Conducting a Case Study Analysis requires you to investigate a business problem or issue, examine possible solutions, and propose an effective solution. When reviewing cases, there is always an issue, policy, change in environment, or problem that has led to the discussion of change or the next steps. In Business Ethics, this is no different. When you are reading through the cases, make sure to consider the stakeholders: Who are they? Where did they come from? What are their motives? And [perhaps] most importantly, how do the next steps impact them? Each case study in this course has multiple viewpoints, consider them carefully, and think through your next step recommendations/ solutions. How are the externalities (positive, negative, and neutral) going to impact the different parties?
For this assignment, please read the following case (note: the actual case begins on page three (3) of the document): Employment Versus Environment: The Complexities of Managing the Interests of Northern Pulp’s Multiple Stakeholders (Sagepub/Hunt Library). (Links to an external site.)
Read the case thoroughly and note the following:
Key concerns
Environment
Facts
What do you need to know further about the organization?
Analyze the case and answer the following:
What are the main issues?
Why do these issues exist?
How are these issues impacting the organization?
When did the issues begin/arise?
Who is responsible?
Critique alternative solutions. Reach into your course learnings to answer the following:
What frameworks can be applied?
What options exist for solutions?
Have you personally experienced any of these? If so, what processes did you use to solve the issues?
Are there real-world examples of companies that went through a similar situation?
Make a judgment on the best solution.
Consider the alternatives you researched.
Identify which solution is the most effective, efficient (think costs, impacts, and value), and realistic.
Your paper should be written using the following formatting guidelines:
Introduction
State the problem or issue.
Summarize and introduce the situation.
Background
Identify the
environment,
the culture, and
any socio/political/economic factors.
Use outside research to establish an understanding of the organization.
Alternatives (at least two) (The most important section)
Explain the possible options and include:
Pros of each alternative.
Cons of each alternative.
Explain why these alternatives are possible or not possible and answer the following:
What are the obstacles to the alternative?
Are there outside (external) forces at play?
Proposed Solution (choose one from the alternatives you proposed)
Decide on one solution.
Provide support for your solution.
Explain your reasoning by answering the following:
Did you do outside research?
Can you back up your solution with real-world examples?
Recommendations
How will your solution be implemented?
Is there an action plan for your solution?
Who will be tasked with these steps?