Student Assignment Covering Form

Course/Unit Information

Course SQA – Extended Diploma in International Business and Strategy

Unit No. Unit 4005Unit Name Sustainability and Business Unit code SQA/4006Batch SQA/SBONL2001A

Instructor InformationName Paul Gulston

Phone paul@westford.org.ukEmail +971 503301705

Assignment InformationFull/ Part Assignment Full Assignment

Date Assignment Issued 20th January 2020

Date Assignment Due 15th February 2020

Student Information (To be filled by the student prior submitting the assignment)

Name

Email

Date of Submission

Student Assignment covering form is an integral part of the assignment document and should be submitted along with all submissions.

Student Declaration

I, _________________ (Name) hereby confirm that this assignment is my own work and

not copied or plagiarized. It has not previously been submitted as part of any assessment

for this qualification. All the sources, from which information has been obtained for this

assignment, have been referenced as per Harvard Referencing format. I further confirm

that I have read and understood the Westford rules and regulations about plagiarism and

copying and agree to be bound by them.

Students Signature : _____________________ (signed)

Student Name :

Date :

Turnitin Report need to be uploaded on LMS.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Feedback

Module Code & Title

SQA/4006 Sustainability & Business

Module Learning Outcomes

LO1 Appraise the multiple dimensions of sustainability for businesses in the context of global challenges

LO2 To critically review, evaluate and develop sustainability strategies of organisations.

LO3 Sustainability and the strategic alignment of the business functionsLO4 Managing sustainability of different functional areas within an organisationAssessment Types Marks Marks

AchievedTask 01 (Case Scenario) 20

Task 02 (Case Study 1) 20

Task 03: (Case Study 2) 25

Task 04: (Project) 25

Presentation 10

Overall Score 100

Overall Grade

Date

The following grading criteria will be applicable for the course, Executive Diploma in International Business Management:

Marks Grade70 to 100 A - Distinction60 to 69 B - Merit50 to 59 Pass40 to 49 Fail with Resubmit0 to 39 Fail with Retake

General Guidelines(Please read the instructions carefully)

1. Complete the title page with all necessary student details and ensure that the signature of the student is marked in the declaration form.

2. All assignments must be submitted as an electronic document in MS Word to the LMS (Use 12 Times New Roman script).

3. Assignment that is not submitted to the LMS by the prescribed deadline will be accepted ONLY under the REDO and RESIT submission policy of Westford.

4. You will PASS the full assignment task only if you achieve “AC Met” in each of the Assessment Criteria.

5. The results are declared only if the student has met the mandatory attendance requirement of 75% and/or a minimum of 50% under extenuating circumstances approved and ratified by the Academic Director. The student has to repeat the module (with additional fees applicable) if the attendance is below 50%.

6. The assignment should not contain any contents including references cited from websites like www.ukessays.com, www.studymode.com, www.slideshare.net , www.scribd.com.

7. Students can refer Wikipedia as a source of information, but the references cited in Wikipedia has to be mentioned.

8. Submit the assignment in a MS Word document with the file name being:First Name Last Name_ abbreviation of the subject. Example: John Smith_PDSM.

Quick reference Checklist for the Faculty/Instructor to accept/reject the assignment before evaluation:

1. Adherence to the deadline of submission date.2. Original cover sheet and format retained.3. Student information and signature intact.4. Font style and size used as instructed.5. Harvard Referencing System and Citations are strictly followed.

Assignment Tasks:

Assignment Sustainability & Business

Learning Outcome 1: Appraise the multiple dimensions of sustainability for businesses in the context of global challenges

▪ PC 1.1: Demonstrate a critical awareness of global current issues and sustainability challenges of a specific industry.

▪ PC 1.2: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of business (strategy+ operations) in achieving the UN sustainable development goals and critically analyse the forefront issues in a specific industry.

▪ PC 1.3: Demonstrate extensive and detailed understanding and knowledge of the effects of global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of bio-diversity on a specific business or industry.

