Case Study: Chapter 10

Questions to consider:

1.     How can an organization ensure that all the members of its supply chain will behave ethically?

Answer:

1. Do no harm. This means consciously avoiding harmful actions or omissions by embodying high ethical standards and adhering to all applicable laws and regulations in the choices we make.
2. Foster trust in the marketing system. This means striving for good faith and fair dealing so as to contribute toward the efficacy of the exchange process as well as avoiding deception in product design, pricing, communication, and delivery of distribution.
3. Embrace ethical values. This means building relationships and enhancing consumer confidence in the integrity of marketing by affirming these core values: honesty, responsibility, fairness, respect, transparency and citizenship.
   link: wikipedia.org

2.     What responsibility does an organization have to ensure that its suppliers and business partners behave ethically?

Answer:

Multi-national corporations (MNCs) have been criticized for not behaving ethically in some situations. This study examines the ethics of a large MNC in its relationship with its suppliers. A brief literature review of social responsibility, business ethics and relations is undertaken. The views and perceptions of the buying staff and the suppliers to a large South African MNC are obtained and discussed. The results indicate that this MNC is well perceived by both suppliers and their own buying department. The existence and implementation of formal codes of ethics was found to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for good ethical practice. Candid relationships with suppliers emerged as a second and important factor.

link: http://www.huizenga.nova.edu/Jame/articles/supplier-customer-relationships.cfm

 Discussion questions:

1.     How have green computing efforts lowered the total cost of computer ownership?

Answer:

The goals of green computing are similar to green chemistry; reduce the use of hazardous materials, maximize energy efficiency during the product's lifetime, and promote the recyclable or biodegradability of defunct products and factory waste. Research continues into key areas such as making the use of computers as energy-efficient as possible, and designing algorithms and systems for efficiency-related computer technologies.

link: http://www.weegy.com/?ConversationId=0B0F4D19

2.     Which approach can yield greater benefits-building greener computers or implementing programs that change users’ behavior so they operate their computers in a more responsible manner?  Explain your response.

Answer:

In today’s’ climate, it is difficult to ignore the ongoing concerns about climate change and the environment and whereas there appear to be no easy solutions for businesses, the IT community can have a significant impact on the worldwide carbon footprint 
by adopting a ‘greener’ approach to computing .Green computing is rising energy costs and potential savings. Energy to manufacture, store, operate, and cool computing systems has grown significantly  in the recent years, primarily due to the volume of systems and computing that companies now heavily rely upon.

link: http://ijarcsse.com/docs/papers/february2012/volume_2_issue_2/V2I2073.pdf

3.     Do research at the EPEAT Web site and determine which computer manufacturer currently has the best green computing ratings.

Answer:

Hewlett Packard

In recent years, Hewlett Packard has introduced many Energy Star qualified computers onto the market, including several that have won high EPEAT ratings. For example, the HP EliteBook 2530p notebook computer is Energy Star 5.0 qualified and has earned EPEAT gold. Also, Hewlett Packard has qualified for the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay label, which is applied to products and services with reduced transportation emissions. HP is striving to use more recycled materials in its products and product packaging. HP has also instituted buy back and recycling programs for all brands of computers, monitors, printers, scanners and other computer technology. HP has its own huge recycling facility in Roseville, California which processes about 4 million pounds of electronics per month.

link: http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-computing/articles/61813.aspx