ORG530: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

ORG530: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
Credit Hours:
3
Contact Hours:
This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 14-20 hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research.
Course Description and Outcomes
Course Description:
In this course, students explore the ethical considerations that guide and inform business decisions and strategies. Students learn the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to understand and apply ethics from social, economic, and environmental perspectives.
Course Overview:
In this course, students explore the ethical considerations that guide and inform decisions, strategies, goals, products, services, and organizational leadership within the context of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Students learn applications and implementation of CSR in domestic and international settings, and assess the debates about CSR practices in light of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political challenges to businesses looking to develop CSR programs. Students also evaluate case studies and practices in order to gain the skills for leading and developing sustainable business models that adhere to a code of behavior influenced by industry, organizational, national, and international standards.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Assess the role and responsibility of business in society, both locally and globally.
2. Relate critical thinking skills to ethical decision making.
3. Describe key models and theories with regard to ethics and CSR.
4. Evaluate the components of CSR and apply these to CSR program development.
Participation & Attendance
Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor. SAMPLE
Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible.
Course Materials
Required:
Textbook Information is located in the CSU-Global Booklist on the Student Portal.
Course Schedule
Due Dates The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday.  Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 11:59 p.m. MT. Late posts may not be awarded points.  Critical Thinking Assignments: Assignments are due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT.  Live Classroom: Although participation is not required, a Live Classroom session will be held during Week 4.
Week # Readings Assignments 1  Chapter 1 in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Chapter 8 (pp. 554 – 557) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Cuillla, J. B. (2011). Is business ethics getting better? A historical perspective. Business Ethics Quarterly, 21(2), 335-343.  Gift, M., Gift, P., & Zheng, Q. (2013). Cross-cultural perceptions of business ethics: Evidence from the United States and China. Journal of Business Ethics, 114(4), 633-642.  Discussion (25 points)  Career Development (50 points) 2  Chapter 2 in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Chapter 8 (pp. 493 – 506) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Mihai, B., & Alina, A. (2013). Business ethics implementation in the organizational culture of companies. Annals of the University of Oradea, Economic Science Series, 22(1), 44-53.  Schmeltz, L. (2014). Identical or just compatible? The utility of corporate identity values in communicating corporate social responsibility. Journal of Business Communications, 51(3), 234-258.  Discussion (25 points)  Critical Thinking (80 points) 3  Chapter 3 in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Chapter 4 (pp. 167 – 169) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Chapter 6 (pp. 285 – 301) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Discussion (25 points) SAMPLE
 Peloza, J., Loock, M., Cerruti, J., & Muyot, M. (2012). Sustainability: How stakeholder perceptions differ from corporate reality. California Management Review, 55(1), 74-95.  Wilburn, K. M., & Wilburn, R. (2011). Achieving social license to operate using stakeholder theory. Journal of International Business Ethics, 4(2), 3-16.  Critical Thinking (80 points)  Portfolio Milestone (25 points) 4  Chapter 4 (pp. 151 – 156) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Chapter 6 (Case Study: McDonald’s, pp. 319 – 324) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Chapter 7 (pp. 378 – 390) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Claudia, O., & Mihaela, H. (2013). Through corporate social responsibility to global competitiveness for sustainable development. Studies In Business & Economics, 8(1), 95-103.  Robinson, P. (2010, February). Responsible retailing: The practice of CSR in banana plantations in Costa Rica. Journal of Business Ethics, 2(91), 279-289.  Sage Brief Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility. (2012). Part II: Corporate social responsibility on the global stage. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.  