...Without question, "sustainability" is the latest buzzword in many sectors, public and private, for-profit and nonprofit. Is it just the latest fad? This paper, the first phase of a larger research project, agues that sustainability is "creating permanent shift in the very nature of business." Sustainability integrates three spheres--profits, the planet, and people--often viewed as competing or contradictory. How can management integrate them to boost the "triple bottom line?" This study identifies the leadership challenges through a literature analysis and emphasizes that measurement tools often miss the point: the pursuit of an organization's particular brand of success is a journey, not a destination. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Introduction "Sustainability" has come to have many different meanings. It's the latest buzzword among business, government, and nonprofit entities. Business leaders must be wondering if it's just the latest management fad of a concept that will fundamentally change how businesses are managed and measured. This paper is based on the notion that sustainability is more than a fad, but rather is creating a permanent shift in the very nature of business. Since the advent of the paradigm of sustainable development in the 1980s, the private sector has been shifting from a narrow economic conception of responsibility toward a comprehensive approach that attempts to balance economic objectives with environmental pressures and changing societal expectations...
Words: 4015 - Pages: 17
...acquire, and at the same time turn around and make a positive impression on the earths environment and multiple communities around the world. They have taken their love for books and reading and found a way to be environmentally conscious while still creating a successful company that makes profits and bring literacy to people all over the world. Better World Books make many smart moves as a business; they invest well, and waste not. I believe that Better World Books have an ideal business blueprint that many companies can model and be financially successful while still being conscious about how you do business. 2. Analyze the ways in which BWB strives to achieve a triple bottom line. Is this business model sustainable in the long term? Why or why not? Better world books have achieved the triple bottom line approach; they have made a conscious effort to achieve a social, enviromental, and economic sustainability. It directly donated books and gave financial support to literacy initiatives worldwide. Moreover, a percentage of each sale was given separately to the individuals, libraries, or colleges as well as literacy partners chosen by them. BWB did not advertise in the media about collecting and selling...
Words: 1252 - Pages: 6
...Executive Summary This report provides an analysis and evaluation of Triple Bottom Line (TBL) accounting. Many corporations adopt and follow the novel term, along with the public increasing public concern of social and environmental performances. The research pays attention to the arguments for and against the TBL accounting in corporate accounting reporting. Many companies concur with the significance of concept to reinforce their business, yet others hold the view that TBL is accompanied by diverse debates. The findings of this review show that TBL accounting: • Refers to a good tool of the measurement of accountability and transparency • Provides a beneficial opportunity to obtain the value of a corporate name and the market share in completion • Contributes to the reduction of production cost and the conservation of environment through making use of resources efficiently • Improves corporate management and employee productivity due to the measurement of accountability and transparency • Impacts on a core competency of business and a social situation • Adjusts a methodology to measure social and environmental performances TBL accounting with economic, social, environmental activities has been some negative thus far. However, the arguments against TBL accounting, which are related to core competency, poor societies and measure standard, are still doubtful and cannot address a strong persuasive in opposition to...
Words: 2530 - Pages: 11
...reporting sustainability data? Could Johnson & Johnson’s sustainability reporting be improved with input from managerial accountants? Why or why not? The role of the managerial accounting staff in sustainability should extend beyond the obvious one of collecting, analyzing and reporting sustainability-related information. Many accountants fill a variety of other positions within organizations, including senior management, in which they exert a more direct influence on strategy and decision making. The managerial accounting staff has a role to play in understanding, demonstrating and achieving the efficiencies that organizations can gain from sustainable business practices. The pursuit of sustainability depends on the generation, analysis, reporting and assurance of robust and accurate information (both financial and non-financial). But it is important that the managerial accountants gain an understanding of the concepts of sustainability and the challenges it poses in achieving long term growth in shareholder value or value for money. The accountanting staff, directly or in a supportive capacity, can help organizations embed sustainability issues into strategic planning and its execution. The accounting staff can also help overcome the various cultural, organizational and economic impediments to sustainability. I think that Johnson and Johnson sustainability reporting may be improved from input from the managerial accountants by the following specific activities...
Words: 727 - Pages: 3
...current portfolio it is called straddling. True False | 7. | By following a straddling strategy, firms can broaden their capabilities and effectively compete with more focused firms in markets requiring low cost for success. True False | 8. | An order winner is a set of criteria that differentiates the products or services of one firm from another. True False | 9. | An order winner is a set of screening criteria that permits a firm's products to be considered as possible candidates for purchase. True False | 10. | An order qualifier is a set of screening criteria that permits a firm's products to be considered as possible candidates for purchase. True False | 11. | Activity-system maps show...