Learning Outcome 2: To critically review, evaluate and develop sustainability strategies of organisations

▪ PC 2.1: Critically review existing business strategies of an organisation in relation

to sustainability.

▪ PC 2.2: Identify and critically discuss how implementation of innovative business

strategies have addressed the sustainability challenges.

▪ PC 2.3: Formulate a sustainable strategy for an organisation, clearly demonstrating

originality and creativity in responding to existing problems.

▪ PC 2.4: Critically evaluate the role of leadership in achieving sustainability

objectives.

Learning Outcome 3: Sustainability and the strategic alignment of the business functions

▪ PC 3.1: Critically anlayse the role of HR in driving sustainability in organisations.

▪ PC 3.2: Demonstrate understanding of the importance of sustainability reporting

and critically discuss the sustainability report of an organization, clearly interpreting and evaluating the numerical and graphical data.

▪ PC 3.3: Identify financing challenges and solutions for sustainable development

and provide suitable recommendations, based on an independent research and discussions with peers and specialist practitioners from your industry.

▪ PC 3.4: critically review sustainability & its influence on production & design.

Learning Outcome 4: Sustainability and supply chain management.

▪ PC 4.1: Demonstrate critical understanding of the effects of sustainability on supply chains.

▪ PC 4.2: Identify and evaluate global best practices in ethical sourcing.

▪ PC 4.3: Critically review the impact of regulations & international codes on sustainability and demonstrate leadership and initiative in making an identifiable contribution.

Performance Criteria (PC)

Alignment with the Tasks

1.1 Task 1(1)

1.2 Task 3(1)

1.3 Task 4 (a)

2.1 Task 1 (2)

2.2 Task 2 (1)

2.3 Task 2(2)

2.4 Task 1(3)

3.1 Task 3(4)

3.2 Task 4(e)

3.3 Task 4(b)

3.4 Task 4(c)

4.1 Task 3(2)

4.2 Task 3(3)

4.3 Task 4(d)

Assignment Task 1: Case Scenario

In 2008, the emissions rules for diesel cars that operated in the United States were

substantially tightened. No corresponding tightening happened in Europe until 2015. So

Volkswagen decided that rather than change the Volkswagen engines to meet the tougher

emission standards, they would instead change the Volkswagen software programming to

enable the diesel engines to pass the tougher tests. Volkswagen engineers thus designed a

software that allowed Volkswagen diesel engines to pass emissions tests. The engines did

not lower the actual emissions, but they did pass the test! The Volkswagen scandal clearly

eroded consumer trust. Mathius Muller has taken over as new CEO, since the occurrence of

emissions scandal at Volkswagen.

Refer to the above Volkswagen case scenario to answer address the below.

1. Provide an overview of the VW emission case in general. Discuss the key

sustainability issues prevalent in the automobile industry. Demonstrate a critical

awareness of the challenges faced in implementation of sustainable initiatives.

2. Critically review some of the strategies that VW has implemented to gain back

consumer trust, as well as be able to manage sustainability in its various business

functions.

3. Critically evaluate the role of the CEO in dealing with such a crisis and provide

suitable recommendations.

Submit a report (1500 words) that clearly addresses the above-mentioned questions.

(20 marks)

Assignment Task 2 : Case Study 1

Based on the “Fair Trade Coffee-The Mainstream Debate” case presented: Please address the below task in the form of an essay (1500 words)

Identify and critically discuss how implementation of innovative business strategies have addressed the sustainability challenges for Fairtrade. (20 marks)

Assignment Task 3 : Case Study 2

The Garment Industry in Bangladesh: A Human Rights Challenge

Keeping the paper by Peter and Sarah Stanwick as a frame of reference please submit a compelling essay

(2000 words) that;

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the UN Sustainable development goals of ‘Reduced

Inequality’, ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’ and ‘No Poverty’ and critically analyze

these forefront issues in relation to the apparel industry.