Discussion (25 points)  Critical Thinking (80 points)  Live Classroom (0 points) 5  Chapter 4 (pp. 156-167), in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Herpen, E., Nierop, E., & Sloot, L. (2012). The relationship between in-store marketing and observed sales for organic versus fair trade products. Marketing Letters, 23(1), 293-308.  McKinney, M. E., & Benson, A. (2013). The value of brand trust. Journal of Brand Strategy, 2(1), 76-86.  Schwartz, D. T. (2010). Ethical consumerism. In Consuming Choices: Ethics in a Global Consumer Age. (pp. 1-20). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.  Discussion (25 points)  Critical Thinking (80 points) 6  Chapter 8 (pp. 463 – 473) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Jondle, D., Ardichvili, A., & Mitchell, J. (2014). Modeling ethical business culture: Development of the ethical business culture survey and its use to validate the CEBC model of ethical business culture. Journal of Business Ethics, 119(1), 29-43.  Tsalikis, J., Seaton, B., & Shepherd, P. (2014). Business ethics index: Latin America. Journal of Business Ethics, 119(2), 209-218.  Discussion (25 points)  Critical Thinking (80 points) 7  Chapter 5 in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Clinton, L. (2014, February 12). The launch of model behavior: 20 business model innovations for sustainability [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.sustainability.com/blog/the-launch-of-model-behavior-20-business-model-innovations-for-sustainability#.U4UB8ZRdXLI  Porter, M.E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review, 89(1/2), 62-77.  Slaper, T. F., & Hall, T. J. (2011). The triple bottom line: What is it and how does it work? Indiana Business Review, 86(1), 4-8.  Discussion (25 points) 8  Chapter 6 (pp. 237 – 246) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Chapter 8 (pp. 535 – 553) in Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility  Audi, R. (2012). Virtue ethics as a resource in business. Business Ethics Quarterly, 22(2), 273-291.  Discussion (25 points)  Portfolio (350 points) SAMPLE
 Greblikaite, J., & Daugeliene, R. (2010). The growing need of cross-cultural management and ethics in business. European Integration Studies, (4), 148-152.  Hoffman, W.M. (2010). Repositioning the corporate ethics officer. Business Ethics Quarterly, 20(4), 744-45.
Assignment Details
This course includes the following assignments/projects:
Module 1
Practitioner Experience (50 Points)
As you begin the academic work in organizational leadership, you will certainly be thinking about your career. Whether you are new to organizational leadership, or transitioning into a new area of your existing work, now is the time to explore careers and get to know as much as you can about the career you want. In the context of this course, you will be able to consider how business ethics and corporate social responsibility affect your decision-making. The more you learn about your career choices, the more you will also think about how your skills, experiences, and values align with the different choices you can make.
In this assignment, you will get to know the information and resources that are available to you at the Student Career Center. Using these resources, you can complete a personal and career evaluation, begin to assemble (or update) your Career Portfolio, and explore internships and volunteer opportunities. While you will not turn in your Career Portfolio as part of this assignment, you will want to begin to build your portfolio to help you complete this and other career development assignments in future courses.
Assignment Preparation/Activities
1. Go to the CSU-Global Career Center and scan the site so that you know the kind of information and resources you will be able to find there.
2. In the Career Center, read Personal and Career Evaluation. Download and complete any worksheets that will help you complete your assignment.
3. In the Career Center, read Landing a Job/Internships and explore http://www.internships.com/ and http://www.internshipprograms.com/.
4. Conduct an online search in two areas related to organizational leadership:
a. Volunteer opportunities in your community
b. Identify (and bookmark) professional societies and certifications that interest you.
Assignment Requirements
Develop a well-written 2 – 3-page paper that includes the following:
1. One internship position – Include a link to the internship description and provide a summary of how this position relates to your career goals.
2. One volunteer opportunity – Include a link to the description for the volunteer opportunity and provide a summary of how this opportunity relates to your career goals.
3. One professional certification – Include a link to the description of this certification and summarize the qualifications required to obtain certification, as well as the value provided by the certification.
4. A summary of your Personal and Career Evaluation. In your summary, include a discussion about why you are interested in a career in organizational leadership and your experience of completing the evaluation.
