Students (as individuals) will research a real company and analyze its business ethics issues, then make recommendations for creating a more ethical and sustainable business. This is a written report accompanied by a video-recorded presentation of PowerPoint slides.
Summary Students (as individuals) will research a real company and analyze its business ethics issues, then make recommendations for creating a more ethical and sustainable business. This is a written report accompanied by a video-recorded presentation of PowerPoint slides. Selecting a topic • Students must choose one topic (and accompanying theory) • Students must choose one real organisation to research • Bring the topic together in the title of your report e.g., Ethical issues in global fashion: the case of H&M What to do • Read widely (beyond the textbook) about your chosen topic and theory. Canvas several theoretical perspectives and choose a definition and/or framework to use for your report. • Read widely about your case study organisations (e.g., their website, corporate documents, credible news articles), focusing on the key aspects of your chosen topic/theory • Prepare a professionally written report (1,200 words, excluding references) – see below instructions • Prepare 3 (max) PowerPoint slides and record yourself presenting them – see below instructions • You should cite 10 authoritative sourcesLinks to an external site. (at least 5 academic articles and 5 others, such as reports or trusted media articles). • Include your references in the report ONLY (not in the PowerPoint slides/video) How to do it – Part 1: Report The report is to be 1200 words (+/- 10%). Suggested structure: • Title page: including a URL link to your video (instructions below) • Introduction: Provide a background to the case and why you chose it (300 words) • Issues analysis: Identify 2-3 key ethical issues facing the organisation. Refer to theory that has informed your analysis (500 words). • Recommendations: Make 3-4 recommendations on how the organization could address these concerns (200 words) • Conclusion: Summarise key points (200 words) • Appendix: Include images of your slides How to do it – Part 2: Presentation • Suggested slide structure (max 3 slides): • Slide 1: Introduction to the topic , organisation and context • Slide 2: Outline key issues you identified in your research and analysis • Slide 3: Present recommendations & conclusions • Record yourself presenting the slides using PowerPoint (or other) software – we will talk through how to do this in the workshops • The video should be no longer than 5 minutes (+/- 10%) • Upload your finished presentation to studio (see instructions below)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Sure! Below is a sample project idea including a report title, ethical topic, company selection, and a 300-word explanation outlining your approach. This will help you understand how to begin your report and presentation project. You can adapt this to your preferences or use it as a model.
Title:
Labor Exploitation in the Global Fashion Industry: The Case of H&M
Chosen Ethical Topic and Theory:
Topic: Labor Rights & Exploitation
Theory: Stakeholder Theory and Utilitarianism
Chosen Company:
H&M (Hennes & Mauritz AB)
300-Word Explanation (Introduction Section Sample):
The global fashion industry has faced growing criticism for unethical labor practices, particularly within fast fashion companies. Among them, H&M has been a prominent name, often lauded for sustainability initiatives while simultaneously facing allegations of labor exploitation in its supply chain. This report explores the ethical challenges confronting H&M, with a particular focus on labor rights violations and sustainability inconsistencies.
H&M is one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, known for producing affordable, trendy clothing. Its supply chain spans across developing nations such as Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia, where labor standards are often compromised to reduce costs. Reports have highlighted issues such as low wages, poor working conditions, child labor, and denial of union rights within supplier factories. These raise critical concerns about H&M’s ethical accountability and the effectiveness of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments.
This case was selected due to H&M’s paradoxical image — promoting a sustainable image through initiatives like “Conscious Collection,” while reportedly neglecting basic human rights in supplier factories. By examining these contradictions, this report will shed light on the ethical dilemmas faced by global fashion brands and the importance of aligning business practices with ethical standards.
To guide the analysis, Stakeholder Theory will be employed to assess how H&M’s actions impact its key stakeholders — employees, consumers, suppliers, and society. Additionally, Utilitarianism will be used to evaluate whether the company’s actions maximize benefits or contribute to harm. This dual-theory approach offers a comprehensive ethical lens to assess both the corporate motivations and the social consequences of H&M’s practices.
Ultimately, this report aims to propose actionable recommendations to help H&M evolve into a more ethical and sustainable business, balancing profitability with human dignity and long-term social responsibility.
Would you like me to help you complete the rest of the report (issues analysis, recommendations, conclusion, slides, references)?