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the effects of sustainability on supply chains in the

apparel industry.

3. Critically evaluate some of the global best practices in ethical sourcing implemented by

organisations in the apparel industry. (You will have to read about some of the market leaders

who have adopted sustainable practices/initiatives in the apparel industry to be able to address

this part).

4. Critically analyze the role of HR in driving sustainability in these organisations.

(25 marks)

Assignment Task 4: Report

Submit a report (2000 words) with the aim to discuss the linkages between business operations and the

environmental and societal challenges with regards to sustainability. For this task, you can choose an

organization/industry you currently work in, or an organization/industry you are familiar with as a frame

of reference only for part (a), (b), (c), & (d) and part (e) can be answered in general.

a) Demonstrate extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding of the effects of global

warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of bio-diversity on your chosen

organisation/industry.

b) Identify financing challenges and solutions for sustainable development and provide suitable

recommendations based on independent research and discussions with peers and specialist

practitioners from your industry.

c) Critically review sustainability & its influence on production & design in the chosen industry.

d) Critically review the impact of regulations & international codes on sustainability in the chosen

industry. How can you influence the management to adopt the regulations and codes in your

organization? (Discuss your role as the change initiator and agent)

e) Demonstrate a general understanding of the importance of sustainability reporting. Critically

discuss the sustainability report (last financial year) of your chosen organization or any other

organization in your industry, clearly interpreting and evaluating the numerical and graphical

data.

(25 marks)

Assessment

Criteria

Work of an

outstanding,

excellent & v.

good standard (*)

(70-100%)

Work of a good

standard (60-69%)

Work of a pass

standard. (50-59%)Fail D (40-49%) Fail E (0-39%)

Task 1 Learners need to demonstrate a critical awareness of the current sustainability challenges prevalent in the automobile industry. A comprehensive and argumentative discussion reviewing and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the current strategies implemented by VW is important to substantiate sound understanding

Learners need to demonstrate an accurate understanding and reasonable awareness of the current sustainability challenges prevalent in the automobile industry. A reasonable discussion reviewing and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the current strategies implemented by VW is important to substantiate understanding of the topic.

Learners need to demonstrate a fair awareness of the current sustainability challenges prevalent in the automobile industry. Limited discussion reviewing and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the current strategies implemented by VW has been included.

Limited awareness of the current sustainability challenges prevalent in the automobile industry. Very weak discussions reviewing and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the current strategies implemented by VW.

The student has failed to address the required understanding of current sustainability challenges prevalent in the automobile industry. No attempt has been made to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the current strategies implemented by VW.

of the topic.

Case Scenario

(VW Emission Scandal)

The task should be supported by independent research (peer reviewed journal articles, reports published by reputed websites such as E &Y, PWC, McKinsey, media reports and books) and findings from reviewing contemporary and relevant literature on the topic.

The task should be supported by some independent research (Journals, books, media reports) and findings from reviewing relevant literature on the topic.

The task has not been well supported as there is limited independent research evident. Some citations from relevant academic sources evident.

The task has not been supported by any independent research.

The task has not been supported by any research.

20 Marks

Learners need to critically evaluate the role of the CEO by discussing the key steps/initiatives taken by him to mitigate the damage caused by the scandal. It is also important to review whether the steps taken by the CEO were able to achieve the

Learners need to empirically evaluate the role of the CEO by discussing some of the steps/initiatives taken by him to mitigate the damage caused by the scandal. It is also important to review whether the steps taken by the CEO were able to achieve the

Limited discussion and review of the role of the CEO in mitigating the negative effects caused by the scandal. Weak and inadequate discussion reviewing the impact of the steps taken by the CEO in achieving the desired outcome.