Always follow CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements style and review the library material concerning APA style before turning in this assignment. SAMPLE
Module 2
Critical Thinking Assignment (80 points)
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Milton Friedman on Social Responsibility The often-cited economist Milton Friedman (1962) argued that “few trends could so thoroughly undermine the very foundations of our free society as the acceptance by corporate officials of a social responsibility other than to make as much money for their stockholders as possible” (pp. 133-134). Friedman’s influence has been far reaching in the fields of business and economics, and is important to understand in terms of the evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Instructions:
Address the following in a well-written paper.
1) Formulate two cogent arguments, one in support of Friedman’s assertion and one against it.
2) Research two organizations, one that exemplifies Friedman’s exhortation for companies to focus only on stockholder wealth and one that believes CSR is an integral part of an organization’s competitive advantage and success. Compare and contrast the two organizations.
3) Provide three examples of organizations that show how Friedman’s admonition, above, if taken literally, could be used to legitimate otherwise unethical behavior.
Requirements:
 Include three scholarly articles that are not required or recommended readings in this course to support your paper. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find your sources.
 Your paper should be between 4-6 pages, not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.
 Your entire paper, including in-text citations and references, must be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
References Friedman, M. (1962). Capitalism and freedom. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Option #2: Profit or CSR as the Driver for “For-Profit” Organizations?
By definition, corporations are driven by profit and the goal to maximize shareholder wealth. That purpose is often cited as the primary reason why organizations cannot include CSR in their corporate strategy. Yet, there are many examples of leading multinational corporations (MNCs) that are engaging in socially responsible programs.
Instructions:
Read the case study from the textbook on Unilever. Examine Unilever Global’s Sustainable Living Plan, at: http://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living-2014/
In a well-written paper, address the following:
1) Why is or isn’t it acceptable for a for-profit company to profit from poverty?
2) Briefly outline Unilever’s commitment to deliver products to people at the “bottom of the pyramid” (BOP).
3) Explain whether Unilever’s plan is CSR, strategy, or both.
Requirements:
 Support your response with at least three scholarly articles that are not recommended or required readings in this course. The CSU-Global Library to find your sources. SAMPLE
 Your paper should be 4-6 pages in length, not counting the title or reference pages, which you must include. Be sure your entire paper, including in-text citations and references, is formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Module 3
Critical Thinking Assignment (80 points)
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Walmart’s Sustainability Goals and CSR from an Investor’s Perspective
Numerous class action suits have been filed against Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT), the world’s largest retailer, for a myriad of reasons including employment discrimination, bribery, and more. In light of intense criticism of its business ethics and CSR practices, Walmart actively promotes its corporate ethics statement and sustainability practices.
Instructions:
You will write a paper that analyzes Wal-Mart from the perspective of a potential shareholder interested in investing. 1) First, read the company’s statement of purpose at http://stock.walmart.com and Our 3 Basic Beliefs and Guiding Principles at http://ethics.walmartstores.com/StatementOfEthics/BasicBeliefs.aspx.
2) Analyze the company’s stock performance and financial history on Bloomberg, Standard & Poor’s, or another financial site over the past five years.
3) Incorporate four sources into your paper. Two sources should be scholarly articles about Walmart or Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., one of which must be about the firm’s international business. The other two sources should be articles from business (trade) publications about Walmart or Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. You may not use required or recommended course readings for this assignment. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find these resources.
4) Evaluate the firm’s commitment to accomplishing its CSR goals globally based on the following:
a. From a stakeholder perspective, would you invest in Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. stock? Defend your position using research.
b. What do you see as the company’s greatest strength and greatest weakness globally relative to its sustainability practices? Defend your position using research.
Requirements:
 Your paper should be 4-6 pages in length, not counting the required title and reference pages.
