BUSINESS AND ITS ENVIRONMENT
MANA 3002
Fall Semester 2012
Professor:
Dr. Kathleen Rehbein
Office Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday,
Office:
DS218
Office Phone:
288-1446
Email:
11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
3:15 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. (Tuesday only)
Kathleen.rehbein@marquette.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
To understand how business, government, and society interact in the United States and around the
the world. In particular four questions are addressed:
 How do firms manage their immediate stakeholder relationships?
 How does business engage in business ethically?
 How does business engage in the public policy process?
 What roles do multinational corporations play in the global political economy?
 To think deeply about a wide range of social issues confronting businesses today and to
learn how to anticipate new issues as they emerge.
To learn the basics of ethical analysis, its application in business settings, and its role in managing the
business-society interface.
REQUIRED READINGS:
Text:
Lawrence, A., Weber, J. and Post, J. Business and Societ , 12th Edition
Chouinard, Let My People Go Surfing
A Case Packet of Class Readings, http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cb/access/14793807
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COURSE DESIGN
Classes: This is primarily a discussion-based course. Most sessions will center on cases and in class
exercises. We will also spend time discussing the ideas in the chapters and readings, especially as they
relate to the cases and the specific exercises that we will be doing. I will (hopefully) keep lecturing to a
minimum.
Preparation: The content of the discussion will be more interesting if you take the time to read and
reflect on the cases and issues we are covering. Please keep up with the schedule of assignments. If
you are having a problem preparing for the class, please let me know in advance by e-mail or before
class.
Class Participation: Your participation in class discussion is essential. Participation grades will be
based on quality and to a certain extent quantity. After each session, I will try to evaluate your
contribution. If you miss a session, you will receive a zero for the day. Obviously, poor attendance or
unsatisfactory participation can affect your final participation grade
Technology: I will be using the D2l site for this class. On this site, you will be able to access all the
handouts, slides, and assignment sheets. .
CLASS MEETING SCHEDULE AND QUESTIONS FOR CLASS DISCUSSION
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Aug 30
Introduction
Corporate Social Responsibility
Readings: Chapter 3,
The Story of Stuff, www.storyofstuff.org
Mini assignment: How do you practice social responsibility in your own life? What are the options that
you have available to you for solving social issues? Do you think that your choices can make a
difference? (need to identify three or five reasons for why they might and why they might not). Please
write up your thoughts, this will be for discussion and handed in for your participation grade.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Sept 4
The Corporation and Its Stakeholders
Chapter 1
Case: Boss Hog ( a class handout)
Study Question: Identify the stakeholders involved in the issue.
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Sept 6
Interacting With Stakeholders / Fringe Stakeholders
Case: Interacting With Coca-Cola’s Business Practices (d2l)
Study Question: Who are some of the key stakeholders that Coca – Cola is facing?
___________________________________________________________________________________
Sept 11
Selecting Corporate Targets
Case: Of Orangutans and Chainsaws: Cargill Inc. Confronts the Rainforest Action Network
Advocacy
Study Question: Why was Cargill selected as an activist target?
Group Exercise: www.un.org/milleniumgoals, Check out this website and read through the different UN
millennium goals. Pick one of the global social problems that you want to examine in more depth.
Gap Minder Assignment: View the video on Global Mindsets by Hans Rosling at:
http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_at_state.html to get an understanding of the Gapminder data and
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the way that Rosling has been able to gain new insights about the world from it.
Brief Group Presentations of important issues based on data from the Gapminder!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Sept 13
Defining Social Innovation/Social Entrepreneurship
Mini Cases: Examining The Fix It Columns, David Bornstein and Tina Rosenberg,
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/category/fixes/
Group Mini Assignment: Each group will do a brief write up and discuss the Fix It column that they
selected. The columns highlight the social problem as well as possible solutions. For additional solutions
to the selected issue, visit the following websites www.invennovations.com/index.html, www.ashoka.org,
or www.ssir.org (Stanford Social Innovation Review) as well as the Skoll Foundation and Manhattan
Institute website. In conclusion, make it clear what your group felt was the best approach to the social
problem.
Case: Vision Spring (d2l)
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Sept 18 Social Innovation/Social Entrepreneurship
Guest Lecture: David Bornstein, Social Entrepreneur in Residence
____________________________________________________________________________________
Sept 20 Social Entrepreneurship
Case:
Kiva/Banco Compartamos
Study Question: What is the best approach to helping new entrepreneurs in developing countries? A
nonprofit or a for profit approach?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Sept 25
Global Futures
Reading: Serving the World’s Poor Profitably (d2l)
Case: Africa: One Bicycle At A Time (d2l)
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Sept 27
Issues Management
Background Reading: Chapter 2
Google in China (in your textbook)
Case: The Nonmarket Environment of Google (in your packet)
Study Question: Critique the social performance of Google and their handling of human rights issues in
China.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Oct 2
Issues Management
Case:
Disney Consumer Products: Marketing Nutrition to Children
Background Information: Supersize me
Study Question: Where is the obesity issue in the issue life cycle?
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Oct 4
First Exam
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Oct 9
Valerie Beech, Research Librarian
First Group Homework Due
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Oct 11
Crisis Management
Readings: Crisis Management (Chapter 19, pp. 445 – 448)
Case: Mattel and Toy Safety (A) (in your packet)
Study Question: Critique the crisis management of Mattel.
