Business And Society Fall 2015 Team Research Presentation Pu

Business And Society Fall 2015team Research Presentationpurposes And

Among the goals of the course are to develop skills in finding and presenting new knowledge on relationships between business and society. The team presentation activity is one way to achieve that goal. Each team will present in class on December 3, 8, or 10 on one of the following topics: business and society issues in Germany and Japan; the prospects for unions and organized labor in the U.S.; the global mining industry; making the case for sustainable local agriculture; or alternative scenarios for the development of commercial aviation. The presentation should weave together information into a story, drawing from credible sources such as library resources, journals, government data, industry groups, and experts.

Content of the presentation should include defining the issue, explaining its underlying concepts, discussing its global impact, and linking it to business and society issues such as CSR, globalization, environment, or regulation. It should explore different viewpoints, consider historical context, identify stakeholders, and include future predictions and decision-makers. The presentation should be about 30 minutes, engaging, with visuals, and interactive where possible.

Along with the presentation, teams must submit a 1,000-word summary of findings, a reference list, and provide the class with an outline and exhibits. Each student will write a reflection paper on their learning experience and the team’s work, due two days after the presentation. Evaluation will be based on understanding, research, analysis, communication, and teamwork.

Paper For Above instruction

In this research presentation, our team explored the complex relationship between [chosen topic—e.g., sustainability in local agriculture], focusing on its social, economic, and environmental dimensions while connecting these issues to broader business and societal frameworks. The objective was to understand how this topic influences society and business practices, examine contending viewpoints, and analyze the future trajectory of the issue.

The issue we analyzed revolves around the imperative for sustainable local agriculture, a critical component for addressing global food security, environmental conservation, and economic resilience. The origin of this concern stems from increasing awareness of environmental degradation caused by conventional farming practices, coupled with the rising demand for organic and locally produced food. The underlying principles involve sustainable development, moral considerations for environmental stewardship, and social equity, as local agriculture often supports rural communities and preserves regional biodiversity.

Globally, local agriculture has the potential to significantly influence climate change mitigation, resource conservation, and food sovereignty. It promotes reduced carbon footprints by decreasing transportation needs and encourages ecological farming techniques. Additionally, local farms often foster community engagement and economic development in rural areas. The global impact is thus intertwined with critical issues such as climate change, globalization, and consumer health.

In the business and society context, this issue intersects with corporate social responsibility (CSR), consumer activism, and policy regulation. Companies increasingly endorse local sourcing to align with sustainability goals, reduce supply chain risks, and respond to social pressures for ethical practices. Critics argue that local agriculture may face economic viability challenges and may not always be scalable to meet global demands, raising debates about the role of government support and market incentives.

Different perspectives exist surrounding sustainable local agriculture. Advocates emphasize environmental benefits, community well-being, and long-term economic resilience. Critics highlight concerns about costs, scalability, and efficiency compared to industrial farming. The debate between regulatory intervention, market-driven solutions, and technological innovation reflects underlying moral principles—environmental stewardship, economic pragmatism, and social justice.

Historically, the push for local sustainable agriculture aligns with broader movements toward environmental activism and the green revolution of the 20th century. It echoes themes from American agrarian ideals and modern sustainable development agendas. Over time, societal values have shifted towards prioritizing ecological footprints, health consciousness, and social equity, driving policy changes and consumer trends.

Stakeholders include local farmers, consumers, government agencies, environmental groups, and agribusiness firms. Farmers seek economic viability; consumers demand quality and ethics; governments balance regulation and support; environmental advocates aim to preserve ecosystems. Each stakeholder group has conflicting interests, shaping the discourse and policy landscape.

Looking forward to 2024, the trajectory suggests increasing integration of technology—such as precision agriculture, blockchain transparency, and supply chain innovations—that can bolster sustainability efforts. Policy developments may promote incentives for organic farming and local sourcing. Consumer preferences are likely to lean further towards sustainable products, pressuring businesses to adapt. However, challenges remain regarding scalability, economic sustainability, and global food security.

Key decision-makers and actors in this arena include policymakers shaping agricultural and environmental regulations, corporate leaders integrating sustainability into supply chains, and community organizations advocating for local food systems. Their actions will influence the scope and impact of sustainable local agriculture in the near future.

References

• Ferguson, R. (2015). Local Food Systems and Global Sustainability. Sustainability Journal, 7(10), 13145–13162.
• Klaus, J. (2018). The Role of Policy in Promoting Sustainable Agriculture. Agriculture and Food Policy, 12(3), 203–217.
• Smith, A. (2017). Environmental Benefits of Local versus Industrial Farming. Environmental Science & Policy, 77, 84–91.
• Thompson, P. (2019). Economic Challenges of Local Food Initiatives. Journal of Rural Studies, 68, 102–110.
• United Nations. (2020). Sustainable Development Goals 2, 12 and 15. UN Sustainable Development Goals Reports.
• Jones, M. & Lee, K. (2021). Technological Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture. Agritech Journal, 4(4), 45–58.
• Harper, G. (2016). Community Engagement in Local Food Systems. Community Development Journal, 51(2), 236–250.
• OECD. (2022). Policies for Sustainable Agriculture. OECD Environmental Policy Papers.
• World Bank. (2019). Support for Smallholder Farmers and Sustainable Food Production. World Bank Reports.
• Martin, R. (2018). Consumers' Role in Promoting Local and Sustainable Food. Food Policy, 79, 55–62.