Words: 6726 - Pages: 27
............................................................................................. 2 I. The development of global, European and national policies relating to sustainability. 2 1. Changing attitudes of public, politicians and businesses to the environment since 1945 .................................................................................................................................... 2 2. Brundtland definition of ‘sustainable development’ .................................................. 4 3. The international and UK policies to sustainable development since Earth Summit of 1992 ................................................................................................................................ 4 4. Triple bottom line........................................................................................................ 5 II. The commercial case for considering social and environmental matters in business management .......................................................................................................................... 6 1. 2. 3. Stakeholders and how they impact on business policies ........................................... 6 Is adopting CSR policies cost-saving? .......................................................................... 7 Primark Ethical Trading ............................................................................................... 7 III. Balance between expectations of stakeholders and the social...
Words: 7353 - Pages: 30
... 10 INNOVATIVE CONCEPT IN MANAGEMENT 1. Triple bottom line The triple bottom line refers to an accounting model in which environmental and social considerations are measured along with financial performance. The concept shifts corporate responsibility from shareholders' profits to stakeholders' interests. In other words, the triple bottom line focuses on anyone who is affected by organizations decisions, rather than focusing on investors. Because it includes social, economic and environmental considerations, the triple bottom line's goal is sustainability. Socially, a triple bottom line organization is characterized by fair business practices that benefit many stakeholders while exploiting none. Economically, the "profits" from the triple bottom line, including clean air, improved safety, clean water, etc., are shared by the society, as well as internal corporate profits that keep the business running. Environmentally, a triple bottom line organization works to reduce its carbon footprint and be responsible for the entire life cycle of its products. Social and environmental issues play a greater role in consumer and B2B choices than ever before. The "Green" movement was on the fringes of mainstream culture just a few years ago. Today, global warming, eco-sensitivity, fair trade and sustainability are issues that can have a tremendous impact on businesses of all sizes. A relatively new marketing model -- the triple bottom line -- offers businesses of all sizes an opportunity...
Words: 4389 - Pages: 18
...International Journal of Business, Humanities and Technology Vol. 1 No. 3; November 2011 Sustainability and Triple Bottom Line Reporting – What is it all about? Aimee Jackson College of Business University of Louisiana – Monroe Monroe, LA 71209 USA Katherine Boswell, PhD, CIA Assistant Professor of Accounting College of Business University of Louisiana – Monroe Monroe, LA, 71209 USA Dorothy Davis, DBA, CPA Associate Professor of Accounting College of Business University of Louisiana – Monroe Monroe, LA 71209 USA Abstract Growing demands from stakeholders for more extensive information about the operations and financial standing of businesses is encouraging some companies to including information on sustainability. The recognition that there are finite resources to be utilized by today’s businesses, as well as future generations, is a driving force behind incorporating additional reporting by companies on sustainability factors. This paper attempts to summarize the primary advantages and drawbacks of shifting from a strictly financial reporting philosophy to a sustainability philosophy. Keywords: Sustainability Accounting, Triple Bottom Line Reporting, TBL Introduction With the shift in societal focus toward environmental longevity, b usinesses are encouraged to look at the big picture and see their impact on the world around them. A fundamental philosophy propagated today is how imperative it is that businesses address all values in reporting...
Words: 2794 - Pages: 12
...in both economic and political institutions. Sustainable Enterprises pioneers established concepts and tools for implementing eco-efficiency measures and also show how to use them immediately to reap business worth. Business enterprises in turn must quantify themselves against a “triple bottom line” which includes social value, environmental and economic profit. ArcelorMittal is one such company that has implemented eco-efficiency measures and realized the business benefits. Monitoring Systems Monitoring is a systematic and on-going activity which involves collecting, recording and reporting information. Monitoring systems for any organisation should be developed for three dimensions based on the triple bottom line. Monitoring Systems for Planet Monitoring systems and eco-tracking help to answer some fundamental questions: What are the company‟s big environmental impacts? When and where do those impacts arise? During manufacturing, shipping and distribution? Or upstream in the supply chain? Or downstream in the hands of customers? How do others view the company‟s environmental performance? Sustainable Enterprises Page 1 ArcelorMittal 2011 Following environmental monitoring systems can be used by a company to measure its environmental impact: 1. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) - Every company...
Words: 3389 - Pages: 14
...Module Title: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Question 1: Set out the main criticisms that have been levelled at the above three MNC's In the case of Nestle, it became evident that no formal research into the emerging market was carried out. No approached to local authorities or government agencies was made; who may have had great knowledge/insight into feeding practice within the region or problems/issues that Nestle may be faced with. They simply tried to implement existing 'western' aspirational marketing practice into a region that they knew nothing about. Their communications with the target market were poor & unclear which led to the misconception that formula was a good way to replace breast milk and other forms of nutrition vital to child development. The company did not play its role in educating the public as to the proper methods of using the product and indeed the danger of it's misuse, and also did not consider the different living conditions as a factor in which could lead to such misuse. Their aggressive marketing approach ignored or de-emphasized breast feeding & much of their promotional efforts were misleading in encouraging poor & illiterate mothers to bottle-feed rather than breast feed their infants. Advertising portrayed breast-feeding as primitive and inconvenient. Free gifts & samples were supplied by sales reps dressed as quasi-medical staff known as 'milk nurses'; which were viewed as 'endorsements by association'. Quality control...
