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To me, it really seems visible today that ethics is not something exterior to the economy, which as technical matter, could function on its own; rather, ethics is an interior principle of the economy itself, which cannot function if it does not take account of the human values of solidarity and reciprocal responsibility." Pope Benedict XVI Overview: In week six we explore the future of ethical business as a direct result of globalization. We examine the economic climate and the distribution of wealth and notion of distributive justice. We ask the ethical question: Do businesses that own 83% of the wealth have a moral obligation to spread the wealth around? The sub-theme is whether it is government’s role alone or through regulation of business to make the distribution less disparate.

Theme 1: The Effects of Globalization: The Role of Business in the Distribution of Wealth and Resources The effects of globalization have created an increasingly disparate division between the distributions of wealth in the world. The ownership of land, industry and natural resources is in the hands of large multinational corporations and the wealth of the world is in the hands of a few. The problem of justice and economic distribution, sometimes called distributive justice, is a question that faces the globe. Main questions include: What is fair and just in the distribution of the costs and rewards of an economic system? What different principles of distribution can be used, and what are the consequences of each different scheme or principle?

Should some versions of laissez–faire be adopted, or should communitarian/socialist scheme be used? (Helpful principles to discuss, Utilitarianism, John Rawls’ Theory of Justice, Robert Noziack’s libertarianism, Adam Smith’s invisible hand, Marxist (secular) or Christian, Jewish, Islamic socialism ). Read/View: · Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2016 · What Companies Control Everything? · 10 Countries with the Most Natural Resources · The Ethics of Redistribution. · The Ethics of Wealth Poverty and Inequality · The Effects of Globalization on Stakeholder Theory · Business Ethics as Competitive Advantage for Companies in the Globalization Era Subtheme: Should there be government regulation in this area and if so, how much, and what? · Distributive Justice · Role of government in Regulating Business Ethics · Compliance and Regulation: Johnson & Johnson · Business Ethics: The Law of Rules

Theme 2: The Effects of Globalization : Cultural Relativism and Morality “If you should be in Rome, live in the Roman manner; if you should be elsewhere, live as they do there” St. Ambrose. Modern version of the quote: When in Rome do as the Romans do. Overview: Continuing the theme of global ethical issues facing business in the 21st century is the concern that different cultures have different values, norms, and morality. Can you expect that your morals and values should be accepted by those businesses in another country and vice versa? The corollary question is: Can I ignore the company values and accept those that are contrary to mine but acceptable in the host country? · Ethical Relativism · Ethical Relativism and Business · Put Your Ethics To A Global Test · Integrity on a Global Scale You will recall that your Project Sponsor wanted to see a regular performance evaluation report. For this assignment, you will create a one-page summary report that includes the following items: Report / Executive Summary - Summarize the findings of your report briefly (1 or 2 paragraphs); this should include the major finding of your report, as well as your recommendations. It should be concise and direct. Current Status of Project -- In this section, you want to provide details regarding the current status. Tell whether or not the project is on or behind schedule, over or under budget. If there are variances, tell why they exist. What has gone wrong? What is going right? Provide the EVM data here, including CV, CPI, SV, & SPI. Explain what these values mean. Provide a brief analysis of what has happened in the project so that the reader understands why the variances exist, specifically. Forecast Future Performance - Based on the analysis, where is this project heading? Provide a forecast of future performance using EVM. What is the EACf and ETC for this project? Be sure to explain what these numbers mean in understandable terms. Recommendations - Based on your analysis, tell us what areas of the project are of concern. Is cost or time a concern in these areas? Does the scope need to be considered? What are some possible solutions for cost and schedule related problems that might be applicable? Supporting Data - If relevant to your calculations and analysis, provide supporting data in the final section of the report as an appendix. The supporting data is not constrained by the 1-page limit, but all other sections are.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT 4 Business Environment Student’s name University affiliation Business Environment Please describe the process you plan to use to conduct research, identify findings, and develop the Comprehensive Project due in Unit 5 The research will be a quantitative research that will be carried out using the systematic reviews research design that is the data will be collected from surveys, peer-reviewed articles and books on the corporate strategy of Apple Inc. and its potential to raise its competitive advantage (Martin, & Hanington, 2012). The research will therefore utilize secondary data from other researchers and reliable sources on the library and the internet. The research findings will be identified after the data collected is analyzed. Present a preliminary outline indicating how you intend to organize the project deliverable. Topic: Comprehensive Analysis of Apple Inc. Subtopic: Corporate strategy and competitive advantage analysis Introduction of the research’s overall topic. Research question: What is Apple Inc.’s corporate strategy and does it have the ability to grow its competitive advantage? Hypothesis: Apple Inc. has an intensive growth strategy and has the ability to raise its competitive advantage Thesis statement: Apple Inc. is among the top ten in the Fortune 500 companies and has managed it through its corporate strategy and there is no doubt it has a high competitive advantage that has a rising motion. Corporate background: · Company description · Financial description Research plan; the information required to prove the research hypothesis and to answer the research question. This include: 1. Literature review 2. Research methodology: · Research design- systematic review · Data collection techniques · Data analysis: competitor’s analysis, market and industry analysis. Reference page References Martin, B. & Hanington, B. (2012). Universal methods of design: 100 ways to research complex problems, develop innovative ideas, and design effective solutions. Beverly, MA: Rockport Publishers. Comprehensive Project Due in Unit 5 Unit: Evaluating Performance Deliverable Length: 5 Pages The most popular way for international expansion is for a local firm to acquire foreign companies. One of the most benefits for international expansion is global distribution capability that helps expanding the market share. There are different implications of running a company that is within or outside of the European Union. If you were the head of a firm based in the United States, please answer the following questions, providing the rationale behind your answers: 1. Would you seek to acquire a company within the European Union or outside of it? Why? 2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the choice you made. 3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages inherent in the option you did not choose. 4. Explain why an MNC may invest funds in a financial market outside its own country. 5. Explain why some financial institutions prefer to provide credit in financial markets outside their own country. APA - deliverable is cited properly according to the APA Publication Manual (6th Ed.)