Lack of evidence-based arguments in discussing and reviewing the role of the CEO in mitigating the negative effects caused by the scandal. Inconclusive and poorly articulated discussion reviewing the impact of the steps taken by the CEO in

Inaccurate arguments in discussing and reviewing the role of the CEO in mitigating the negative effects caused by the scandal. No discussions reviewing the impact of the steps taken by the CEO in achieving the desired outcome have been included. No

present suitable recommendations supported by research.

suitable recommendations.

ns provided are inadequate.

outcome. No recommendations have been provided.

Learners have demonstrated poor and imperfect co-ordination of knowledge and facts. The essence of the assignment in term of details and knowledge remained unmet.

Task 2

Learners need to provide an excellent overview of Fairtrade in general. It is important to identify and discuss in-depth, the key innovative strategies that have been implemented to mainstream coffee and the main challenges in implementing them.

Learners need to provide a factual and accurate overview of Fairtrade in general. It is important to identify and discuss some of the innovative strategies that have been implemented to mainstream coffee. Some of the challenges in implementation should be included.

Limited overview of Fairtrade in general has been provided by the learners. Very few innovative strategies that have been implemented to mainstream coffee have been identified and discussed. Weak and inadequate presentation of the challenges in implementation.

Weak and inadequate overview of Fairtrade in general. Strategies pertaining to the mainstreaming of coffee that have been identified and discussed are not suitable and accurate. The challenges in implementing strategies have been discussed a bit anaemically.

Overview of Fairtrade has not been included. The learner has failed to identify the innovative strategies and challenges of mainstreaming coffee.

Case Study Based on extensive research and study on the topic, learners are required to formulate a suitable strategy (clearly

Learners are required to formulate a suitable strategy (based on some independent academic research demonstrating the ability to

Learners are required to formulate a reasonable strategy to ensure that the mainstreaming of coffee becomes successful.

The strategy formulated is inaccurate and not supported by research.

No evidence of strategy formulation as mandated by the assignment brief. The tasked lacked structure and cohesion. Overall, very

demonstrating the ability to develop original and creative responses to issues) to ensure that the mainstreaming of coffee becomes successful.

develop original and creative responses to issues) to ensure that the mainstreaming of coffee becomes successful.

poor understanding of the task and the related topics.

Fair Trade Coffee-The Mainstream

Debate

Key journal articles, books, case studies, industry and media reports should be included to substantiate the arguments presented. The arguments presented should provide a well-rounded theoretical perspective.

Some relevant literature on the topic should be included to substantiate the arguments presented.

Some relevant but inadequate citations have been provided.

No apparent evidence of citing from credible academic sources has been observed.

20 Marks  

Task 3 The Learners need to provide an excellent overview of the UN Sustainable Development Goals with a specific and comprehensive address to the three goals mentioned in the task. The three goals

The Learners need to demonstrate sound understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals with a specific address to the three goals mentioned in the task. The three goals need

The learners need to provide a generic overview of the UN Sustainable Development Goals along with some discussions pertaining to the three goals mentioned in the task.

Weak and limited overview of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The three specific goals have been poorly addressed.

Overview of the UN Sustainable Development Goals has not been included. The three specific goals have not been addressed.

need to be critically reviewed in relation to the garment industry.

to be discussed in relation to the garment industry.

Case Study 2

The learners should not limit themselves to the case study provided, rather present facts-based judgements and estimates as a testimony to independent research.

The learners should not limit themselves to the case study provided, and presenting some facts and arguments based on research is expected.

The arguments presented are supported by limited research.

The arguments presented have not been supported by research.

The arguments presented are faulty and inconsistent & have not been supported by any research.

The Garment

Industry in Bangladesh: A Human

Rights Challenge

The learners need to demonstrate critical understanding of the effect of sustainable practices in the garment industry on the overall supply chain should be discussed in-depth, using contemporary examples from the industry.

The learners need to demonstrate reasonable understanding of the effect of sustainable practices in the garment industry on the overall supply chain should be discussed using some examples from the industry.

The effect of sustainable practices in the garment industry on the overall supply chain have been discussed but has not been supported by any examples.

The effect of sustainable practices in the garment industry on the overall supply chain has not been discussed accurately. No examples have been provided.