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Oct 16
Ecology and Sustainable Development in Global Business
Readings: Chapter 10
The Fishing Simulation
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Oct 23
Begin Discussing Environmental Issues
Readings: Chapter 11
Assignment: Calculate your ecological footprint at: www.footprintnetwork.org bring your
global footprint to class with you. What is your global footprint? How many earths does it
take to sustain your lifestyle? What are the implications?
Let My People Go Surfing – Book Report Due
____________________________________________________________________________________
Oct 25
Creating Solutions, Using IDEO’s Human Centered Design
Classroom Exercise: Brainstorming about possible solutions for pressing social issues
Second Group Homework Assignment
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Oct 30
Corporate Citizenship and Public/Private Partnerships
Readings: Chapter 7
Case: Timberland and Justice (in your course packet)
Study Question: What are the strengths and weaknesses with respect to Timberland’s public/private
partnerships? Critique the corporate citizenship of Timberland.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Nov 1
Corporate Citizenship
Background Readings: Merchant of Doom/
Walmart – Admired Competitor (electronic reserve)
View BEFORE class: The New Age of Wal-Mart,
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1302753654&play=1
Case: Sustainability of Wal-Mart
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Study Question: Critique the firm’s environmental strategy and corporate citizenship.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Nov 6 Business/Government Strategy – Influencing the Policy Environment
Chapter 9
Discuss The Ethical Implications of Corporate Political Actions
Case: Citizens United vs. the Federal Election Commission
Study Question: What has been the impact of Citizens United on the 2012 campaigns?
__________________________________________________________________________________
Nov 8
Values and Ethics
Readings: Chapters 5
Discussion of Ethical Dilemmas
Written Assignment: Bring a one page description of an ethical dilemma (appropriately disguised if
necessary) that you or someone you know has faced at work. Be prepared to share it with the class.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Nov 13
Values and Ethics
Chapter 4
Case: Advanced Technology Lab (Electronic Reserve)
Study Question: What are some of the ethical issues associated with ultrasound equipment? What is the
best approach for resolving some of these issues?
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Nov 15 Second Exam
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Nov 20 Practicing the Pitch For Your Final Project
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Nov 27
Implementing Ethical Issues
Exercise: Implementing Ethics
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Nov 29
Challenges of Globalization
Readings: Chapter 6
Case: The UN Global Compact: Talking about Global Regulation (d2l)
Study Question: What should firms do when they are doing business in countries with different cultural
norms concerning ethics?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Corruption In International Business
Case: Culture Clash in the Boardroom
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Study Question: When a company is doing business overseas whose ethical values should guide
decisionmaking (the home or the host country?)
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Dec 4
International Ethics
Case: IKEA’s Global Sourcing Challenge: Indian Rugs and Child Labor (A) (in your course
packet)
Study Question: Critique the global social performance of IKEA
___________________________________________________________________________________
Dec 6 Final Presentation
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS
This course requires you to think critically about social and political issues in business and to write
extensively about them. I will grade your performance based on six requirements 1) two exams
2) participation exercises 3) two graded case analyses (in memo form) 4) four pass/ fail analyses of the
cases (also in memo form) 5) a book report and 6) a team project (which includes two exercises, a
presentation and a group paper)
Individual Participation Exercises (Pass/Fail):
Aug 30: (Brief write up) How do you practice social responsibility in your own life? What are the options
that you have available to you for solving social issues? Do you think that your choices can make a
difference? (need to identify both sides of the question, three or four reasons why them may or may not
have an impact) Please write up your thoughts, this will be for discussion and handed in for your
participation grade.
Sept 6: Written Assignment: Identify the stakeholders of Coca Cola and identify their interests and
concerns. Which of the stakeholders are definitive? Based on this analysis, what immediate action does
Coca Cola need to take? What kind of long term strategies should they undertake? (this does not count
as a written case)
Oct 23: Calculate your ecological footprint at www.footprintnetwork.org and bring your global footpint to
class with you.. What is your global footprint? How many earths does it take to sustain your lifestyle?
What are the implications of this finding? What are some of the things that you could change to lessen
your impact?
Nov 8: Written Assignment: Bring a one page description of an ethical dilemma (appropriately disguised
if necessary) that you or someone you know has faced at work. Be prepared to share it with the class.
Group Participation Exercises (Pass/Fail):
Sept 11: Group Gap Minder Group Assignment (Sept 11): View the video on Global
Mindsets by Hans Rosling at: http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_at_state.html to get an
understanding of the Gapminder data and the way that Rosling has been able to gain new
insights about the world from it. Then, working in pairs, go to the actual database and utility,
http://www.gapminder.org/, and play around with the database. Pick a focus that you believe to
be of potential importance to business and to the world, then select some key indicators, and run
as many analyses as needed to illustrate what has happened over time to your indicators. The
assignment involves a brief powerpoint presentation.
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Powerpoint presentation: Prepare a powerpoint presentation that graphically (and with
words)(using key charts) illustrates your analysis, findings, and interpretation (no more than 2
slides, but be sure that at least one of them includes a chart of your findings). (20 points)
Sept 13: Group Mini Assignment: Each group will do a brief write up and discuss the Fix It column that
they selected. The columns highlight the social problem as well as possible solutions. For additional
solutions to the selected issue, visit the following websites www.invennovations.com/index.html,
www.ashoka.org, or www.ssir.org (Stanford Social Innovation Review) as well as the Skoll Foundation
and Manhattan Institute website. In conclusion, make it clear what your group felt was the best approach
to the social problem.
