At a minimum the questions following the case must be addressed in the written analysis and be no more than three printed pages plus any tables or exhibits. Answers that reflect creative thinking beyond these issues will be rewarded. Papers should be printed, double-spaced, with normal margins. The name of the case should be on the first page of the text with your names, date, and course number. An executive summary is neither required nor expected.
The page limit for each paper is three pages of text plus exhibits. Note that these are maximum limits. Papers should be concise and coherent. Exhibits should contain specific types of analyses (e.g., application of a framework, table of comparisons, cost analysis, and competitive features) and information (e.g., web page of firm) that supports and is relevant, but would be too detailed for the body of the paper.
Please follow the instructions regarding the format for the case report. The report should be in a narrative (essay) form and not a Q&A form. The Questions at the end of each case are to be treated as a guideline for the issues raised in the case, and are just answering them is by no means considered a comprehensive analysis of the case.)
Case questions
- One executive noted, “We’re damned if we do because we exploit. We’re damned if we don’t because these foreign economies don’t develop. Who’s to know what’s right?” How does this observation compare with the changes and experiences of the companies covered in the case?
- Would you employ a 12-year-old in one of your factories if it were legal to do so?
- Would you limit hours and require a minimum wage even if it were not legally mandated?
- Would you work to provide educational opportunities for these child laborers?
- Why do you think the public seizes on the Nike issues, but not the Apple issues? That is, there is no boycott of Apple products despite continuing labor issues emerging within the company’s international supply chain. Why?