Words: 3128 - Pages: 13
...|Professional Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing | | | |Chartered Institute of Marketing | | | | | | | |Candidate No: 13184461 | | | |Center Name: Management Development Centre (MDC) | | | | | |Subject: Emerging Themes | | | | | |Word Count for Discussion Paper: | | | |Task One: 555 ...
Words: 4773 - Pages: 20
...Triple Bottom Line Andrea Ciuffoli Brandman University Financial Reporting and Analysis ACCU 602 Charmaine Felder, Ph.D, CPA June 5, 2015 Triple Bottom Line Introduction On October 22nd 2013, Apple unveiled thinner iPads and faster Mac computers ahead of a competitive holiday shopping season (Gupta & Chan, 2013). The invitation to this unveiling event sent to major members of the press was teasing: "We still have a lot to cover." While millions of people were tuned in to watch Apple’s press release in order to learn about the additional features of the new products that Santa could deliver this holiday season, exactly at the same time, about one million of young people were working under awful conditions such as long hours, low wages and abusive and military-style management, in order to assemble with the highest productivity rate these exciting new devices. This is happening every day at the Foxconn plant in China. Foxconn, a Taiwanese company founded in 1974, in the past decade has gone from being one of many invisible firms in the electronics supply chain to the world champion of flexible manufacturing. Foxconn, the trading name of Hon Hai Precision Industry, is the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer with ‘annual revenue of $131.6 billion in 2013’ ("Foxconn Hon Hai Income Statement," 2015). It is most widely known as Apple’s largest supplier. Figure 1. Foxconn Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Income Statement Although the company had an...
Words: 1927 - Pages: 8
...Logistics is defined as a part of the supply chain process. The logistics process can be divided into two parts, namely materials management and physical distribution. For both parts, decision problems and cost aspects are examined. Design and logistics aspects of products and services will be compared. We will discuss how to formulate objectives and constraints to measure the performance of logistics processes. Furthermore, several logistics control aspects are discussed. Finally, it is explained in which way logistics activities can be changed to operate abroad. Characteristics and specific aspects of global supply chains will be treated. Chapter 1 Operation and supply chain management = the design, operation and improvement of the system that create and deliver the firm’s primary products and services. Manufacturing process: would produce some type of physical product Service process: would produce an intangible process. Supply chain = refers to the process that move information and material to and from the manufacturing and service process of the firm. Process = made up of one or more activities that transforms inputs into outputs. There is work involved in each type of process: * Planning: consists of the process needed to operate an existing supply chain strategically. * Sourcing: involves the selection of suppliers that will deliver the goods and the services needed to create the firm’s...
Words: 1540 - Pages: 7
...In Press, Business Ethics Quarterly Getting to the Bottom of “Triple Bottom Line”* by Wayne Norman and Chris MacDonald March 2003 Abstract: In this paper, we examine critically the notion of “Triple Bottom Line” accounting. We begin by asking just what it is that supporters of the Triple Bottom line idea advocate, and attempt to distil specific, assessable claims from the vague, diverse, and sometimes contradictory uses of the Triple Bottom Line rhetoric. We then use these claims as a basis upon which to argue (a) that what is sound about the idea of a Triple Bottom Line is not novel, and (b) that what is novel about the idea is not sound. We argue on both conceptual and practical grounds that the Triple Bottom Line is an unhelpful addition to current discussions of corporate social responsibility. Finally, we argue that the Triple Bottom Line paradigm cannot be rescued simply by attenuating its claims: the rhetoric is badly misleading, and may in fact provide a smokescreen behind which firms can avoid truly effective social and environmental reporting and performance. Introduction The notion of “Triple Bottom Line” (3BL) accounting has become increasingly fashionable in management, consulting, investing, and NGO circles over the last few years. The idea behind the 3BL paradigm is that a corporation’s ultimate success or health can and should be measured not just by the traditional financial bottom line, but also by its social/ethical and environmental performance...
Words: 10518 - Pages: 43
...reduce the ability of the interested parties, including the future generations to meet their needs. In order to elaborate, how a leading global organization takes Sustainable Supply Chain Management as a strategic goal, we have prepared our report on GSK’s Sustainability elements. GSK is one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, developing and supplying medicines to a huge global market. The company employs more than 97,000 people in over 100 countries and has an extensive worldwide supply chain. GSK’s mission is to help people do more, feel better, live longer. They do this through investing in R&D, adopting flexible approaches to pricing, promoting open innovation, and strengthening healthcare systems. By growing their business and extending access to their medicines, GSK ensures long term commercial success as well as creating value for its shareholders and delivering economic benefits to the wider society. GSK contributes directly and indirectly to the economic growth in more than 150 countries through tax, charitable support and employment of 101,255 people around the world. This report reflects the actions taken up by GSK for achieving sustainability in their supply chain operations. GSK’S top 10 sustainability successes have also been highlighted in this report as to how they achieved the Carbon Trust Certification, reduced Carbon footprint,...
Words: 4386 - Pages: 18