The final assignment is to:

1.) Assess the costs and, more importantly, the benefits of doing a sustainability and/or CSR program at a firm, utilizing the readings and case discussions. (66% of final paper grade)

2.) Assess a company’s CSR, sustainability, or citizenship report. Explain the extent to which the company recognizes and takes responsibility for the social and environmental impacts of its business. Please note that every student chooses a different report. (33% of final paper grade)

IMPORTANT: Use the readings on Canvas! These have been carefully selected. Sources used from outside the course readings must be carefully cited. No plagiarism. Outside sources must be clearly indicated and all sources documented (not simply by a web address). If you cite a course article, you can just cite the author name and date.

Recommended Report Format

A) Executive Summary of one page.

B) Discuss the internal (or company and employee benefits) of CSR and sustainability initiatives (these can be put in a table format, but be specific). The Dannon case provides as a good example to illustrate the internal value of CSR programs, and this can explain why it was not their priority to advertise their CSR activities. Explain how a CSR strategy needs to “fit” a firm’s management culture.

C) Discuss the emerging opportunities in the evolving “green market.” Cite strategies and opportunities. As part of this, summarize the Clorox case and discuss how they successfully developed green brands. Cite the benefits of these efforts on marketing, branding, and reputation enhancement.

D) Briefly summarize the company CSR report that you read. Then critique the report of the company that you examined. Explain how the firm defined their specific “responsibility” in the report and any shortcomings. Is the company doing enough? Is it effective and fully transparent in addressing all social responsibility concerns? What would you suggest that the company needs to do?

Do not forget the benefits for both people and planet –sustainability is not just about money (or solely an instrumental benefits to the firm’s shareholders alone).

You can submit the final assignment any time. Advice: If you want an “A” in the class, be thorough; provide more than the “basics” in your discussion. Demonstrate your mastery of the material by (a) summarizing the cases in your answer, and also, (B) explaining their significance, particularly in relation to the posted articles and class discussions. If you missed the class on GRI, it is up to you to find out about the sustainability reporting at the GRI website. The site has ample explanations and useful information. Be critical of the reports that you read.

Note: I choose Google