Case Analyses Memos:
The managers in the cases confront basic questions about the key issues facing the company,
understanding why the issues emerge and finally what should be done about them. For each case, I
have prepared some specific questions that are part of the syllabus. The case analyses assignments are
due the day that we discuss them in class.
You are required to complete two graded case analyses memos. One of them must be turned in by
October 16th!! The memos must be written using a memo format, headlines single-spaced, a maximum
of three pages. In analyzing these cases, your general focus should be on the corporation’s strategic
response to nonmarket challenges. In each case, unless otherwise noted, assume that you are advising
top management about how to deal effectively with the pressing social issue. Use astute and creative
reasoning in developing recommendations. You should also justify your analysis and recommendations
by integrating material from the class.
You do not need to use outside sources to complete these case analyses. In analyzing the cases, you
can rely on the text, readings, class notes and the text of the assigned cases. If you quote or merely
restate materials from the readings or cases, then you should cite the material and include a bibliography.
If you do not do this, I will not accept the case (CITE). I also will not accept the case, if similar memos are
turned in by different students. This work must be done independently!!!!!
Pass/Fail Case Assignments: In addition to the two graded case analyses, you need to select four
additional cases to analyze. This pass/fail case should be a one page, typewritten analysis of the case.
In this pass/fail assignment. For the pass/fail case, you need to assume that you work for the key
company in the case. Identify the main nonmarket (social, political, ethical) issue that the firm is facing.
Secondly, provide a recommendation for the company, making it clear why it is the best solution. These
also need to be written using a memo format. You must also complete one of the pass/fail
assignments by October 16th.
Also a reminder, you may complete three graded cases, I will take the best two out of three. For any
case write up, you may email it to me and I will provide you with feedback before you turn in your
assignment.
1. Of Orangutans and Chainsaws: Cargill Inc. Confronts the Rainforest Action Network
Advocacy – Sept 11
Graded Case Write Up (Two to three pages) : Assume that you are advising Gregory Page, Cargill Inc.
In the description of the problem, briefly explain RAN’s demands of Cargill. Also explain why the
company should pay attention to these demands. In the analysis (evaluation of the problem), identify the
important stakeholders involved with this situation. Are any of them definitive? Are there demands
conflicting (from Cargill’s perspective)? Why is it difficult for the company to give into the demands of
RAN? In terms of natural resources, what are a corporation’s responsibilities with respect to natural
resources? In the alternatives section, develop some suggestions for Gregory Page, what are the
advantages and disadvantages of each of these alternatives? In the recommendation section, select the
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best option and make clear why it is the best alternative for the company.
Pass/Fail Write Up (One Page): Assume that you are advising Gregory Page, Cargill, Inc. In the
description of the problem, briefly explain RAN’s demands of Cargill. Also explain why the company
should pay attention to these demands. In the recommendation section, select the best option and make
clear why it is the best alternative for the company.
2. Kiva/ Banco Compartamos – Sept 20
Graded Case Write Up: Assume you have been hired to give advice to future social entrepreneurs. First
in the description of the problem, describe the social the kind of market failure and/or social gap was Kiva
and Banco Compartamos are addressing and why it is important? Secondly in the analysis section,
compare and contrast Kiva and Banco thoroughly. Make sure that you discuss the key strengths and
weaknesses of each organization. Thirdly, what alternatives do organizations like Kiva and Banco have
in terms of moving forward? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your suggestions? (you may
have separate suggestions for each organization). What is your final recommendation for each
organization? What is your advice for future social entreprenuers,given what you have learned in looking
at Kiva and Banco?
Pass/Fail Write Up (One Page): Assume you have been hired to give advice to future social
entrepreneurs. First in the description of the problem, describe the social the kind of market failure and/or
social gap was Kiva and Banco Compartamos are addressing and why it is important? What is your final
recommendation for each organization? What is your advice for future social entreprenuers,given what
you have learned in looking at Kiva and Banco?
3. Africa: One Bicycle At A Time – Sept 25
Graded Case Write Up: Assume that you work for Acirfa and you are trying to help the company to
succeed. In the description of the problem, briefly describe the problems that the company is trying to
address. Secondly, briefly describe why it may be difficult for a company, new start up to succeed. In the
analysis of the situation, address the following points. First of all, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses
of the company. Secondly, identify the opportunities and threats that the firm is facing. How is the
company addressing some of the issues associated with the bottom of the pyramid? What are some of
the alternatives that the firm should consider as it moves forward? What are the advantages and
disadvantages associated with each alternative? Provide your final recommendation.
Pass Fail Write Up: Assume that you work for Acirfa and you are trying to help the company to succeed.
In the description of the problem, briefly describe the problems that the company is trying to address.
Secondly, briefly describe why it may be difficult for a company, new start up to succeed. What are some
of the threats and opportunities that the company is facing? Lastly, what does the company need to do to
continue to grow, increase its scale?
4. Google in China, The Nonmarket Environment of Google – Sept 27
Graded Write Up: Assume that you work for Google and are reporting to top management. In your
description of the problem, briefly discuss some of the issues that Google is facing and their potential
impact on the firm. In your analysis, critique how well Google has dealt with its nonmarket issues and
stakeholder relationships (strengths and weaknesses). Specifically, what were some of the challenges
that Google faced in entering the Chinese market? Given the challenges that the company is facing,
what types of options does the company have for resolving its problems? (in general and with respect to
China) What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with these options? What is your final
recommendation and why?