 Include at least two scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 Format your entire paper, including all in-text citations and references, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Be sure to reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
References
The New York Times. (2012, May 21). The Wal-Mart corruption case. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/opinion/the-wal-mart-corruption-case.html?_r=0
Option #2: The Role of Stakeholder Trust SAMPLE
Global organizations are closely watched by stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, investors, customers, the media, and boards of directors. The issue of trust is tied to the company’s reputation, which, once damaged by irresponsible actions, is difficult to repair.
Instructions:
Read the following article on the issue of stakeholder trust:
Bonime-Blanc, A. (2014, May 8). The global ethicist: Risk and opportunity – the role of stakeholder trust. Retrieved from http://www.ethicalcorp.com/stakeholder-engagement/globalethicist-risk-and-opportunity-role-stakeholder-trust
For this assignment, assume you have been asked to make a virtual presentation on the role of stakeholder trust. Your job is to create a slide presentation for a group of industry leaders from around the world. Using the above article as your starting point, and then employing specific recent examples (2010 or later) of companies that have damaged their reputations due to specific incidences of mismanagement and poor decisions, do the following: a) evaluate the influence of stakeholder trust on tat least two of the organizations, b) assess the importance of reputation to the long-term viability of at least two of the organizations, and c) recommend five specific steps these organizations could take to avoid loss of reputational stature due to unethical behavior.
Requirements:
 Your presentation should include 8-10 slides, not counting the required title and reference slides. You may use PowerPoint or internet-based presentation tools, such as Prezi or Slide Rocket. Be sure to include the URL of your presentation when using internet-based tools. Paste the URL into an MS Word document and upload it with your presentation.
 Incorporate three scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. Also incorporate the Bonime-Blanc article. Cite and reference your sources properly. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 Format your presentation, including all citations and references, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. You can find additional helpful guides on making presentations in the CSU-Global Library.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Portfolio Project Milestone (worth 25 points toward final Portfolio Project)
Choose one of the following two Portfolio Project options to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Submit Summary
Submit a one-page summary on the Global Fortune 500 Company you have chosen to be the subject of your Portfolio Project. Include the name, stock symbol, headquarters, and your reason for selecting the firm. Describe how you intend to utilize the findings from your research.
Format your entire paper, including in-text citations and references according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
Although you will not receive points this week for this deliverable, it is a part of your final Portfolio Project requirements and is worth 25 points toward your final project grade. Review the Portfolio Project grading rubric on the Course Information page for more details on how you will be graded.
Option #2: Submit Summary
Submit a one-page summary on the importance of a Global Ethics Director for companies.
Format your entire paper including in-text citations and references according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. SAMPLE
Although you will not receive points this week for this deliverable, it is worth 25 points toward your final Portfolio Project. Review the Portfolio Project grading rubric on the Course Information page for more details on how you will be graded.
Module 4
Critical Thinking Assignment (80 points)
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Ethical Sourcing and the Supply Chain Companies doing business internationally deal with complex sourcing and supply chain issues. Unfortunately, many MNCs have failed to include CSR practices in their global operations. Due to a number of international human rights disasters resulting from lack of supply chain auditing, corporations are rapidly becoming more transparent and are adopting globally accepted codes of conduct.
Instructions:
Read the case study on Foxconn in the textbook. In a well-written paper, respond to the following questions:
1) Explain why you do or do not think a firm is responsible for its supply chain. If your answer is that a firm is not responsible, discuss an organization that exemplifies this. If your answer is that a firm is responsible, how far down the supply chain does this extend—to immediate suppliers, the suppliers’ suppliers, or beyond? Support your opinions with scholarly research.
2) Determine why Apple continues to source its production from overseas firms such as Foxconn? In your answer, consider what advantages and/or disadvantages this generates for the firm. Evaluate and assess what Apple could have done to avoid the threats you named. Overall, explain how or whether the benefits of Apple’s decision outweigh the costs. Support your opinions with scholarly research.
Requirements:
 Your paper should be 5 to 6 pages in length, not counting the required title and reference pages.
