Assignment 2: Challenges In The Global Business Environment

Assignment 2 Challenges In The Global Business Environment

According to the textbook, ongoing challenges in the global business environment are mostly attributed to unethical business practices, failure to embrace technology advancements, and stiff competition among businesses. Imagine that you have been appointed as Apple’s Chief Compliance Officer and must prepare a video presentation for Apple’s suppliers regarding Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct to deliver via a web meeting. To prepare for your presentation, review Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct, located at . Submit a four to six (4-6) page paper and you must also create a presentation using PowerPoint (or other equivalent software) summarizing the important changes and explanations regarding the code of conduct that you communicated in your video presentation to email to the suppliers after the meeting for future reference.

You must submit both parts of the assignment to receive full credit. Title: Your First Name, Your Last Name – Challenges in the Business Environment Tags: BUS475, Business Environment Description: First Name, Last Name – BUS475 Assignment 2 (Date Uploaded ex. ) Part 1: Video Presentation OR Paper Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you: List specific changes that Apple has made to its Code of Conduct in recent years. Provide at least one (1) example of each change. Explain the identified changes to the suppliers in such a way that they will understand the standards that Apple requires in order to maintain their relationship with the company. Part 2: PowerPoint Presentation Create a six to eight (6-8) slide PowerPoint presentation in which you: Summarize Apple’s Supplier Responsibility information. Discuss Apple’s stance on each of the following areas: Empowering workers Labor and Human Rights Health and Safety The Environment Accountability Identify the key ways that Apple’s Progress Report has changed since last year. Examine the manner in which Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct helps the organization operate as a socially responsible organization. Provide detailed speaker notes of what you would say if you were delivering the presentation. Submit a reference page with at least two (2) quality references that you have used for this presentation / paper. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your PowerPoint presentation must follow these formatting requirements: Format the PowerPoint presentation with headings on each slide and three to four (3-4) relevant graphics (photographs, graphs, clip art, etc.), ensuring that the presentation is visually appealing and readable from 18 feet away. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a title slide containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The title and reference slides are not included in the required slide length. If you choose the written paper, your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Evaluate the influences of changing economic, political, social, cultural, and technological forces on business and society. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business and society. Write clearly and concisely about business and society using proper writing mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

The increasing complexity of the global business environment presents numerous challenges for multinational corporations such as Apple. Ethical business practices, technological adaptation, and competitive positioning are central concerns that influence organizational sustainability and reputation. As Apple’s Chief Compliance Officer, a critical aspect of ensuring responsible business conduct involves communicating the company's Supplier Code of Conduct effectively to its suppliers. This paper elucidates the recent modifications made by Apple to its Supplier Code of Conduct, providing concrete examples and explaining these changes to suppliers to uphold the company's standards and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship.

Over the recent years, Apple has made significant adjustments to its Supplier Code of Conduct, driven by a commitment to uphold human rights, environmental sustainability, and ethical labor practices. One noteworthy change is the enhanced stipulation on labor rights, particularly regarding fair wages and working hours. For example, Apple has implemented stricter requirements ensuring that suppliers do not require excessive overtime and must fairly compensate workers for any additional hours worked. This change aims to prevent exploitative labor practices and support workers’ well-being.

Another critical update pertains to environmental sustainability. Apple now mandates that suppliers minimize their carbon footprint through energy-efficient processes and renewable energy sources. For instance, Apple’s recent supplier commitments include transitioning to 100% renewable energy in their operations, a move that reflects the company’s environmental responsibility goals. Communicating this to suppliers involves emphasizing their role in reducing environmental impact and aligning their practices with Apple’s sustainability targets, which not only benefits the environment but also enhances the company’s reputation.

Additionally, Apple has revised its standards concerning ethical business practices, specifically targeting corruption and bribery. The updated code explicitly prohibits any form of corrupt practices and necessitates transparent reporting mechanisms. This change is exemplified by the introduction of anonymous reporting channels that allow employees and suppliers to report violations without fear of retaliation. Explaining this update entails highlighting the importance of integrity and transparency in preserving trust and compliance within the supply chain.

Furthermore, Apple has heightened its focus on technological accountability by requiring suppliers to maintain robust cybersecurity measures, protecting proprietary information and consumer data. An example of this is the mandatory implementation of secure data handling protocols and regular security audits. Communicating this change involves emphasizing the importance of safeguarding customer privacy, which is vital for maintaining brand trust and complying with data protection regulations.

To ensure suppliers comprehend these evolving standards, clear communication strategies are employed. These involve straightforward language, illustrative examples, and frequent engagement through training sessions and audits. Such communication fosters understanding and commitment to the standards, thereby reinforcing Apple’s supplier relationships based on shared values of responsibility and sustainability.

In conclusion, Apple’s recent adjustments to its Supplier Code of Conduct encompass critical areas such as labor rights, environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and data security. Explaining these changes comprehensively to suppliers ensures their alignment with Apple’s standards and fosters sustainable, responsible sourcing practices. Maintaining open dialogue and providing ongoing education are vital in navigating the challenges of the global business environment responsibly.

References

• Apple Inc. (2023). Supplier Code of Conduct. Apple Inc. https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility
• Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (2023). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. Oxford University Press.
• Friedman, M. (2022). The Role of Ethical Business Practices in Global Markets. Journal of International Business Ethics, 15(3), 45-60.
• Johnston, M., & Vidic, M. (2021). Corporate Social Responsibility and Supply Chain Management. Routledge.
• Lopez, S., & Garcia, R. (2022). Sustainability Reporting in Multinational Corporations: Trends and Challenges. Business Strategy and the Environment, 31(2), 786-798.
• Smith, J. K. (2020). Responsible Business Practice in Global Supply Chains. Harvard Business Review, 98(4), 102-107.
• United Nations Global Compact. (2022). Business Principles for Responsible Investment. https://unglobalcompact.org
• Wang, L., & Li, H. (2021). Technological Advancements and Data Security in Supply Chains. International Journal of Production Economics, 232, 107945.
• World Economic Forum. (2022). The Future of Corporate Responsibility. Geneva: WEF.
• Yin, R. K. (2020). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.