Pass/Fail Write Up: Assume that you work for Google and are reporting to top management. In your
description of the problem, briefly discuss some of the issues that Google is facing and their potential
impact on the firm. What is your final recommendation for the firm in term of how it should deal with its
nonmarket issues (can be general as well as address specific issues).
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5. Disney Consumer Products: Marketing Nutrition to Children – Oct 2
Assume that you are working for Disney, in the description of the problem, explain its recent concerns
about childhood obesity and possible impact on the company. In your evaluation, first answer the
question is it a good idea for Disney to directly participate in the children’s food business, why or why not?
Also briefly discuss the issue of childhood obesity, where is the issue in its life cycle? What are the social
and corporate obligations for food companies to be honest about their products? What are the ethical
and moral responsibilities of food companies to safeguard the health of their customers and encourage
healthy eating habits? Also discuss the responsibility of the government in resolving this issue? In terms
of alternatives, what can Disney do to make its food healthier? If reducing childhood obesity is a goal,
what alternatives does the firm have for addressing this issue? Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of each option. Lastly, provide your final recommendation to Disney for addressing
obesity issues.
Pass/Fail Write Up: Assume that you are working for Disney, in the description of the problem, explain its
recent concerns about childhood obesity and possible impact on the company. Lastly, provide your final
recommendation to Disney for addressing obesity issues. Also discuss briefly the responsibility of the
government in resolving this issue.
6. Mattel and Food Safety – Oct 9
Graded Write Up: Assume that you work for Mattel. In a description of the problem, explain the crisis that
the company is facing? What is the potential impact on the firm of this problem? (Description of the
problem) In the analysis section, you need to identify the major stakeholders involved. What are Mattel’s
strengths and weaknesses in terms of its stakeholder relationships? How well is the firm prepared for the
crisis? (crisis preparation, discuss strengths and weaknesses of preparation) What options does the firm
have for coping with the situation, both in the short and long term? What are the advantages and
disadvantages with each alternative? What is your final recommendation, make sure it is clear what the
long term response should be for minimizing future crises as well as the short term actions that the firm
should undertake.
Pass/Fail Write Up: Assume that you work for Mattel. In a description of the problem, explain the crisis
that the company is facing? What is the potential impact on the firm of this problem? What is your final
recommendation, make sure it is clear what the long term response should be for minimizing future crises
as well as the short term actions that the firm should undertake.
7. Timberland and Justice – Oct 30
Graded Write Up: Assume that you are working for Timberland. In the description of the problem, explain
the challenges that the firm is facing as it improves its corporate citizenship. Why are these important
issues to consider, how can it help Timberland? In the analysis section, evaluate the firm’s relationship
with the community? (from a domestic perspective) What have been the benefits to the company from its
approach to its domestic community involvement, critique the company’s three partnerships. What are
the risks associated with these partnerships? What are some of the challenges in trying to improve its
international social performance? Is Timberland a leader in terms of global corporate citizenship, why or
why not? What options does the company have and what are the advantages and disadvantages
associated with these choices?(to address measurement issues, international social responsibility and its
partnerships) What is your final recommendation to Timberland?
Pass/Fail Write Up: : Assume that you are working for Timberland. In the description of the problem,
explain the challenges that the firm is facing as it improves its corporate citizenship. Why are these
important issues to consider, how can it help Timberland? What is your final recommendation to
Timberland for addressing measurement issues, international social responsibility and its partnerships?
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8. Sustainabiltiy of Wal-Mart – Nov 1
Graded Case Write Up: Assume you work for Wal-Mart, and you are trying to help Wal-Mart continue to
improve its corporate citizenship. In the description of the problem, why did Wal-Mart decide to focus on
environmental initiatives? What is the possible impact on the company? (the benefits?). In your
analysis, what are some of the factors that have led to success in each of the three areas that the
company has focused on, seafood, electronics, and textiles. Have all these initiatives been profitable as
well? How has Wal-Mart motivated its suppliers to become more environmentally sensitive? Overall,
how would you critique the company’s stakeholder management with respect to its environmental
initiatives? What alternatives does Wal-Mart have in terms of strengthening its environmental stance?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each one? What is your final recommendation with
respect to Wal-Mart in terms of strengthening its environmental strategy as well as improving its corporate
citizenship?
Pass/Fail Write Up: Assume you work for Wal-Mart, and you are trying to help Wal-Mart continue to
improve its corporate citizenship. In the description of the problem, why did Wal-Mart decide to focus on
environmental initiatives? What is the possible impact on the company? (the benefits?) What is your
final recommendation with respect to Wal-Mart in terms of strengthening its environmental strategy as
well as improving its corporate citizenship?
9. Citizen’s United vs. the Federal Election Commission - Nov 6
Graded Case Write Up: Assume that you work for a nonprofit organization critiquing the Supreme Court’s
decision. In the description of the problem, explain why this ruling occurred, the underlying issue that it is
addressing. For the introduction of the case analysis, you need to look at the court’s decision, should the
Court have created an exception to allow the broadcast of the ad? In the analysis section, discuss the
arguments underlying the majority decision and the dissent. Also discuss whether the First Amendment
should protect political expression, why or why not? If you had been on the Supreme Court, would you
have voted in the majority or joined the dissent? Why? Where do you think the line should be drawn for
corporations between freedom and restrictions? After Citizens United, what are the alternatives going
forward? Should the rules for corporate participation be strengthened or relaxed? Should Congress
legislate in response to Citizens United? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with
each suggested alternative. Provide your final recommendation.
