...BA560-Corporate Responsibility: Marketing D. Keith Callahan Grantham University Abstract Should businesses be held liable for negative effects of their products on the very customer who chooses to buy it? In Pelman vs. McDonalds is a cause that was brought on behalf of a group of young people who claim that McDonald’s food is responsible for their obesity and ill health. The courts dismissed the case, but it brings up many correlations with the lawsuits against the tobacco industry and the questions of responsibility of marketers. Introduction In August of 2002 a lawsuit against the McDonalds Corporation was brought forward on behalf of a group of overweight children. The lawsuit alleged that McDonald’s food was responsible for their obesity and ill health. The plaintiffs allege that McDonalds falsely claimed to have healthier options, all the while pushing the upsizing of their more well-known items. (Mello, Rimm, & Studdert, 2015). Should a company be responsible to advise the consumers of the possible negative effects of their products? Should companies who fail to provide the facts to their customers be held legally responsible for the outcome? McDonalds In Pelman vs. McDonalds the complainants had some uphill battles with proving their obesity and ill-health were directly related to McDonald’s food. In the complaint it was alleged that McDonalds was negligent by failing to warn customers of the side effects of their products. The complaint also states that McDonalds...
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...Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies BUS 508: Contemporary Business July 24, 2014 Abstract Apple is a corporation that is known for obtaining and upholding their reputation as the first to master certain features and pieces of innovative technology. With a major reputation to uphold, great responsibility becomes a leading factor in decision making throughout the organization. The entire fan base and legacy behind the success of Apple and all of their products have a lot to do with their branding. The name Apple and “I” products are all a part of a trademark. It is understandable that major company’s such as Apple conduct business by having outsourced locations to benefit cheaper costs in production however there are still rules that have to be enforced. Managing a production facility from thousands of miles away is a challenge to ensure rules are being not only followed but put into action. Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies The Apple name has become a staple in today’s society as being the definition of being cutting edge. The technology that Apple products maintain have surpasses many other companies in the market that are a part of the competition of Apple. Once word gets out to the media that a new version of an iPad, iPod, or iPhone is coming soon, pandemonium sets in as well as uproar from people worldwide. Apple has been able to take the lead with cell phone users and consumers who enjoy the latest piece of technology. With a major...
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...Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Graddad Contemporary Business/508 January 25, 2015 Dr.Garabedian The corporation, Apple, prides its success on "creating innovative, high quality products and services and on demonstrating integrity in every business interaction." According to Apple, their four main principles contribute to the integrity: honesty, respect, confidentiality, and compliance. Even though, Apple has created a code of business conduct that applies to all its operations, as well as their international operations, Apple has, unfortunately let down investors by their unethical conducts. Apple has come under fire since around 2006 as details emerged surrounding the workplace environment at Apple's Chinese suppliers. An article in The New York Times exposed unsatisfactory work conditions that included exhausting 24-hour shifts, exposure to toxic chemicals, overcrowded housing, and horrendous explosions. Foxconn Technology Group operates many of the plants in question in Chengdu, China. According some Apple product users, Apple is said to be a trendy innovator that leads the industry and forces competitors to follow. Nevertheless, when it comes to its supply chain management and treatment of workers in the Chinese factories, Apple hides behind the constraints of prevailing industry practices. The fact that these practices are in violation of not only local and national laws, but also of Apple's own, self-imposed code of conduct. The majority...
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...3 Assignment 1 Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Apple Incorporation BUS 508 Name Date Instructor Apple Incorporation Apple Inc. is a corporation based in Cupertino, California (USA). The company designs, develops and sells consumer electronic products such as laptops and desktops, mice and iPhone. It also develops computer software, most popular of which is Mac OS X. Its major products include the Mac computers that it has been developing since 1984. Also included in the list are some of the world’s renowned products: iPhone and iPod, as well as the iPad. The company was initially found by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976. Their purpose was to develop and sell computers that were more personal and easy to use than the current systems at that time, which were very complex and required knowledge of a programming language to operate. In 1977, the company incorporates as Apple Computer, Inc. and itself to Apple Inc. in 2007. This change reflected upon the fact that Apple now focused on consumer products rather than computers. (Jason D. O'Grady (2009) “Apple Inc.”) Apple has developed an extensive Supplier Responsibility in which it assess the impacts of its operations and policies to the environment it operates in, including its employees and customers along with the physical and built environment. Apple has made its responsibility to ensure that its...