The effect of sustainable practices in the garment industry on the overall supply chain has not been discussed at all. No examples have been provided.

25 Marks

Current and key debates on the topic should be included.

Some relevant debates (supported by research) on the topic should be included.

Some relevant debates on the topic could have been included.

Relevant debates on the topic have been excluded.

Relevant debates on the topic have been excluded.

 

industry leaders in ethical sourcing and critically evaluate the global best practices employed by them. It is important to critically discuss the benefits of implementation and the challenges in implementing them.

industry leaders in ethical sourcing and discuss the global best practices employed by them. Some benefits and challenges should be included.

ethical sourcing and global best practices witnessed. Limited discussions pertaining to benefits and challenges are placed. The role of HR managers in embedding and operationalizing a sustainability strategy into their organizational culture has been reasonably reviewed. Very few champions in driving sustainable initiatives have been identified.

of ethical sourcing and global best practices. Inadequate discussions pertaining to benefits and challenges.

dissatisfactory understanding of ethical sourcing and global best practices. Inaccurate discussions pertaining to benefits and challenges Or these aspects have been ignored.

The role of HR managers in embedding and operationalizing a sustainability strategy into their organizational culture should be critically and appropriately analysed. Excellent

The role of HR managers in embedding and operationalizing a sustainability strategy into their organizational culture accurately reviewed. Some examples of HR champions in

The role of HR managers in embedding and operationalizing a sustainability strategy into their organizational culture has not addressed explicitly. Champions in

The role of HR managers in embedding and operationalizing a sustainability strategy into their organizational culture has not been addressed at all. Champions in driving

sustainable initiatives should be identified and discussed.

initiatives should be identified.

initiatives have not been identified.

identified. Overall, the student demonstrated poor understanding of the task.

Task 4 The learners need to demonstrate the ability to critically discuss the key points illustrating the effects of global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of bio-diversity on the chosen organisation and its triple bottom line. Further, the effects on the industry in general, should also be comprehensively reviewed using relevant examples wherever necessary. Contemporary journal articles, case studies, industry reports published by reputed websites (E

The learners need to demonstrate the ability to discuss the key points illustrating the effects of global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of bio-diversity on the chosen organisation and its triple bottom line. Further, the effects on the industry in general, should also be reasonably reviewed using relevant examples wherever necessary. Relevant journal articles, case studies, industry reports published by reputed websites, media reports and books on the topic should be

The learners have demonstrated satisfactory understanding of the key effects of global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of bio-diversity on the chosen organisation. Further, the effects on the industry in general, has been reviewed, but not supported by examples. The discussions include an average mix of credible academic and non-academic sources.

The learners have demonstrated extremely weak and unsatisfactory understanding of the key effects of global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of bio-diversity on the chosen organisation. Further, the effects on the industry in general, has not been reviewed adequately. The discussions are weak and do not include an adequate mix of sources.

The learners have failed to demonstrate understanding of the effects of global warming, resource scarcity, population growth and loss of bio-diversity on the chosen organisation. Further, the effects on the industry in general, has not been reviewed at all. The discussions are weak and lack cohesion.

&Y, PWC, McKinsey), media reports and books on the topic should be critically reviewed and included in the discussion.

included in the discussion.

Individual Report

Learners should identify the main challenges in financing sustainability initiatives and suggest plausible solutions and recommendations based on independent research and discussions with peers and special practitioners from the industry.

Learners should identify the some of the challenges in financing sustainability initiatives and suggest plausible solutions and recommendations based on relevant research, and discussions with peers and special practitioners.

Learners have identified very few challenges in financing sustainability initiatives and the suggestions and recommendations are weak and not duly supported by research and findings.

Learners have failed to identify accurately the challenges in financing sustainability initiatives. No suggestions or recommendations have been provided.

Learners have failed to identify the challenges in financing sustainability initiatives. No suggestions or recommendations have been provided.