Pass/Fail Write Up: Assume that you work for a nonprofit organization critiquing the Supreme Court’s
decision. In the description of the problem, explain why this ruling occurred, the underlying issue that it is
addressing. For the introduction of the case analysis, you need to look at the court’s decision, should the
Court have created an exception to allow the broadcast of the ad? What should be done going forward,
should Congress legislate in response to Citizens United, if so how? What other actions should be
taken?
10. Advanced Technology Lab – Nov 13
Graded Case Write Up: Assume that you are working for ATL, it is your assignment to determine if ATL is
responsible for how its products are being used. Briefly, discuss the nonmarket challenge that the firm is
facing and the impact of this challenge on the firm in terms of its long term market position (in the
description of the problem section). In the analysis section, discuss why the firm has a duty to reduce the
likelihood of its products being used for sex selection and the arguments for why it doesn’t have such a
duty. Using the ethical criteria, examine the nature of ATL’s responsibility. What are some of the
incentives for ATL to consider this issues? In general, what are some of the solutions that could be used
for dealing with this situation? Briefly, discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with each
solution. In thinking about the alternatives, are there specific steps that ATL could use in order to reduce
the likelihood that its products will be used in sex selection? What is your final recommendation for ATL?
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Pass/Fail Write Up: Assume that you are working for ATL, it is your assignment to determine if ATL is
responsible for how its products are being used. Briefly, discuss the nonmarket challenge that the firm is
facing and the impact of this challenge on the firm in terms of its long term market position (in the
description of the problem section). Identify the specific steps that ATL should pursue in addressing this
issue.
11. Culture clash in the boardroom – Nov 29
Graded Write Up: Assume that it is your job to give advice to Liu and help him resolve the conflict that is
going on within the company. First, briefly describe the ethical challenge that Almond (the company) is
facing (with respect to the Chongquing venture). What is the potential impact on the company? (in the
description of the problem section) Secondly, in the analysis section, briefly describe the different ethical
perspectives. What constitutes bribery? According to the integrated ethical framework, what is the most
ethical choice? What alternatives does Liu have for resolving this situation? What are the advantages
and disadvantages associated with each one? What is your final recommendation? In general what
advice would you give to a company for dealing with value systems which may not necessarily be wrong
in a foreign country? How much should a MNC like Almond adapt to local business practices?
Pass/Fail Write Up: Assume that it is your job to give advice to Liu and help him resolve the conflict that
is going on within the company. First, briefly describe the ethical challenge that Almond (the company) is
facing (with respect to the Chongquing venture). What is the potential impact on the company? (in the
description of the problem section) What is your final recommendation? In general what advice would
you give to a company for dealing with value systems which may not necessarily be wrong in a foreign
country? How much should a MNC like Almond adapt to local business practices?
12. IKEA’s Global Sourcing Challenge – Dec 4
Graded Write Up: Assume that you work for IKEA and you are providing Marianne Barner with advice
concerning IKEA’s response to the German TV documentary about the use of child labor at one of its
broadcasts. First describe the accusations being waged against IKEA, and the potential impact on the
company. In the analysis section, discuss how environmental and child labor issues have affected IKEA
(briefly) in terms of competitiveness and profitability. Second, analyze the company’s response to this
issue and past environmental incidents, the strengths and weaknesses of the firm’s response. What
actions should be taken with respect to Rangan Exports and the TV show? What options does the
company have in terms of its long term strategy of dealing with this issue as well as its continued
presence in India? Make sure that you examine the Rugmark option. What are the strengths and
weaknesses associated with these options? What is your final recommendation, make sure to justify it.
Pass/Fail Write Up: Assume that you work for IKEA and you are providing Marianne Barner with advice
concerning IKEA’s response to the German TV documentary about the use of child labor at one of its
broadcasts. First describe the accusations being waged against IKEA, and the potential impact on the
company. What is your final recommendation for IKEA in terms of dealing with child labor in the short
and long term (dealing with Rangon Exports, Rugmark, and its continued presence in India).
Book Report: Due October 23rd
Please answer the following questions.
1.
How would you critique the firm’s corporate citizenship? What are the company’s strengths and
weaknesses? Provide examples to substantiate your discussion. Use Mirvin and Googins’
stages of corporate citizenship to classify the company. Make it clear how you would rank the
company.
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2.
Examine the firm’s environmental strategy. What is unique? How did the strategy evolve?
(leadership and history). How did the crisis of 1991 contribute to the development of
environmental strategies? What are the current strengths and weaknesses of the firm’s
environmental strategy? Provide some examples (at least two) that illustrate the firms
environmental philosophy.
3. What are some other unique attributes of Patagonia? Make sure to describe at least four
characteristics. Also explain by what Chouinard meant when he said everytime, we’ve elected to
do the right thing it costs twice as much to do it that way, but it turned out to be profitable in the
long run. Did Yvon Chouinard make the right decision not to sell his company? Explain your
answer. Would you want to work for Patagonia, why or why not ? Be specific.
Final Project – Group Presentation and Paper - Marquette’s Social Innovation Design Contest
Dell Corporation has been partnering with the University of Texas to promote social innovations. They
have awarded $10,000’s of dollars in order to promote and support solutions to global, societal issues.