Paper For Above instruction

The intricate relationship between ethics and economics underscores a fundamental shift in understanding morality within the context of global business. Traditionally, economics was viewed as a domain separate from moral considerations; however, contemporary scholarship, including remarks by Pope Benedict XVI, emphasize that ethics are intrinsic to economic functioning. Ethics influence how businesses distribute wealth, adhere to cultural norms, and uphold moral responsibility in a globalized environment. This paper explores the role of ethics in the global economy, focusing on issues of wealth distribution, cultural relativism, and the moral responsibilities of multinational corporations (MNCs).

Firstly, the effects of globalization have notably amplified disparities in wealth distribution worldwide. Multinational corporations control substantial natural resources and economic assets, leading to concerns about distributive justice—the fair allocation of costs and benefits across societies. Ethical theories provide varying principles to address these disparities. Utilitarianism advocates for maximizing overall happiness, while John Rawls’ Theory of Justice emphasizes fairness, particularly benefiting the least advantaged. Libertarianism, championed by Robert Noziack, prioritizes individual rights and minimal state intervention, whereas Marxist and religious perspectives critique the capitalist accumulation that fuels inequality. The debate centers on whether laissez-faire approaches or socialist schemes best promote justice, considering their societal consequences.

The question of government regulation remains pivotal. Proponents argue that regulatory frameworks are essential to mitigate wealth disparity, enforce ethical business practices, and ensure social responsibility. For instance, corporate scandals like Johnson & Johnson’s compliance issues underscore the importance of regulatory oversight. Conversely, opponents fear excessive regulation could stifle innovation and economic freedom. An optimal regulatory approach balances encouraging free markets with protecting societal interests, including equitable wealth distribution. Academic literature suggests that combined efforts—regulation complemented by corporate self-regulation—can foster ethical economic behaviors.

Secondly, cultural relativism introduces complexities in ethical business practices. Different cultures possess distinct moral norms and values, which influence corporate conduct abroad. The adage "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" encapsulates this relativism, prompting questions about respecting local customs versus maintaining universal ethical standards. Ethical relativism challenges global corporations to navigate conflicting moral expectations without compromising core principles. For example, practices acceptable in one country may be deemed unethical in another, raising dilemmas about imposing home-country standards versus adapting to local norms. The discourse emphasizes the importance of conducting global ethical assessments and fostering integrity across diverse cultural landscapes.

In addition to ethical considerations, project management evaluations, as exemplified through Earned Value Management (EVM), play a crucial role in assessing the status of business initiatives. The analysis of project variances—cost overruns, schedule delays, and performance indices—provides insights into current project health and future performance. Accurate assessment of Cost Variance (CV), Schedule Variance (SV), Cost Performance Index (CPI), and Schedule Performance Index (SPI) informs decision-makers about the trajectory of ongoing projects. For instance, a CPI below 1 indicates cost inefficiency, necessitating corrective action to realign project expenditures with budgets. Similarly, an SPI below 1 signals schedule slippage. Predicted estimates such as Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) guide strategic adjustments, ensuring projects meet their objectives efficiently.

Furthermore, the strategic management of corporate expansion involves cross-border acquisitions, which have become a prevalent mode of international growth. If leading a U.S.-based firm, the decision to acquire a company within or outside the European Union hinges on various factors. Acquiring within the EU offers advantages such as harmonized regulatory environments, access to a large integrated market, and simplified legal procedures, fostering smoother integration. However, challenges include navigating diverse cultural norms and potential bureaucratic hurdles. Conversely, acquisitions outside the EU may present opportunities for untapped markets and unique resources but pose substantial risks related to legal discrepancies, currency fluctuations, and political instability. Experts recommend comprehensive due diligence and strategic analysis to balance these considerations.

Investment decisions by Multinational Corporations (MNCs) often extend beyond their national borders. Investing in foreign financial markets allows diversification, access to emerging opportunities, and strategic influence. Financial institutions prefer external markets due to higher returns, lower regulatory constraints, and the potential for hedging currency risks. Similarly, providing credit internationally enables banks to capitalize on growth prospects in developing regions, manage credit risks through diversified portfolios, and foster global economic integration. Such cross-border financial activities are integral to multinational economic strategies, but they demand rigorous risk assessments and compliance frameworks to mitigate potential losses.

This comprehensive analysis underscores that ethics, cultural understanding, strategic decisions, and financial considerations are deeply intertwined in the landscape of international business. Ethical frameworks serve as guiding principles to ensure justice and integrity amidst global disparities, while strategic expansion and investment decisions require careful evaluation of risks, opportunities, and cultural sensitivities. Ultimately, responsible corporate conduct and strategic agility are vital for sustainable growth and global competitiveness in an interconnected economy.

References

• Brenkert, G. G. (2010). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. Oxford University Press.
• Description of Ethical Theories, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2016). https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics/
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Basic Books.
• Marx, K. (1867). Capital: A Critique of Political Economy. Penguin Classics.
• Johnson & Johnson. (2019). Corporate Compliance and Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.jnj.com/
• Credit Suisse. (2016). Global Wealth Report 2016. Retrieved from https://www.credit-suisse.com
• Rodrik, D. (2018). Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a S #-Gghn World. Princeton University Press.
• Shleifer, A., & Vishny, R. W. (1997). The Limits of Arbitrage. The Journal of Finance, 52(1), 35–55.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.