 Include at least two scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 Format your entire paper, including all in-text citations and references, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Be sure to reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Option #2: CSR and the Supply Chain
Supply-chain management is an essential part of a company’s operation. Profitability is often driven by supply-chain decisions, from raw-materials sourcing to the production of finished goods. MNCs, especially, may have deep levels in their supply chains and a concomitant lack of transparency.
Instructions:
Watch the following video to learn about some of the issues that result from a lack of transparency in MNCs:
Leonard, A. (2007). The Story of Stuff [Video file]. Retrieved from http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-story-of-stuff/
Imagine that you are showing this video to a group of fellow students or to colleagues in your workplace, and that you follow that up with a slide presentation about sustainability and the supply chain.
Address the following in your slide presentation: SAMPLE
1) Name and then evaluate the key messages in The Story of Stuff.
2) Construct an argument that explores the link between production and consumption, for better or worse.
3) Evaluate three MNCs that you believe to be exemplary in developing sustainable practices and defend your position.
4) Assess why the information presented in the video is or is not important for sustainability and CSR.
Requirements:
 Your presentation should include 8-10 slides, not counting the required title and reference slides.
 Include at least three scholarly sources to support your presentation that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 You may use PowerPoint or an internet-based program, such as Prezi or Slide Rocket. Be sure to include the URL of your presentation when using internet-based tools. Paste the URL into an MS Word document and upload it with your presentation.
 Include good design elements in your presentation; in other words, do not just submit slides with text only. You can find additional helpful guides on making presentations in the CSU-Global Library.
 Format your entire presentation, including all references and citations, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Module 5
Critical Thinking Assignment (80 points)
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Consumer Confidence in Sustainable and Ethical Brands
CSR is no longer an ancillary practice for corporations that compete in the global marketplace. Consumers around the world are demanding that, beyond the brand, companies demonstrate company-wide CSR and engage in ethical and sustainable practices in all or many facets of their operations.
Instructions:
 Read “Consumer Responsibility” on pages 22-27 in the Cone/Echo Global CSR Study. The PDF of the study is linked from http://www.conecomm.com/global-csr-study. (Note: You must fill in your name and email to download the report.)
 Read the case study, Lifecycle Pricing, from the textbook.
Answer the following questions in a well-written paper:
1) Evaluate the significance of the product lifecycle in lifecycle pricing for companies that promote CSR.
2) Analyze the connections among source, production, consumption, and disposal.
3) What are the implications for a firm’s reputation when there is a dichotomy between the final consumer product and the inputs of its production? Using two examples of companies that have not paid attention to the product lifecycle of their brands, create a plan for they could have done differently to be socially responsible.
4) Analyze the six product certification logos from the text. Why do or do you not believe that consumers trust a brand carrying the specific certifications? Defend your position with research.
5) As a manager in a global company, create a five-step plan that you would take to ensure that your organization is engaging in ethical and sustainable practices.
Requirements:
 Your paper should be 5-6 pages in length, not counting the required title and reference pages.
 Include at least two scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources. SAMPLE
 Format your entire paper, including all in-text citations and references, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Be sure to reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Option #2: Ethical Consumerism and Investment
Sustainability is emerging as a market driver for companies with the potential to grow profits and increase opportunities for value creation. The growth of sustainable and ethical business is dependent on consumer support. Beyond the direct purchase of goods and services, consumers support corporations through socially and sustainably responsible investing.
Instructions:
Read this website on sustainable investing: http://www.sustainvestmanagement.com/socially-responsible-or-esg-investing/.
For this assignment, assume you have been asked to research and to evaluate the value of socially/sustainably responsible investing (SRI) for a group of your peers interested in value creation for their portfolios. You are making a presentation of your findings to the group.
Address the following in your presentation:
1) What is the significance of SRI to an industry?
2) What are three ways to participate in SRI that include investing in companies that showcase some kind of Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)?