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...Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Charlene W. McMickens Professor Etido Akpan Contemporary Business January 26, 2015 1.) Examine Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and determine whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Provide two examples that support your position. Companies have to demonstrate the importance of ethics and social responsibility. Business ethics refers to the standards of conduct and moral values involving right and wrong actions arising in the work environment (Boone & Kurtz, Contemporary Business, 2005). Social responsibility is management’s acceptance of the obligation to consider profit, consumer satisfaction, and societal well-being of equal value in evaluating the firm’s performance (Boone & Kurtz, Contemporary Business, 2013). In regards to Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibility, the company has met its responsibilities in some ways and has not met its responsibilities in other ways. In reference to the company’s responsibilities as far as the products are concerned and consumer happiness, Apple has by far set the example by standing behind its products. Apple is one of the most valuable and profitable companies in the world. Apple will replace their products if there is personal defect beyond the consumer’s control. It is all in the quality of the service they give and the quality of the product that they produce...
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...Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Robyn Wright Herman Dr. Tonya D. Moore Contemporary Business January 28, 2014 Introduction Corporate responsibility and Marketing Strategies are essential in today’s market and to any premier company in this day and age. Researching Apple’s ethical and social responsibility and their position will allow the consumer to determine if the company is meeting or exceeding their responsibility. Exploring the publications which documents the impact of the company’s reputation as a result of any violations will be outlined in this document. The paper will also outline what methods can be utilized in the future to ensure that its suppliers adhere to standards going forward. In addition certain measures may call for more overhead, will Apple’s customers be willing to pay an increase in products and services in order for Apple to assure its suppliers adhere to wage and benefit standards in the future? The research will also analyze various actions that Apple can take to improve its overall marketing approach and outreach to global markets. Criteria #1 Apple’s position on its ethical and social responsibility should be in direct correlation to Apple's reputation as it is to the credibility of its products Apple has clearly cited on many occasions the belief that accountability is paramount for them as well as their suppliers. Apple’s supplier code of conduct states their employees are empowered and provided with safe and...
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...Bonny van Dongeren BUS 508 Dr. Steed 28 April 2014 Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies The Apple Corporation has very strong ethical and social responsibilities within the corporate world. They have also violated a lot of these ethical and social responsibilities which has caused it to hurt Apple Corporation’s reputation. One of the violations that will be discussed is the Wage and Benefits Standards. It is very important that Apple continues to follow these standard responsibilities. The other important factor to consider is keeping a price that will still keep Apple’s customers happy while paying their employees well. Apple has a lot to consider when dealing with their products, employees, customers, marketing, etc. This is a global business that needs to consider all types of culture throughout the world. On Apple’s website, it goes into full detail of the corporate responsibilities they follow. It is first quoted on the page, “All over the world, we’re expanding opportunities for workers and ensuring that they’re treated with respect and dignity.” (Apple 1) This shows that Apple cares about morals and standards within the company no matter the location. “If companies want to do business with us, they must uphold the highest commitment to human rights.” (Apple 1) It also gives a breakdown on the importance of furthering education to improve workers lives and to help empower them. This is an example of how Apple really goes out of their way to help teach...
