Challenges In The Global Business Environment Due Week 9

Challenges in the Global Business Environment Due Week 9

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 [URL needed]. Next, use a tablet, smartphone, laptop, desktop, or traditional video recorder to record a maximum of a five to seven (5-7) minute dynamic video on Apple’s Code of Conduct. Alternatively, you may submit a four to six (4-6) page paper instead of the video submission. In addition to the recorded video, 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.

Note: If you are using a tablet or smartphone you will need to email the video file to yourself, then save it to a computer in order to upload to Blackboard. You may want to upload your video to a file sharing service, such as Dropbox, if your email will not let you send a large video file. Dropbox is accessible from all smartphones and tablets from the Dropbox app. Once you are ready to upload your video to Blackboard, view the Kaltura video tutorial found in your online course shell (Week 9). Please use the following naming convention in the popup window for your video once it is finished uploading: 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: 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: 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 to submit 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.

Paper For Above instruction

The global business environment presents numerous challenges that organizations must navigate to operate successfully and ethically. Among these challenges are issues related to unethical business practices, rapid technological changes, and intense competition. Apple Inc., as a leading multinational corporation, has recognized the importance of maintaining high standards in its supply chain through its Supplier Code of Conduct. As Apple’s Chief Compliance Officer, it is essential to communicate these standards effectively to suppliers, ensuring they understand and adhere to the company’s expectations to sustain a responsible and sustainable business model.

Recent Changes to Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct

Over recent years, Apple has made several notable updates to its Supplier Code of Conduct, aligning with evolving global standards and societal expectations. These updates primarily aim to enhance labor rights, environmental responsibility, and ethical sourcing. One significant change includes the reinforcement of labor rights, emphasizing fair wages, reasonable working hours, and the prohibition of child and forced labor. For instance, Apple has worked with suppliers to implement more rigorous third-party audits to ensure compliance with these standards (Apple, 2022).

Another key change involves increasing focus on environmental sustainability. Apple has committed to reducing its supply chain’s carbon footprint by setting specific targets for renewable energy use and waste reduction. For example, the company has mandated that suppliers transition to 100% renewable energy sources at their facilities (Apple, 2022). Additionally, Apple has revised its policies to include stricter requirements for hazardous material management, requiring suppliers to eliminate or properly manage chemicals that pose environmental or health risks.

A third recent update pertains to accountability and transparency. Apple now mandates more transparent reporting from suppliers regarding workplace conditions, including the submission of audit reports and corrective action plans. This move aims to foster trust and ensure continuous compliance throughout the supply chain (Apple, 2022). These changes collectively reflect Apple’s commitment to uphold ethical practices while maintaining business competitiveness.

Explaining Changes to Suppliers

When communicating these changes to suppliers, clarity and practical guidance are essential. First, suppliers need to understand that adherence to fair labor practices is non-negotiable; this includes paying fair wages, limiting working hours to humane levels, and preventing child labor. Apple expects suppliers to conduct regular internal audits and cooperate fully with third-party inspectors to verify compliance (Apple, 2022).

Regarding environmental sustainability, suppliers should be aware that Apple now requires the integration of renewable energy solutions into their operations. Suppliers are encouraged to explore solar, wind, and other renewable sources to power manufacturing facilities. Apple will support suppliers through technical assistance and by providing resources to facilitate this transition (Apple, 2022).

Suppliers must also understand the importance of maintaining transparency. They are expected to maintain detailed records of working conditions, audit results, and corrective actions. Apple emphasizes that ongoing communication and open dialogue with the company are vital for compliance and to foster a culture of continuous improvement (Apple, 2022).

In summary, these updates to the Code of Conduct serve to reinforce Apple’s ethical standards, protect workers’ rights, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance supply chain transparency. Clear understanding and commitment from suppliers are crucial for safeguarding Apple’s reputation and ensuring long-term success.

Conclusion

Effective communication of these recent updates to Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct helps ensure that suppliers are aligned with the company’s values and standards. As Apple continues to lead in ethical business practices, it is vital that suppliers recognize their role in maintaining high standards of labor rights, environmental stewardship, and corporate accountability. By fostering a culture of compliance and transparency, Apple can sustain its mission of innovation and responsibility in the global marketplace.

References

• Apple Inc. (2022). Supplier Responsibility 2022 Progress Report. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/pdf/Apple_Supplier_Responsibility_Report_2022.pdf
• Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (Eds.). (2018). Corporate Social Responsibility: Concepts, Types and Theories. In Business Ethics (pp. 45-89). Oxford University Press.
• World Economic Forum. (2023). The Future of Supply Chain Sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-supply-chain-sustainability
• U.S. Department of Labor. (2021). Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/reports/child-labor
• United Nations Global Compact. (2020). Communicating on Progress: A Guide for Business. Retrieved from https://unglobalcompact.org/library/5744
• Halkias, D., & Balachander, S. (2020). Supply Chain Transparency and Consumer Trust. Journal of Business Ethics, 162(2), 345-359.
• Li, H., & Fung, H. (2019). Sustainable Development in Supply Chains: Challenges and Opportunities. International Journal of Production Economics, 211, 76-89.
• Nguyen, T., & Nguyen, T. (2021). Corporate Environmental Responsibility and Financial Performance. Sustainability, 13(4), 2205.
• Friedman, M. (1970). The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits. The New York Times Magazine.
• Hoek, J., & Sethi, S. P. (2020). Ethical Supply Chains and Corporate Reputation. Business & Society, 59(1), 131-164.