3) Why would investing in socially responsible companies be attractive? Defend your argument from both an ethical and financial perspective.
4) Which ESG criteria would you use to select well-run companies in which to invest and why?
5) Based on three examples of profitable and socially responsible corporations with exemplary ESG, evaluate the links between ethical consumption and ethical investing. (Include citations and links to the websites of each company, as well as a brief summary of its stock performance.)
Requirements:
 You may use PowerPoint or an internet-based program, such as Prezi or Slide Rocket. Be sure to include the URL of your presentation when using internet-based tools. Paste the URL into an MS Word document and upload it with your presentation.
 Your presentation should include 10-12 slides, not counting the required title and reference slides. Include good design elements in your presentation; in other words, do not just submit slides with text only. You can find additional helpful guides on making presentations in the CSU-Global Library.
 Include at least two scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 Format your presentation, including all references and citations, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Module 6
Critical Thinking Assignment (80 points)
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Determining a Company’s CSR Accountability A key challenge with CSR is determining the ways in which companies measure, represent, and report on their
SAMPLE
ethical and sustainable programs and activities. Although there are national and global best practices for ethical behavior by corporations, there is no single national or universal index used by all.
Instructions:
As a potential socially responsible investor, you’re interested in learning more about a company’s CSR and sustainability practices. To that end, you are planning to perform due diligence before making a decision about whether or not to invest in a company. Select one MNC and read its annual CSR report. Then address the following.
1) Compare and contrast the company’s CSR report using two indices, such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and The Global 100, which measure the CSR practices of corporations. Evaluate the usefulness of these two indices for your research on the MNC’s CSR practices by critiquing the credibility and limitations of each.
2) Generate a report about the company’s CSR performance and strategies based on your analysis. Support and cite your analysis with facts drawn from your research.
Requirements:
 Your paper should be 5-6 pages in length, not counting the required title and reference pages.
 Include at least three scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 Format your entire paper, including all in-text citations and references, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this assignment, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Be sure to reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Option #2: The 10 Most Admired Global Companies There are many reasons why companies become more socially responsible, not the least of which is the competitive advantage gained by being noted for CSR actions.
Instructions:
Choose one of Forbes’ “10 Most Admired Companies” and read the company’s annual CSR report.
1) Decide whether or not the company is following exemplary CSR practices, and devise and defend a plan that you, as a manager, could implement to bring it in line with the highest CSR principles.
2) Why is a CSR program important? (Hint: remember that you are trying to convince your management group to support a CSR program.)
Requirements:
 Your presentation should include 10-12 slides, not counting the required title and reference slides.
 You may use PowerPoint or internet-based presentation tools, such as Prezi or Slide Rocket. Be sure to include the URL of your presentation when using internet-based tools. Paste the URL into an MS Word document and upload it with your presentation.
 Include good design elements in your presentation; in other words, do not just submit slides with text only. You can find additional helpful guides on making presentations in the CSU-Global Library.
 Include at least three scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 Your presentation, including all citations and references, must be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
Module 8
Portfolio Project (350 points)
Choose one of the following two Portfolio Project options to complete by the end of Week 8. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Case Study of CSR SAMPLE
CSR is an evolving concept and set of practices. There are increasingly more standards and guidelines for companies to follow, but there remain many differences among companies in how sustainability practices are employed and deployed. As a manager and as a student of sustainability, you must learn to sort, prioritize, and negotiate among CSR desires and needs in order to balance these with what is possible and ethical.
Instructions:
You will create a case study on a corporation that is listed in the 2014 Fortune 500 Global Index that addresses the following.
1) Create a description of your corporation that provides the reader with its Fortune rank, type of industry, its Global Standard Industrial Classification (GSIC), CEO name, number of employees, headquarters, number of offices globally, reported sales and company performance over the last fiscal year (including data from Standard & Poor’s and one other source).