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...Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies BUS 508 – Contemporary Management Strayer University Introduction This assignment will examine the private enterprise systems, drivers of change on the system, ethical and social responsibilities of business, and the requirements for success in today’s business environment. Abysmal corporate ethics and social responsibility has been spotlighted in the media with events such as the Enron scandal in 2001, the BP oil spill in 2010, and more recently, the labor practices at Apple’s, China based, Foxconn factory in 2012. In an ever more competitive market place, events such as these bring ethics and social responsibility into the forefront of qualifying factors required to earn trust that equates to money from consumers. (Alijani 2012, Boon 2012, Duhigg 2012, Ewing 2013) Apple’s Current Position on Ethics and Social Responsibility Through transparency, Apple has spun this very public, internal defect of absent ethical and social responsibility by publishing a Code of Conduct, Supplier Responsibility Standards, and Working-Hours Reports on its commercial website. Additionally, Apple flooded the media with reports about it’s clean up efforts. For example, in February 2012, Apple announced it was the first technology company admitted to the Fair Labor Association (FLA). The FLA conducts independent monitoring and verification to ensure that the FLA Worklpace Standards are upheld (Apple 2014). Impact...
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...Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Contemporary Business BUS 508 Dr. Melinda Swigart January 18, 2015 Abstract This paper will examine Apple’s current position in regards to ethical and social responsibilities. The leadership under Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak has built this empire with great success and long term relationships. The violations that they have endured have strengthened their moral and ethical fundamentals. I have identified Apple’s current position and the background of this huge empire. The paper will also introduce the methods used for their success and overall advertising strategies: that has enhanced product sales. The loyalty of their customers and continued growth has factored in significantly increasing new product development. Apple’s contribution to this world has made them a well-known corporation. Introduction Apple Corporation Steve Job co-founder of Apple Computer alongside with Steve Wozniak pioneered a cycle of revolutionary technologies. In 1980, Apple Inc. had a market value of $1.2 billion during their first day of trading. Apple Inc., formerly Apple Computer, Inc., is a conglomerate corporation that creates consumer electronics, computer software, and commercial servers. Apple’s foundation lines are the iPad, iPhone, iPod music player, and Macintosh computer line-up. The founder’s s Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak effectively created Apple Computer on April 1, 1976, with the release...
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...Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Corporate responsibility and Marketing Strategies are essential in today’s market and to any premier company in this day and age. Researching Apple’s ethical and social responsibility and their position will allow the consumer to determine if the company is meeting or exceeding their responsibility. Exploring the publications which documents the impact of the company’s reputation as a result of any violations will be outlined in this document. The paper will also outline what methods can be utilized in the future to ensure that its suppliers adhere to standards going forward. In addition certain measures may call for more overhead, will Apple’s customers be willing to pay an increase in products and services in order for Apple to assure its suppliers adhere to wage and benefit standards in the future? The research will also analyze various actions that Apple can take to improve its overall marketing approach and outreach to global markets. Apple’s position on its ethical and social responsibility should be in direct correlation to Apple's reputation as it is to the credibility of its products. Apple has clearly cited on many occasions the belief that accountability is paramount for them as well as their suppliers. Apple’s supplier code of conduct states their employees are empowered and provided with safe and ethical working conditions. It is their representation that their code goes beyond the industry standards, which should...
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...Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Student Name: Gaurang S. Patel Professor’s Name: Dr. Bridges Course Title: BUS 508 – Contemporary Business Date: 27th April 2014 Ethical and Social Responsibilities The two ethical and social responsibilities towards the world are 1) Environmental Responsibility 2) Supplier Responsibility 1. Environmental Responsibility: Electricity is used to power electronic devices. As more and more products are being made the energy demand has gone up significantly. Since, most of our energy comes from burning fossil fuel. It pollutes environment leading to environmental issues and health issues. i. Toxin free products: Many substances used in electronics are harmful to earth and its living beings like Mercury, PVC, arsenic, lead, BFR and phthalate. Apple has gone over and beyond to design their products which are safer and eliminate the use of these toxins. ii. Recycling: Earth has finite resources and profuse use of the same will leave us with nothing. The only way to have those resources conserved for our future generation is to recycle the existing once. All the materials in Apple products are made more efficiently so they last longer (Doesn’t need to be replaced). And once they reach their end of the cycle, they get recycled. Apple retail stores take back their products for efficient recycling. Their products for packaging and gift cards include recycled or recyclable materials. iii. Climate Change:...