25 Marks

Excellent presentation of current issues and trends in sustainability and its influence on production and design in the chosen industry should be

Evidence based presentation of current issues and trends in sustainability and its influence on production and design in the chosen industry. Some

Limited discussion on the current issues and trends in sustainability and its influence on production and design in the chosen

Discussions on the current issues and trends in sustainability and its influence on production and design are weak and inaccurate. The discussions pertaining to

Discussions on the current issues and trends in sustainability and its influence on production and design have not been included. The role of regulations &

discussed using suitable examples.

been included. examples have been included.

codes on driving sustainability in general has not been addressed. Limited and flawed overview of the sustainability reporting standards. No examples have been cited to highlight the advantages of these codes for business in general.

sustainability in general have been ignored. The overview of the sustainability reporting standards is inaccurate and poorly presented. No examples have been cited to highlight the advantages of these codes for business in general. Overall, the assignment is evident of poor understanding of the requirements of the task and understanding of the topics.

 

Learners need to critically review the role of regulations & international codes on driving sustainability. Some of the prominent codes pertaining to the chosen

Learners need to review the role of regulations & international codes on driving sustainability. Some of the codes pertaining to the chosen industry should be identified and briefly discussed.

Evidence of some discussion pertaining to the role of regulations & international codes on driving sustainability in general. A limited overview of the sustainability reporting

comprehensive discussion of their role in driving sustainability should be included. Learners should comprehensively discuss their role as change initiators and agents in adoption of these regulations and codes in their respective organisations

change initiators and agents in adoption of these regulations and codes in their respective organisations.

evaluation and interpretation of numeric and graphical data. Very few examples have been cited to highlight the advantages of these codes for business in general.

Learners need to provide an exhaustive overview of the sustainability reporting standards and demonstrate sound understanding of the importance of sustainability reporting by interpreting and evaluating a wide range of numerical and graphical data. The advantages for business in general should be highlighted citing relevant examples to validate the

Learners need to provide a general overview of the sustainability reporting standards and demonstrate understanding of the importance of sustainability reporting by interpreting and evaluating some numerical and graphical data. Some examples should be cited to highlight advantages of these codes for business in general.

arguments presented.

 

Presentation

Fully documented and styled according to the brief; written in attractive, engaging, and compelling language; text free from spelling and grammatical errors; vocabulary appropriate; specialist terms defined; tables and illustrations beautifully prepared. The assignment follows an excellent structure and logical sequence of thoughts and arguments. prescribed. Fully conforms to Harvard Referencing style. Wordage, binding and related appearance meets requirements.

Well documented and styled according to the brief; written in attractive, engaging, and compelling language; apart from a few instances, text free from spelling and grammatical errors; vocabulary appropriate; specialist terms defined; tables and illustrations well prepared; very good allocation of material to main body of text, and appendices. Fully conforms to Harvard Referencing style. Wordage, binding and related appearance meets requirements

Reasonably well documented and styled according to the brief; written in engaging language; text not wholly free from spelling and grammatical errors; vocabulary appropriate; specialist terms defined; tables and illustrations well prepared; good allocation of material to main body of text, and appendices. Mostly conforms to Harvard Referencing style. Wordage, binding and related appearance meets requirements

Some incompleteness of documentation and styled according to the brief; written language fails to meet postgraduate standard; text not wholly free from spelling and grammatical errors; vocabulary appropriate; specialist terms defined; tables and illustrations reasonably prepared; good allocation of material to main body of text, and appendices. Mostly conforms to Harvard Referencing style. Wordage, binding and related appearance meets requirements

Documentation seriously at fault: missing, misplaced, difficult to find one’s way around; persistent errors in spelling and grammar, occasional failure in conveying meaning; typescript messy with uncorrected errors and missing or incomplete illustrations or tables. Referencing and formatting errors widespread. Grammar not congruent and lacked fluency. Paraphrased contents made the assignment suffer beyond its material significance

10 Marks