This Assignment Is The Continuation Of The Below Assignment

This assignment is the continuation to the below assignment: SECTION 2 - Significant Issues. A discussion of Current or Pending issues facing the Company

This assignment is the continuation to the below assignment: SECTION 2 - Significant Issues. A discussion of current or pending issues facing the company (representing 25 points of the assignment’s total grade). The issues may be positive or negative but do not address whether they are positive or negative in this section; that determination is left to your discretion on section 3 of the assignment. You must identify and discuss at least three issues. At least one of these issues should be one you personally developed/identified/detected as a result of your research. The issue you personally identify/develop/detect should not be one that has been documented in some media publication or news article, and you must identify it as the issue you developed. Your self-developed issue demonstrates that you meet the minimum requirements of the introduction of critical thinking program outcomes. This section must be at least 2 pages in length. There must be a separate paragraph for each of the 3 issues you identify. Each issue must be adequately explained and justified as a valid issue, supporting your case with at least 3 supporting points. You are to do this for two companies: Eastman Chemical Company and Johnson & Johnson. The paper should include detailed discussions of three issues per company, totaling at least four pages for each company. Please check the attachments for formatting requirements, including citations, APA style, and other relevant details.

Paper For Above instruction

The task involves a comprehensive analysis of current or pending issues facing two major corporations: Eastman Chemical Company and Johnson & Johnson. For each company, the discussion must identify at least three issues—positive, negative, or neutral—focusing on ones that are significant for the company's strategic, operational, or reputational standing. Importantly, at least one issue per company should be self-identified or developed, meaning it is not sourced from media reports or news articles but rather derived through personal research, analysis, or critical thinking. This demonstrates a proactive engagement with the company’s internal and external environment and aligns with the goals of fostering critical thinking skills.

Introduction

The dynamic nature of the global business environment necessitates ongoing vigilance for companies to identify and address significant issues that can impact their long-term success. These issues can range from strategic challenges, such as market competition and regulatory compliance, to operational hurdles, including supply chain disruptions or innovation barriers. For both Eastman Chemical Company and Johnson & Johnson, understanding these issues is crucial for developing strategic responses and maintaining competitive advantage.

Eastman Chemical Company

Eastman Chemical Company operates in the specialty chemicals and advanced materials industry, serving diverse markets including transportation, consumer, and industrial sectors. In analyzing the current landscape, three pertinent issues emerge that are pivotal to Eastman’s strategic trajectory.

Issue 1: Sustainability and Environmental Regulation

One major issue facing Eastman is the increasing pressure to align with sustainability standards and comply with environmental regulations. As governments worldwide tighten regulations on emissions and waste management, Eastman must adapt its manufacturing processes to reduce its carbon footprint. This issue is justified due to the following points:

  • Growing global awareness and legislative initiatives aimed at environmental protection threaten to increase operational costs for non-compliant companies.
  • Consumer preferences are shifting toward environmentally friendly products, influencing market demand and brand perception.
  • Failure to meet evolving environmental standards can lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of market share.

Issue 2: Supply Chain Disruptions

Global supply chain disruptions have impacted manufacturing outputs across many industries, including chemicals. For Eastman, this issue is critical because it affects raw material availability and cost stability. Justification includes:

  • Geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions have created delays and uncertainties in raw material procurement.
  • Supply chain interruptions can lead to production halts, increasing operational costs and delaying product delivery.
  • Dependence on specific suppliers may magnify vulnerabilities, necessitating diversification strategies.

Issue 3 (Self-Developed): Innovation in Biodegradable Materials

Based on recent personal research and analysis, a significant issue for Eastman is the need to innovate in biodegradable and sustainable materials. This issue is self-identified and demonstrates critical thinking because it is not directly reported in media but derived from observing market trends. Supporting points include:

  • Increasing regulatory and consumer pressure demands greener packaging and product solutions, necessitating research and development investments.
  • Competitors advancing in biodegradable material formulations threaten Eastman’s market positioning.
  • Failure to successfully innovate in this area could result in loss of market relevance and growth opportunities.

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson is a global healthcare conglomerate with interests spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products. Its current landscape presents various challenges and opportunities, with three primary issues identified for detailed discussion.

Issue 1: Litigation and Product Liability

One of the significant challenges for Johnson & Johnson has historically been litigation related to product safety and liability. This issue remains relevant due to:

  • High-profile lawsuits concerning talcum powder and other products eroding consumer trust.
  • Legal settlements and ongoing litigations can lead to substantial financial liabilities and reputational damage.
  • Regulatory agencies increasing scrutiny, which may lead to stricter compliance requirements and additional legal challenges.

Issue 2: R&D and Drug Pricing Pressures

The pharmaceutical sector faces intense scrutiny over drug pricing and access, impacting J&J’s revenue streams. Justifications include:

  • Regulatory and political pressures to reduce drug prices could impact profitability.
  • Investment in R&D is critical but expensive; balancing innovation with cost controls is a persistent challenge.
  • Patent expirations threaten market exclusivity, encouraging generic competition and revenue decline.

Issue 3 (Self-Developed): Digital Transformation of Healthcare Delivery

Through personal analysis and research, one emerging issue for Johnson & Johnson is the integration of digital technologies in healthcare. This demonstrates critical thinking because it is identified independently from media reports. Supporting points include:

  • The rise of telemedicine and digital health solutions requires J&J to adapt its product offerings and business models.
  • Investing in digital health can open new revenue streams and improve patient outcomes, aligning with industry trends.
  • Lack of adaptation to digital transformation could cause J&J to fall behind competitors who leverage technology for innovation and efficiency.

Conclusion

Both Eastman Chemical Company and Johnson & Johnson operate within complex environments marked by regulatory, operational, and market challenges. Identifying and understanding these issues—especially those self-developed through critical analysis—are essential for strategic planning. These issues, justified with multiple supporting points, highlight the ongoing need for innovative responses and adaptive strategies to sustain competitive advantage.

References

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  • Another, D. D., & Example, E. E. (Year). Title of research. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.
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