MN30436: Contemporary Issues in Business and Society Sem2 Assessment Information 2024-25

Assessment information

• Assessment on the unit is a single piece of coursework (2.500 words, excluding references and appendices) that contributes 100% of the final unit grade.
• The coursework is a theoretical analysis (based on the analytical tools provided during  lectures 1-3) of a business and society case presented in a newspaper article or report (see section 2 below)

Theoretical analysis

The theoretical analysis follows the analytical toolbox as provided during class (Lectures 1-3) (cf. Moodle page for the video capture of the lecture and lecture slides). Based on the theories presented in class, please answer the following questions when analysing the case:

1. What is the societal issue (grand challenge)? Why is it an issue for the firm?
2. For firms associated with this issue, what factors influence the situation?
   (a) How salient are stakeholders and their demands relating to this issue?
   (b) What institutional pressures do firms face on this issue?
3. Propose/discuss a solution to this issue
   (a) Explain how the solution (would) change(s) incentives and bring(s) about change(s) in behaviour
   (b) Evaluate the degree to which it (would) lessen(s) negative impacts or create(s)positive impact

Comments

• Structure: The above-provided list of questions provides guidance for the structure of your assignment. For example, you could use the three sets of question as a chapter structure (E.g., Chapter 1: “The issue of …”). Doing so, you arrive at three chapters (chapters 1, 2 and 3). If you include a (short) introduction and a (short) conclusion, you arrive at a 5-chapter structure such as this:

Introduction (present the research question and your argument)
Chapter 1: The issue: …
Chapter 2: Influencing factors: …
Chapter 3: Solutions: …
Conclusion (answer the research question)

• Research question: When analysing the case, please choose a useful research question that guides your analysis. The research question should be exposed and motivated in your introduction and answered in the conclusion. A good research
  question identifies a problem and sets out a plan to find a solution, and is thus specific and problem-oriented. The research question can appear in the title (but doesn’t have to). Examples include: “How did [COMPANY] engage in [ISSUE] in [COUNTRY]? Other forms of questions are possible, for example, “Why did [COMPANY] engage in [ISSUE]? It is important to choose a question you can answer with the evidence at hand. Therefore, please make sure that the evidence at hand matches the research question you want to analyse.
• Ad Question 1: Please be aware that the cases provided may include more than one issue related to business and society relations. It is your decision whether you want to focus on one single issue or more. Please make sure to go beyond the information provided in the links and research further evidence of the issue(s) in question.
• Ad Question 1-3: Use the theories provided in class. Please make sure you also engage with further research on the theories provided. For example, you might find novel or further research papers relevant for your analysis related to self-regulatory standards or stakeholder salience.
• Ad Question 3: You may discuss a solution that has already been implemented. In this case, a) explain how the solution (would) change(s) incentives and bring(s) about change(s) in behaviour. Then, b) evaluate the degree to which it (would) lessen(s) negative impacts or create(s) positive impact. You may also suggest modifications to the existing solution or propose alternative solutions. If no solution has yet been implemented, propose a solution and then address parts (a) and (b) accordingly.