(see www.dellchallenge.org, for a complete description of the criteria and examples of award winning
projects)
The Marquette Social Innovation Design Contest will draw from their resources and criteria in order to
encourage teams (of four for my class) to develop social innovations that address a pressing global issue
such as educational challenges, food and nutrition, poverty, environmental challenges, health issues,
human rights, energy, and water. Your innovation project could be vested in starting a nonprofit
organization, a for-profit business, or a campaign, community volunteerism, university club or even other
informal or formal operations. It can involve an idea, good and/or service.
1. Selecting the Issue: The issue your team is going to deal with (what is it, what is its scope and
who’s affected by it, why is it important to resolve it, and so on). Note that this section of the
report requires a rigorous, data-driven analysis of the issue that your project will deal with, why it
is important (why is it urgent to address this issue), what its scope and impact is, who is affected
(identify the key stakeholders) and how, including appropriate citations for the sources of your
information. Included in this analysis is information in terms of the number of countries that are
affected by this specific issue, as well as information about the countries that are most affected.
(see www.dellchallenge for a comprehensive description of several global issues)
In addition to discussing the impact of the issue, you need to briefly discuss why it has emerged?
What are the root causes of this issue? Are there political factors that have intensified the issue,
economic factors, lack of adequate governance either internationally or by domestic
governments, corporations in terms of intensifying and/or contributing to the problem? You need
to be thorough in terms of identifying the root causes of the problems. (20%)
2.
Understanding the Baseline: You also need to discuss who is currently working to resolve this
issue, international aid agencies, foundations like the Gates foundation and/or Bill Clinton’s
foundation, specific countries, and/or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). What kinds of
solutions have been developed so far? What successes have been achieved, what are some of
the remaining challenges in terms of trying to resolve this issue? In order to understand the issue,
you need to either interview two people that have been affected by this issue and/or speak with
two different NGOs or foundations that are addressing this issue currently. (20%)
3. Identifying the Idea: Most importantly: your idea. See Dell’s website and
Invennovations website for examples of social innovative ideas
(http://www.invennovations.com/index.html) to help trigger your thinking. This section
should first introduce the idea (what is it, an idea, service, product or campaign) and its
rationale in an opening paragraph, then elaborate by comprehensively defining the idea,
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describing the benefits (and drawbacks) you have uncovered in your analysis of the
problem, and demonstrate vividly and convincingly how your solution will deal with the
issue you have analyzed above. Secondly, who is the primary beneficiary of your social
innovation? How many clearly targeted groups of customers and/or beneficiaries will
achieve measurable gains from project? What will they gain, or claim that they have
gained? Either in this section or the following section, you need to explain the resources
that are necessary for implementing this idea. Is it possible for some of the resources to
be donated? (25%)
4. Organization and Measurement: You will need to indicate how the concept will actually work in
practice. What kind of expertise do you already have and what additional expertise will you need
to make this social innovation work? What type of ownership control is your project under, private
or public? Are you a for profit and/or non-profit organization? What type of accumulated
earnings will your project produce—charitable or financial? Be sure to include a financial analysis
that demonstrates the feasibility of your project idea. Make sure you have answered the following
questions: What is the scope of impact of your project idea? Who will benefit and exactly how?
What elements of the issue you have defined earlier will be resolved, and which will remain for
further initiatives to resolve? Above all, why should anyone invest in your idea? (15%)
5. Partners and collaborators: Consider at least three possible corporations that could help
address this specific issue, and then narrow it down using identified criteria to a lead corporation.
Make sure it is clear who the best corporate partner and why this company (or other organization)
should (strategically) get involved in trying to deal with this issue (provide company background,
strategic relevance, and a well-developed business case for your idea). Note that this section of
the report requires a rigorous analysis of the lead organization, its strategy and business scope,
and a complete rationale detailing why this company is an appropriate lead for this project.
6. Other key partners and collaborators (including a rationale for including each), since if the issue
were easily resolvable by one actor, it would already be solved. Each partner’s strategic interest
in the issue should be detailed, along with a thorough rationale for including it as a partner. (If no
partners are appropriate, please so indicate with a rationale for your lead organization moving
forward alone.) (20%)
Written Report: Since this report has multiple parts, you need to start immediately researching the
company, the issue, possible partners, and thinking about an idea. Produce a written report that you
would be proud to submit to the any Dell Judge (i.e., it should be clear, succinct, and compelling,
including a strategic rationale for moving this idea forward, relevant data to make the case, and both
costs and benefits of your exciting new idea). Remember that judges are very busy and won’t read past
the first page (of a few pages) if you don’t grab their attention right away. (Maximum, 10 to 15 pages,
single spaced, double-spaced between paragraphs, plus exhibits and citations as needed, 12 point type)
The beginning of the paper needs to include an executive summary, a one page summary of the main
points of your paper, this should be separate from the rest of the paper. Also include a bibliography, you
should have a minimum of 10 sources, you should draw from academic sources as much as possible.
Oral Presentation: The five to six teams will present their ideas (maximum 15 minutes each, five minutes
for questions and changeover) in a competition at the end of the course. Your ideas will be presented to
the Social Innovation Student Group. Use whatever format you think will best “sell” your idea to the class
and the external judges who will vote on the best idea. (10 points)
Dec 6th
Three Group Homework Assignments (Pass/Fail)
The purpose of the homework assignments is to get your group started on the final project, and it also
gives me an opportunity to provide your group feedback before the final report is due.