2) Evaluate the company’s CSR position. Incorporate evidence of its compliance with or violation of CSR principles, including information from the company’s website and two sources external to the company. (Note: These two external sources are not considered part of the five scholarly sources that are required for this assignment.). Incorporate the ranking of the company’s CSR and sustainability practices from at least two rating sources, including one non-profit or NGO source. (Note: These two rating sources are not considered part of the five scholarly sources that are required for this assignment.)
3) Evaluate the company’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, using the SWOT model, relative to its CSR and sustainability performance.
4) Devise a concluding plan that provides your opinion of the company’s overall level of social responsibility.
Requirements:
 Your paper should be 12-15 pages in length, not counting the required title and reference pages.
 Incorporate at least five scholarly references to support your claims and findings. You may not use the required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 Format your paper, including all in-text citations and references, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this Portfolio Project, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Option #2: A CSR Consultation
You are an international consultant and have been asked to help a large multinational corporation develop the criteria for a new position: Global Ethics Director (GED). Your paper will be given to the CEO and senior management representatives from five countries where the corporation has offices. These countries are: the United States, Denmark, South Africa, New Zealand, and Brazil.
Instructions:
Assume that your MNC has experienced negative press for its poor sustainability and ethics record in the past. Create a logical scenario and describe what the MNC did poorly, the impact of that poor performance, and what needs to be corrected. Base your answers to the following on that scenario.
1) Assess the potential role of the GED in each of the MNC’s locations, above. To do so, you will be need to analyze why and how this role is critically important to the MNC.
2) What credentials and experience do you recommend be required for the GED position, keeping in mind the cultural and socio-political differences among the five countries.
3) Devise a plan for how the new GED should establish and maintain relationships with each of the MNC’s international offices.
4) Formulate performance metrics for the position and describe how the position will be monitored.
Requirements:
 Your paper should be 12-15 pages in length, not counting the required title and reference pages. SAMPLE
 Incorporate at least five scholarly references to support your claims and findings. You may not use the required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources.
 Format your paper, including all in-text citations and references, according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
 Review the grading rubric for this Portfolio Project, which can be accessed from the Course Information page, to understand exactly how you will be graded. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.
Course Grading
20% Discussion Participation 45% Critical Thinking Assignments 35% Portfolio Project
Grading Scale and Policies
A
95.0 – 100
A-
90.0 – 94.9
B+
86.7 – 89.9
B
83.3 – 86.6
B-
80.0 – 83.2
C+
75.0 – 79.9
C
70.0 – 74.9
D
60.0 – 69.9
F
59.9 or below
In-Classroom Policies
For information on late work and incomplete grade policies, please refer to our In-Classroom Student Policies and Guidelines or the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-Global institutional policies.
Academic Integrity
Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any other work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, reusing /re-purposing your own work (see CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements for percentage of repurposed work that can be used in an assignment), unauthorized possession of academic materials, and unauthorized collaboration. The CSU-Global Library provides information on how students can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is and how to use the Library and Internet resources.
Citing Sources with APA Style
All students are expected to follow the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style Manual, 6th edition) for all assignments. For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources within the CSU-Global Library under the “APA Guide & Resources” link. A link to this document should also be provided within most assignment descriptions on your course’s Assignments page.
Disability Services Statement
CSU–Global is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability requesting academic accommodations should contact the Disability Resource
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Coordinator at 720-279-0650 and/or email ada@CSUGlobal.edu for additional information to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Netiquette
Respect the diversity of opinions among the instructor and classmates and engage with them in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner. All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words?
Maintain an environment free of harassment, stalking, threats, abuse, insults or humiliation toward the instructor and classmates. This includes, but is not limited to, demeaning written or oral comments of an ethnic, religious, age, disability, sexist (or sexual orientation), or racist nature; and the unwanted sexual advances or intimidations by email, or on discussion boards and other postings within or connected to the online classroom.
If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.
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