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...CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND MARKETING STRATEGIES Tanika Fuentes BUS 508 Contemporary Business Dr. Jacob The Apple Corporation has become one of the largest corporations in the world. There are a lot of companies that would like to be mentioned in the same breath as Apple. Many companies want to emulate their success. In this paper I will examine Apple current position and reputation, regarding ethical and social responsibility. According to Crane and Matten (2013) “One of the basic tenets of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) movement in business has been it being voluntary and meeting social expectations above and beyond the law.” The Apple Corporation has been publishing its CSR report on its website since 2007. On Apples website it states “Workers everywhere should have the right to safe and ethical working conditions. They should also have access to educational opportunities to improve their lives. Through a continual cycle of inspections, improvement plans, and verification, we work with our suppliers to make sure they comply with our Code of Conduct and live up to these ideals”. Living up to the previous statement concerning apples commitment to ethical and social responsibility has not been an easy one. My position on whether Apple has met their responsibilities would be no because with their brand being the world’s best global brand, they should be held to a higher standard. When you are the leader in your field other corporations are looking...
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...BUS 508:Contemporary Business Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Dr. Hammad Elbedour Monique A. Newell 1/20/2014 [Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] Apple Corporation is a computer company that sells consumer electronics and computer hardware/software. It was started by three men; Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino,CA. They wanted to make and sell personal computers. Later, Ronald Wayne sold his Share to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Back then, it was a very risky investment and too much of a risk for Ronald Wayne. Now, Apple is one of the biggest computer companies in the world. Today they are said to be worth around $705 Billion (Finger, 2013). It has very loyal customers that trust and buy only Apple products. This is because it is a company/product well known for its quality electronics. Despite its rather high prices, people will wait in line and pre-order Apples’ “Next big thing”. This company is well respected and well known. It must adhere to ethical business practices by being a socially responsible business. This paper will examine Apples’ current position as a socially responsible business. We will start by determining if Apple meets the standards it has made for itself as well as legal standards. Then we will...
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...Apple Corporation Ryan Butler Dr. Laura Poluka BUS508 17 July 2014 Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Who is Apple? Apple is one of the world leaders in innovative technology. Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Apple creates and manufactures mobile phones and devices. The products of Apple include the iPad, iPhone; Mac, iPod; iTunes and Apple Television just to name a few. Through many years of experience Apple strives to continue to advance with the time while staying committed to making extraordinary technology. Apple also strives to be as ethically and socially responsible as a company. Examine Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and determine whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Provide two (2) examples that support your position. David Kurtz author of Contemporary Business defines social responsibility as “a management philosophy that includes contributing resources to the community, preserving the Natural environment, and developing or participating in nonprofit programs designed to promote the well-being of the general public.” In recent years Apple has supported global education initiatives by providing educators and students with the latest in technology. They have provided targeted technology for every type of learning. Apple has teamed with Red Cross to help with donations during times of natural disasters providing iTunes applications to make donating easier...
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...Corporate Ethical and Social Responsibility – Apple Company Apple Company is one of the largest manufacturers of computers and electronics. “Apple Company was founded on April 1, 1976, by college dropouts Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who brought forth a new company vision of changing the way people, viewed computers” (Library of Congress, 2008). The ethical and social responsibility of Apple Company should have started with its inception; however, it did not. It was not until years later with the advent of social media and the power of worldwide communications, did Apple Company focus on ethical and social responsibilities regarding the treatment of its employees in their factories overseas. The international reports of employee maltreatment; the use of underage employees; and, documented instances of wrongful disposals of toxic matter into the environment, forced Apple to take immediate action and establish safeguards which would protect its employees, the environment and more importantly the brand name that is Apple Company. Apple Company: The Establishment of the Apple Supplier Code of Conduct An examination of Apples current position regarding ethical and social responsibilities determined that, in 2007, Apple Company established the Apple Supplier Code of Conduct, which is a set of guidelines Apple suppliers are to follow. The rules established reported that factories workers, especially those working in factories located in China were mandating their employees...
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