The British University in Egypt
Faculty of Business Administration, Economics and Political Science Programme: Business Administration
Level: Intermediate
Academic Year 2019-020
Semester 2
Module Name: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility (Progressing) Module Code: 19BBST04I
Module Leader: Dr. Tarek Ali
Nature of Coursework:
Individual
Group
Assessment Title: Group Project Weight of the coursework: 30% Word Count: 4000 Words. Submission date: TBD Submit to: TBD
Time: TBD
Office: #
ILOs (as stated in the module specification): 3, 4, 5, 6 &7
1. Task
Each group (3-4 self-selected students) is required to develop a comprehensive report and oral presentation about the practices of ethics and social responsibility in the following business case study.
Mattel is a giant international toys maker producing iconic toys such as the very
famous Barbie doll. Mattel produces more than 800 million toys annually and
targeting infant/pre-schoolers, grown-up girls, and boys markets. Mattel, Inc. has
been in the last 10 years not only known for producing toys that meet high safety
standards, but also for its efforts in ensuring social and environmental standards
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in its production. Mattel introduced a binding code of conduct – called Global Manufac- turing Principles (GMP) and a sophisticated monitoring system to ensure standard implementation at all its production sites. On Jan 2007, the Business Ethics Magazine (www.business-ethics.com) had listed Mattel among the 100 Best companies.
During the summer and fall of 2007, Mattel Corp pulled more than 21 million toys from shelves in little over a month because they were coated in toxic lead paint or contained small, poorly designed magnets. Mattel placed notifications in 20 languages on its website, sent personal letters to its entire customer database, sent letters and posters to its retailers. However, the disclosure reveals that Mattel must report suspected safety issues within 24 hours of detection.
In 2001, Mattel waited more than three years to announce a Power Wheels defect. Mattel’s dubious products were manufactured in China. Mattel owns five factories and outsources 50 percent of production to third-party Chinese manufacturers. After the crisis, Mattel has transferred a greater portion of testing responsibility to manufacturers themselves and shutdown the five factories.
In light of this, the Mattel case provides a unique opportunity to explore quality control, product safety and outsourcing manufacturing to developing countries searching only for cheap labour.
Q1. Research on a real-life business situation that is similar to what happened with Mattel, and then relate it to the business ethics theories. (30 marks)
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Q2. Discuss the ethicality of the decision made by Mattel through applying the ethical decision steps (40 marks).
Q3. Advise Mattels administration on how they can solve the problem ethically (30 marks).
2. Objectives
To be introduced to a critical understanding of the real world and to relate to the theory and practice of Business Ethics.
To identify the responsibilities of businesses in contributing to the well-being of the wider society; and; to gain the necessary skills to make ethical decisions in various situations.
3. GeneralInstructions
1. Thereport
Group Names Submission is in Week 3 (in the case you fail to form a group by week 3 the group will be allocated randomly).
Each group has 20 minutes to present its case study by week 7. Presentations will be followed by 10 minutes discussion and immediate feedback.
The report should not only include theories, but also your own in- depth analysis and, valid and backed-up opinion and constructive arguments.
Requires proper citation using BUE referencing style. 2. LayoutandFormat:Thereportmustbe:
Word-processed.
Submitted on A4 paper. Double line spaced.
Font Arial 12 point.
3. SubmissionProcess
Two hard copies.
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One soft copy uploaded on Turnitin.
One hard copy of the Turnitin originality report.
Word Limit
The report must be 4000 words (excluding table of contents, references, bibliography).
It is not recommended that the report should be of less than 3500 words, as it will not meet expectations.
You must state on the submission form the number of words. The report also has to include
Two completed and signed Coursework Submission and Statement of Academic Honesty Forms.
One Coursework Feedback Form.
One completed and signed Contribution Form.
4. Marking Criteria
You will be evaluated for a submission of a written report that is worth (20%) in addition to a presentation (10%) that starts on week 7 during the lectures and the tutorials
Each student receives a combined mark of individual work (40%) and group work (60%).
The penalty for exceeding the word count in written assessments would be applied if the word limit was exceeded by 15% (instead of 5%) and for dissertations if it was exceeded by 20%.
The penalty will be reducing the mark to 40/100 as a maximum mark to be awarded for this assessment.
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Items Weight (%)
Group contribution (60%):
– In-depth analysis and link to the topics discussed during lecture.
– Key findings and conclusion
– Quality of referencing
30%
15% 15%
Individual contribution(40%): (you should clearly state it in the contribution form)
40%
5. Feedback
Instant feedback will be delivered after the group presentations
Generic Feedback and provisional grades will be posted on the e-
learning 15 working days after the submission date
Individual feedback will be provided to each group upon request.
6. Advice
Do not pass off the work of others as your own. It is you that is being examined. We want to see your understanding, your ability, and your ideas. Cite references correctly but do not be over dependent on them.
If academic misconduct is suspected, it will be investigated thoroughly and it is likely to be treated as a Major Offence under the Universitys General Academic Regulations (see sections on Assessment and Academic Misconduct).
7. Coursework Re-assessment
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An individual report is required to be submitted during the Summer Assessment Period. A detailed Coursework Brief for the re-sit will be uploaded on e-learning during the Summer Assessment Period.
Readings Required
Hartman, L., & Desjardins, J. 3rd edition (2014). Business Ethics: Decision-Making for Personal Integrity & Social Responsibility. McGraw- Hill
Additional Resources:
Global Ethics Network: http://www.globethics.net/?gclid=CJfV_rud6bsCFRSWtAodci4Aeg
The magazine of corporate responsibility: http://business-ethics.com/
Institute of Business Ethics: http://www.ibe.org.uk/
Egyptian Corporate Responsibility Center: http://www.ecrc.org.eg/
Module Leader Signature:
Dr. Tarek Ali
December 2019.
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