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:
Title:
Labour Exploitation in Fast Fashion: The Case of SHEIN
Report Summary
Introduction
SHEIN, a Chinese fast fashion company founded in 2008, has rapidly become one of the world’s largest online retailers, offering ultra-cheap clothing to a global audience. While its low prices and trend-driven models appeal to consumers, they raise significant ethical concerns. I selected SHEIN because it exemplifies many of the systemic issues associated with fast fashion — notably, labour exploitation, environmental degradation, and lack of transparency. This case is particularly relevant due to increased scrutiny from human rights and environmental watchdogs, making it a compelling subject for business ethics analysis.
Issues Analysis
This analysis uses the Stakeholder Theory (Freeman, 1984) and Utilitarian Ethics (Bentham & Mill) to examine SHEIN’s ethical dilemmas. Three key issues are identified:
- Labour Exploitation: Investigations (e.g., Channel 4’s “Untold: Inside the Shein Machine,” 2022) have revealed SHEIN suppliers subject workers to 75-hour weeks and poor working conditions, violating basic human rights.
- Environmental Impact: SHEIN’s business model is inherently unsustainable, promoting overproduction and overconsumption, which contributes significantly to global textile waste and pollution.
- Lack of Transparency: Despite public pressure, SHEIN provides limited supply chain disclosure, making accountability difficult.
Recommendations
- Adopt Fair Labour Certification: SHEIN should partner with international labor organizations (e.g., Fair Wear Foundation) to audit and improve working conditions.
- Shift to Sustainable Sourcing: Introduce eco-friendly fabrics and reduce production volumes to align with circular economy principles.
- Increase Supply Chain Transparency: Implement blockchain or traceability tools to allow consumers and regulators insight into SHEIN’s sourcing.
- Consumer Education Campaigns: Promote responsible consumption through transparent marketing and educational initiatives.
Conclusion (200 words):
SHEIN exemplifies both the success and ethical pitfalls of fast fashion. Applying stakeholder theory and utilitarian ethics shows that while the company benefits shareholders and consumers, it harms workers, the environment, and society. Ethical reform is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic opportunity to build trust and long-term value.
Explanation
This project focuses on analyzing SHEIN using stakeholder theory and utilitarian ethics because these provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating both social responsibility and cost-benefit implications. Stakeholder theory highlights how SHEIN must consider not just profit but also the well-being of workers, communities, and the environment. Utilitarian ethics help weigh the benefits to consumers against the harms done to vulnerable groups and ecosystems.
SHEIN was chosen for its visibility and relevance in current discussions around fast fashion. Its business model illustrates the ethical trade-offs inherent in cheap, high-speed clothing production. The issues identified — labour conditions, environmental harm, and lack of transparency — are supported by credible academic and media sources, which offer a solid basis for analysis.
The recommendations aim to align SHEIN with global ethical standards without sacrificing its competitiveness. Certification systems ensure accountability, while sustainability and transparency respond to growing consumer demand for responsible practices. Finally, consumer education reinforces a long-term cultural shift toward ethical consumption.
This structured approach meets the report’s requirements, demonstrating deep engagement with theory and real-world practice. It also provides a compelling narrative for the accompanying presentation and slide design, ensuring the video aligns with the report content.