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Oct 9: Each group needs to have identified the issue that your team is going to deal with (what is it, what
is its scope and who’s affected by it, why is it important to resolve it, and so on). Note that this section of
the report requires a rigorous, data-driven analysis of the issue that your project will deal with, why it is
important, what its scope and impact is, who is affected and how, including appropriate citations for the
sources of your information.
In addition to discussing the impact of the issue, you need to briefly discuss why it has emerged? Why is
it urgent to address this particular issue? Are there political factors that have intensified the issue,
economic factors, lack of adequate governance either internationally or by domestic governments,
corporations in terms of intensifying and/or contributing to the problem? You need to be thorough in
terms of identifying the root causes of the problems.
Understanding the Baseline: You also need to discuss who is currently working to resolve this issue,
international aid agencies, foundations like the Gates foundation and/or Bill Clinton’s foundation, specific
countries, and/or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). What kinds of solutions have been developed
so far? What successes have been achieved, what are some of the remaining challenges in terms of
trying to resolve this issue? In order to understand the issue, you need to either interview two people that
have been affected by this issue and/or speak with two different NGOs or foundations that are addressing
this issue currently.
Oct 25: Identifying the Idea: Most importantly: your idea. See Dell’s website and
invennovations website for examples of social innovative ideas
(http://www.invennovations.com/index.html) This section should introduce the idea
(what is it, an idea, service, product or campaign and its rationale in an opening
paragraph, then elaborate by comprehensively defining the idea, describing the
benefits (and drawbacks) you have uncovered in your analysis of the problem, and
demonstrate vividly and convincingly how your solution will deal with the issue you
have analyzed above. Secondly, who is the primary beneficiary of your social
innovation? How many clearly targeted groups of customers and/or beneficiaries will
achieve measurable gains from project? What will they gain, or claim that they have
gained?
Each group needs to write up this part of the paper, even if you have not completed it, provide as much
information as you have and include cites where you still plan to look for information.
Nov 20: The lead corporate partner and why this company (or other organization) should (strategically)
get involved in trying to deal with this issue (provide company background, strategic relevance, and a
well-developed business case for your idea). Note that this section of the report requires a rigorous
analysis of the lead organization, its strategy and business scope, and a complete rationale detailing why
this company is an appropriate part of the project.
Other key partners and collaborators (including a rationale for including each), since if the issue were
easily resolvable by one actor, it would already be solved. Each partner’s strategic interest in the issue
should be detailed, along with a thorough rationale for including it as a partner. (If no partners are
appropriate, please indicate with a rationale for your lead organization moving forward alone.)
Group Presentation – Dec 6th
Group Paper Due - Dec 12th
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Classroom Participation
This class consists of lectures, cases, and readings. Most of the class discussion will be based on
assigned readings and cases. You are expected to read the material prior to class and be an active
participant in class discussions.
In assessing participation, I will consider the extent of the contributions:
 Were well-reasoned insights that expanded the discussion
 Were relevant, thought provoking (either statements or questions)
 Built upon and/or summarized earlier comments
 Indicate an understanding of the course material
 Helped others learn
Behaviors to Avoid During Class
 Computer use
 Stay in class, please do not leave the classroom once the class has begun. If you leave do not
return until after the class. This behavior is very disruptive….!!!!!!
 All cell phone activity, please turn your cell phones off for the entire class, not e-noting, message
checking, etc.
 Distracting and/or interacting with other students (writing notes, side talking)
 Repeatedly arriving late
 Reading newspapers and/or other non-course related material
 NO BASEBALL caps during exams (or other headwear)
Academic Dishonesty
Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university, and more broadly to
society at large. I take the matter of academic honesty very seriously, as does the College of Business
and the University in general. Students caught cheating on an exam or written assignment will at a
minimum receive a zero for the assignment and depending on the nature of the infraction, may also
receive a failing grade for the course and be subject to further action taken by the University.
Academic dishonesty (see the university policy for the explicit policy statement) refers to any attempt to
gain an advantage that is not available to other students, or an attempt to give another student such an
advantage. Cheating on exams includes looking at or copying someone else’s answers, accessing notes
or other information when it is not authorized, as well as providing such information to other students.
Plagiarism is often a less obvious form of cheating, but it is just as serious. Plagiarism, in general, is
representing the work of another person as your own. The most obvious form of plagiarism is directly
using another person’s text without using quotations or making reference to the original work. However,
plagiarism also includes representing another’s work/or ideas as your own, even if they are reworded,
without making reference to the original source form those ideas come. When in doubt, always at least
try to make reference to a source from which ideas or quotes have come from, this is the best safeguard
against plagiarism.
Course Requirements and Grade Percentage
Exams (2):
Case Analyses (2):
Bookreport
Group Final Project
Gap Minder Exercise
Participation
Pass/Fail Cases (4):
Pass/Fail Homework:
100 points each
30 points each
35 points
85 points
15 points
About 35 points (maximum), includes the exercises
You lose 35 points for each one that you do not complete.
You lose 30 points for each homework assignment that you do not
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complete.
Percentage of Total Points Required to Receive the Following Grades
93 – 100 %
A
88 - 92.9 %
AB
83 – 87.9 % B
78 – 82.9 % BC
72 - 77.9 % C
68 - 71.9 % CD
60 – 67.9 % D
Extra Credit Opportunities (Increase your final grade by two percentage points)
Book Report: You can select a book off the reading list posted on d2l and/or ask to read another book
for extra credit. The report should be two to three pages long. The report should briefly summarize the
theme of the book, but most important is explaining how this them is relevant for the class. What insights
does the book provide about topics such as corporate social responsibility, stakeholder management,
ethical decision making, issues management that we discussed in class?
