Challenges In The Global Business Environment Due Wee 101511

Challenges In The Global Business Environmentdue Week 9

Assignment 2: Challenges in the Global Business Environment Due Week 9 and worth 330 points 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 . 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. You must submit both parts of the assignment to receive full credit. 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: Video Presentation OR Paper Prepare and present a video that is a maximum of five to seven (5-7) minutes OR 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 challenges faced by global businesses today are multifaceted, driven largely by unethical practices, rapid technological change, and intense competition. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of corporate responsibility and ethical standards, exemplified by leading companies like Apple. As Apple’s Chief Compliance Officer, it is crucial to communicate effectively with suppliers about the company’s Supplier Code of Conduct, which encapsulates the organization’s commitment to ethical and responsible business practices.

Recent changes to Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct reflect the company’s evolving priorities in corporate social responsibility (CSR). One significant update pertains to labor and human rights. Apple has intensified its focus on fair labor practices, ensuring that suppliers adhere strictly to prohibitions against child labor, forced labor, and excessive working hours. For example, Apple’s 2022 update explicitly mandated regular audits and strict remediation processes to prevent labor violations, reinforcing their stance on safeguarding workers’ rights (Apple, 2022). These changes demonstrate Apple’s commitment to creating a safe and equitable working environment across its supply chain.

Another critical change involves environmental sustainability. Apple has committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly practices among its suppliers. The company now requires suppliers to meet specific environmental standards, such as utilizing renewable energy and reducing hazardous waste. An illustrative example is Apple’s partnership with suppliers to transition to 100% renewable energy sources, which is projected to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with production processes (Apple, 2023). This reinforces Apple’s accountability in mitigating climate impact and leading industry-wide sustainability initiatives.

Health and safety standards have also been enhanced through recent updates. Apple emphasizes that suppliers must adhere to rigorous health and safety protocols, including proper equipment maintenance and worker safety training. For instance, Apple’s recent directive mandates annual safety audits and enhanced safety training programs, aiming to minimize workplace accidents and protect workers’ well-being (Apple, 2023). Clear communication of these standards ensures suppliers understand Apple’s expectations and maintain high safety standards.

Accountability mechanisms have been tightened with the latest revisions to ensure compliance and transparency. Apple now implements more rigorous reporting requirements and third-party audits. A notable example is the introduction of real-time monitoring systems that track supplier compliance metrics, enabling Apple to identify and address violations promptly (Apple, 2023). These updates highlight Apple’s proactive approach to accountability and its determination to uphold its CSR commitments.

In addition to the detailed video presentation, a PowerPoint summarizing these key points further aids understanding among suppliers. The slides would focus on Apple's commitment to empowering workers, respecting labor rights, fostering health and safety, environmental responsibility, and accountability measures. Visual aids, such as graphs showing emission reductions or photographs of safety training sessions, can enhance engagement and clarity. Speaker notes would elaborate on the importance of each area, emphasizing Apple’s role in fostering a responsible supply chain that aligns with their CSR values.

The organizational benefits of Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct are evident in its promotion of social responsibility, stakeholder trust, and sustainable operations. The code enables Apple to maintain its reputation as a conscientious corporate entity while setting industry standards. Continuous updates and transparent communication ensure that suppliers understand and meet these standards, ultimately fostering a culture of responsibility and ethical behavior within the supply chain.

References

  • Apple. (2022). Supplier Responsibility 2022 Progress Report. Apple Inc.
  • Apple. (2023). Environment and Social Responsibility Highlights. Apple Inc.
  • Johnson, P. (2021). Corporate Social Responsibility in Modern Supply Chains. Journal of Business Ethics, 170(3), 567-580.
  • Smith, L. & Adams, R. (2020). Ethical Supply Chain Management. Business and Society Review, 125(2), 245-266.
  • United Nations Global Compact. (2022). Business Principles for Responsible Management Education. UN Global Compact.
  • Harvard Business Review. (2021). Building Ethical Supply Chains. HBR.org.
  • Sustainable Business. (2023). Corporate Sustainability Reporting: Trends and Best Practices. SustainableBusiness.com.
  • World Economic Forum. (2022). The Future of Sustainable Supply Chains. WEF Report.
  • Environmental Working Group. (2021). Corporate Commitments to Climate Action. EWG.org.
  • Global Reporting Initiative. (2020). GRI Standards for Sustainability Reporting. GRI.org.