Business Report: Innovation, Business Ethics, and CSR in Modern Business Organizations

Key Topics on Organisational Aspects of Business, Innovation, and Business Ethics/CSR

Writing your assignment

• This assignment must be completed individually.
• You must use the Harvard referencing system.
• Your work must indicate the number of words you have used. Written assignments must not exceed the specified maximum number of words. When a written assignment is marked, the excessive use of words beyond the word limit is reflected in the academic judgement of the piece of work which results in a lower mark being awarded for the piece of work (regulation 6.74).
• Assignment submissions are to be made anonymously. Do not write your name anywhere on your work.
• Write your student ID number at the top of every page.
• Where the assignment comprises more than one task, all tasks must be submitted in a single document.
• You must number all pages.

Submitting your assignment

In order to achieve full marks, you must submit your work before the deadline. Work that is submitted late – up to five working days after the published submission deadline - will be accepted and marked. However, the element of the module’s assessment to which the work contributes will be capped with a maximum mark of 40%.

Work cannot be submitted if the period of 5 working days after the deadline has passed (unless there is an approved extension). Failure to submit within the relevant period will mean that you have failed the assessment.

Requests for short-term extensions will only be considered in the case of illness or other cause considered valid by the iCentre Adviser.

Mitigation: The deadline for submission of mitigation in relation to this assignment is no later than five working days after the submission date of this work.

Assignment question:

Write a Business Report of 2,500 words to the following brief: “There can be little doubt that those activities which contribute to the efficient introduction and exploitation of new improved processes and products are extremely important for the competitive performance…”

(Freeman, 1989)

“Some companies have acknowledged that there is enhanced corporate reputation to be gained through recognizing that capitalism will be most successful when it cares for its customers, its producers, the environment and the communities in which it operates.”

(McIntosh, 1998)

Innovation and business ethics are sources of competitive advantage and key concepts in business practise. Using one of the five companies shown below:

• Assess the impact of innovation on modern business organisations.
• Assess the impact of business ethics and corporate social responsibility(CSR) on modern business organisations.

Companies:

• Ocado Group plc
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc
• Moneysupermarket.com Group plc
• Pets at Home Group plc
• Future plc

Assessment criteria and guidance:

The assignment must be completed as a Business Report, which should demonstrate:

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant modern business organisations and business concepts (Innovation 25 marks, business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) 25 marks = Total 50 marks).
• Research, analysis, and application of business concepts to relevant modern business organisations (Innovation 20 marks, business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) 20 marks = Total 40 marks).
• Academic skills (10 marks)
  Total 100 marks

The report should clearly discuss and explain the main key topics from the relevant lectures on organisational aspects of business, innovation as well as business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) For further reading and academic sources, see below.

Use the key lectures, module textbook chapter topics, and your own independent research to explain the use of innovation and business ethics and CSR in modern business organisations from an environmental, organisational, or strategic perspective.

Research and critically assess both the company’s innovation and business ethics/CSR strategies. With real-world company data and examples, assess the extent to which they contribute to the company’s competitive advantage and success. For example, you could apply Carroll’s pyramid of corporate social responsibility.

References and formatting guidance:

Follow the recommended report structure. Include separate sections under sub headings, with an introduction and conclusion, that are consistent with the two topics listed in the question. The word limit is 2500 words, not including the table of contents, tables, diagrams, reference list, and appendices. You must use Harvard Referencing. Check spelling, formatting, graph labels before submission to avoid loss of marks here.