Growing Power Tour:
The second option for getting a full extra credit bonus is new this semester. Some of you may have
heard about Will Allen’s Growing Power, an award-winning, non-profit organization located right here in
Milwaukee. The organization addresses the issue of “food deserts” in inner cities, and helps provide
equal access to healthy, safe and affordable food in our communities. Will Allen, a MacArthur Fellow, is
an example of one person who made, and continues to make, a difference. He truly is a hero (for more
info – see Time Magazine article:
http://www.cityfarmer.info/2010/04/30/will-allen-and-term-urban-farm-make-time-magazines-list-oftop-100-in-2010/
Growing Power: 5500 West Silver Spring Drive (414-527-1546)
Here is the website for growing power: http://www.growingpower.org/index.htm
And here is the link to the tours: http://www.growingpower.org/tours.htm
The tours are offered Monday-Sunday at 1:00 pm and are open to the public (please check the website or
call ahead of time for dates – as some tours will be cancelled because of conferences and other events).
The tour takes 1.5 hrs and costs $10 (it goes to a good cause). (Wear earthy shoes). Will Allen also
leads the tours once a month – an awesome experience; check the website for details. People come
from all over the world to see this – so you can get a chance to do the tour, write your reactions and get a
full extra credit bonus!
Sweetwater Organics
You can also tour Sweetwater Organics, which is in Bayview, see Sweetwater-organic.com, for tour
times. My graduate class is going on Sept. 20th, at 4:30, if you would like to join the tour (also 10.00).
"Sweet Water Organics has converted a former crane factory in Milwaukee into an indoor wetland, raising
about 80,000 fish in tanks topped by beds of lettuce and other crops."
The Wall Street Journal
Sweet Water Organics is using aquaponic methods to locally grow beautiful, healthy and very tasty fish
and vegetables. Aquaponics is a system of agriculture involving the simultaneous cultivation of plants
and aquatic animals such as fish in a symbiotic environment. In a traditional aquaculture, animal effluents
accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity for the fish. This water is then led to a hydroponic system
where the by-products from the aquaculture are filtered out by the plants as vital nutrients, after which the
clean water is recirculated back to the animals. The term aquaponics is a portmanteau of the terms
aquaculture and hydroponic.
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Special Lectures Relevant to Business and Society (must attend two)
One last option for extra credit is to attend a presentation on environmental, ethical, international global
challenges, and/or corporate social responsibility. Throughout the semester, there may be special
lectures at Marquette that address topics relevant to the class. There may also be presentations or
events in the community that address topics relevant to the class. If you attend, please write a one page
summary of the talk and its relevance for the class. If you attend at two such events, you will receive the
full extra credit bonus.
Kermit’s Lament: It’s Not Easy Being Green
Business leaders, planners and engineers working in companies and organizations that promote green
technology and promise social benefits are often placed in difficult situations of having to choose between
the sustainability of the company and the protection of the environment. What, then, is the right thing to
do if one commits to working toward global sustainability and decides on practicing green engineering?
This presentation challenges the basic precepts of green engineering and asks business leaders,
planners and engineers to reconsider why they are committed to working toward sustainability.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Reception to follow
Marquette University
Alumni Memorial Union, Third Floor
Monaghan Ballroom
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Evaluation Sheet
Description of the Problem
____ 1. Is the appropriate perspective taken in writing the memo? (5 points)
____ 2. Is the critical issue identified that the firm is facing? (10 points)\
____ 3. Is the impact on the firm discussed? Can the issue potentially affect a firm’s market
share, stock price and/or competitive position? Evaluate how differently this issue
affects the firms within the industry. (10 points)
Analysis
____ 1. How well have the case questions asked in the syllabus been addressed in the analysis?
(30 points)
____ 2. In some cases, this may involve looking at a firm’s strengths and/or weaknesses for
dealing with its current challenge.
____ 3. In some cases, the analysis may focus on applying a specific theoretical concept.
Discussion of the Alternatives
____ 1. Identify the alternatives that the firm has for resolving the issue (10 points).
____ 2. Briefly discuss the strengths and weaknesses associated with each option (15 points).
Recommendation
____ 1. Describe your final recommendation (action plan), make sure that it is clear why this
is the best approach (15 points)
Footnotes, Bibliography
____ 1. Are footnotes used appropriately? If not, this case will not be accepted.
____ 2. Is a bibliography included? Is the memo format used? (5 points)
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Mana 181: Homework Assignment, Treasure Hunt
1. How many exams are there throughout the course, on what dates?
2. When is your first homework for your team project due?
3. Do you have a class presentation, if so when?
4. How many pass fail cases do you need to write up?
5. What is my policy toward citations?
6. Where did MU rank in the latest rankings (i.e. U.S. News and World Report,
Business Week etc.)?
7. What are the questions for the case write up, Mattel and Food Safety
8. When is your final project due (presentation and paper)?
9 Do you have some participation exercises, if so what?
11. How many case analyses do you need to write up (not pass fail?)
12. What happens if you write up three case analyses?
13. What are the behaviors not allowed in class ?
14. Which book do you need to write a book report for?
15. Why is plagiarism a form of cheating?
16. What is my policy about cell phones?
17. What extra credit opportunities exist? How can they affect your grade?
18. True/False: Can you get up and exit class whenever you like to go to the
bathroom, smoke a cigarette, or check your phone or internet?
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