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:
Title:
Business Ethics Challenges in the Fast Fashion Industry: The Case of H&M
Introduction
The fast fashion industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last two decades, characterized by rapid production cycles and affordable clothing options. H&M, a leading global fast fashion retailer, is a prominent example of this business model. However, the company has faced increasing scrutiny over ethical concerns related to labor practices, environmental impact, and transparency. This report focuses on H&M to explore key ethical challenges inherent in fast fashion and to recommend strategies for fostering a more ethical and sustainable business.
I chose H&M as a case study because it epitomizes the complexities of balancing profitability with social and environmental responsibility in a highly competitive industry. The fast fashion model relies on constant consumer demand and quick turnaround times, which can lead to exploitation in supply chains and significant environmental degradation. Furthermore, H&M’s public commitments to sustainability, such as its Conscious Collection and goals to become climate positive by 2040, provide an interesting contrast to ongoing criticisms reported by media and NGOs.
By investigating H&M’s ethical issues through theoretical lenses such as stakeholder theory and corporate social responsibility (CSR), this report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the company’s challenges. It also seeks to suggest practical recommendations that align with contemporary ethical frameworks and sustainability principles. This introduction sets the context for the subsequent detailed discussion on ethical dilemmas H&M faces, including labor rights violations, environmental sustainability, and transparency concerns. Understanding these issues is crucial not only for H&M’s long-term viability but also for advancing ethical standards across the fast fashion industry.
Explanation (300 words)
The introduction in a business ethics report serves several important purposes. First, it provides context by introducing the company chosen as a case study—in this example, H&M—and briefly describing the industry environment. Fast fashion is a relevant sector for ethical analysis because it raises significant questions about labor exploitation, environmental harm, and consumerism. This background helps the reader understand why the company is a suitable subject for an ethics-focused report.
Second, the introduction explains the rationale for choosing the case. Highlighting H&M’s prominence and the ethical debates surrounding it shows the relevance and timeliness of the topic. This also signals that the report will not simply summarize issues but critically engage with current challenges.
Third, the introduction outlines the scope and objectives of the report, stating that it will analyze key ethical issues using established theoretical frameworks such as stakeholder theory and CSR. This indicates the analytical approach and sets expectations for a structured discussion.
Finally, the introduction briefly previews the key themes to be explored—labor practices, environmental impact, and transparency—without going into too much detail. This creates a roadmap for the reader and links the introduction to the subsequent sections on issues analysis and recommendations.
A well-crafted introduction is essential because it orients the reader, establishes the significance of the research, and demonstrates the writer’s clear focus and preparation. It sets a professional tone and forms the foundation for a coherent, insightful business ethics report
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