A) Include at least TWO companies (from the same industry) in your analysis and B) together compare & contrast the reports of the individual firms, including:
1. Reporting approaches used by the firms (e.g., use of the GRI framework, UN SDGs, any other frameworks, etc.),
2. Primary supply chain-focused ESG initiatives (at minimum environmental and social)
3. Approaches to ensure suppliers are in compliance with codes of conduct (governance)
4. Goals and performance (across the companies, particularly in regards to similar initiatives such as reduced water use, etc.)
5. Company-level collaborations with NGOs. Which? Why?
6. Industry-level SC and ESG initiatives: are there initiatives that are ‘larger’ than an individual firm and being implemented at the industry (or an industry association) level to address sustainability issues and reduce risk to creating value? Is the industry working with any NGOs on initiatives? Which? Why?
7. Which form is performing best? How did you determine the best performer?
Using the SC Disclosure Radar and SC Transparency Matrix diagrams in the ‘What’s Your Strategy for Supply Chain Disclosure’ (SCM-SUST introduction pdf file) article can be a helpful way to organize your information and assess the firms.
ALSO: (8) As a foil to the individual companies’ self-reported information, spend some time researching what other organizations (e.g., NGOs) have to say about the individual company and industry activities, checking to see if they are engaged in potentially harmful activities not mentioned in their report. Comment on these issues (or the lack of them), being sure to cite their sources. This section is now titled, “What are they REALLY doing?” after a suggestion by students in a recent offering of this course.
(9) Finally, what did you learn in doing this assignment? What was new/surprising for you?
The report should be about 1,500-2,000 words. Using tables to organize information is strongly recommended, especially items 1-5. Do include an introduction section that highlights the industry you’ve selected, the firms you are including in the analysis, and the most important sustainability issues facing that industry. Also, include in the introduction include your primary findings and take-aways. There is a sample paper from 2022 (sustainability in supply chains sample pdf file).Please follow that sample format and read the attached textbook “Supply Chain for Operation dummies pdf file(scmfd)” on chapter 19 to understand the material better. Additionally, some lecture notes and articles are also attached( “SCM-SUST introduction” and “get ready for more transparent sustainable reporting” pdf file) to assist you in completing the assignment. Also, some TED talks video link regarding ESG if needed: https://www.ted.com/talks/ray_anderson_the_business_logic_of_sustainability?showsSubtitleTooltip=true
