Recommendations provided should be backed by citations from credible sources.)
4. Formulate sustainable strategies to improve the working conditions of the garment workers in Bangladesh. Critically analyse the role of HR in driving sustainability in such organisations. [14 Marks] (To formulate strategies, you can refer to research articles, and strategies suggested by experts and market leaders in the apparel and other relevant industries. Successful strategies can also be benchmarked with. You can use the ‘Shared Value’ framework to discuss the strategies. Read: · https://hbr.org/2016/10/the-ecosystem-of-shared-value · http://farmhub.textileexchange.org/learning-zone/collaborative-learning-series/creating-shared-value · https://csrprofessional.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/shared-value-idea-of-hennes-mauritz/
(Discuss the role of HR in general in embedding sustainability organisations in general and then funnel it down to fast fashion firm’. Refer to slides and videos from the lectures. Read: https://www.sagepeople.com/about-us/news-hub/hr-sustainability-tips/# https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/the-crucial-and-underappreciated-role-of-hr-in-sustainability/
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Assignment Task 2 |
Report [40 Marks] [2000-2500 words] |
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Submit a report with the aim to discuss the linkages between business operations and the environmental and societal challenges with regards to sustainability. For this task, you can choose industry you currently work in, or an industry you are familiar with as a frame of reference, to answer all questions given below. |
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1. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the effects of global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of biodiversity on your chosen industry. [10 marks] (Discuss global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of biodiversity as separate sub-headings. You can start by discussing the impact of each on business in general and then analyse specific impact on you chosen industry. Arguments must be supported by citations from credible academic and non-academic sources. Do not just describe but critically analyse (review the challenges, compare contrast with other industries in brief).)
(You can discuss how financing needs differ across industries, countries, and regions. You can discuss with experts in your company or industry, reach out to people on LinkedIn and understand the challenges and the plausible solutions. You can insert their feedback as quotes in your answer. Arguments should also be supported with articles on the topic of financial challenges in sustainable development.)
3. Critically review the influence of sustainability on production & design in the chosen industry. Identify and discuss innovative business strategies that will help in addressing the sustainability challenges in your chosen organisation. [10 marks] (Discuss the role of innovation and technology in sustainable development in general. Review some existing technologies that have transformed or are transforming your industry. What is the scope of further development? You can discuss aspects of circular economy here. Use of clean energy and updated machines, virtual organisations to reduce footprint, waste management using sophisticated technology can be looked at. Read articles on technology and sustainable development in your respective industries. You can discuss aspects such as sustainable design principles and lean management and implementation of these concepts in design and production. For example, in construction industry, lean can be implemented through standardization, modularization, using sophisticated software such as BIM, through efficient design that plans for rain and grey water management, light, air movement etc. Functional obsolescence can also be discussed. Ethical practices in the manufacturing industry such as minimum wages, safe working conditions and equal opportunities can also be included in the discussion.)
4. Critically review the impact of regulations & international codes on sustainability in the chosen industry. How can you influence the management to adopt the regulations and codes in your organisation? [7 marks] (You must discuss the role of codes, label, and certifications in general. Review some of the key codes, labels, and certifications in your own industry. Are they being rigorously adopted? Will they be useful in embedding sustainability? How transparent would they need to be? Present your arguments well in a critical fashion. You can influence the management by demonstrating the benefits of being more sustainable – you may discuss aspects of risk management, cost savings, reputation building, employee satisfaction, having a stable supply chain and attracting green investors etc.)
5. Demonstrate a general understanding of the importance of sustainability reporting by critically discussing the sustainability report ( last financial year) of your chosen organisation or any other organisation in your industry, clearly interpreting and evaluating the data within the report. [7 marks] (Start by discussing the importance of sustainability reporting – why organisations should reveal the impact of their strategies and operations on the environment and the society. Investments in making the business more sustainable should be discussed. The benefits (ROI) of putting sustainable strategies in place can be highlighted. The graphs, table, charts, and other relevant data can be included in your assignment clearly explaining and interpreting the implications.)
Presentation: Presentation of the case study answers and report. [5 marks] |
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Performance Descriptors Performance descriptors indicate how marks will be arrived at against each of the above criteria. The descriptors indicate the likely characteristics of work that is marked within the percentage bands indicated.
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