The Sustainable Business Network ( Sbn ) Essay

When talking about sustainability numerous people associate it with just protecting the environment. Sustainability is far more than going green, but it is a principle that many companies have adopted and have worked persistently to improve over the last several years. Sustainability is defined as the ability to continue a behavior indeterminately, but it also includes improving human life overall. Sustainable development is broken down into three pillars: economic, social, and environmental (Harich & Bangerter, 2014). Economics is the study of how people use resources, which correlates to the goal of sustainable development by using resources to their full potential (Laszlo, C., & Zhexembayeva, N., 2011, p. 60). Economic sustainable development allows companies to give their customers what they want without overusing mutual resources. Social development combines the social world with the physical realm to provide a good quality of life (Benoit, 2010, p. 7). Social sustainability focuses on the well-being of people and their communities. Environmental development, the most recognizable, includes protecting the environment by reducing pollution, recycling, switching of electronic devices when not in use, etc. All three of these pillars make up what is known as sustainable development. In this paper, I researched a company and their involvement in sustainability and how it applies to the

Sustainability from a strategic business perspective is the potential for the long-term well-being of the natural environment, including all biological entities, as mutually beneficial interactions among nature and individuals, organizations, and business strategies. (O.C Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell, 2015). Business sustainably is often defined as managing the triple bottom line – a process by which companies manage their financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities. These three impacts are sometimes referred to as profits, people and planet. (Business sustainability definition from financial times lexicon, no date). This essay will discuss the idea of sustainability being an important element within a businesses and its core strategies and the importance of it within different businesses. Secondly, this study will look at how different stakeholders are affected and influenced by sustainability as this could be seen as a catalyst to improving the environment as a whole and. Then this study will look at how businesses not focusing

Bertrand Piccard quotes, “In the 21st century, the heroes will be the people who will improve the quality of life, fight poverty and introduce more sustainability. This is a powerful message, it sums up the concepts discussed throughout the course. Additionally, the case studies such as the New Belgium Brewery, SC Johnson and The Kimberly Clarke organization have been proven to practice this philosophy. As society progresses in its efforts to provide a more sustainable future, there is a fundamental foundation of principles that must be followed to ensure success. Sustainable business development takes into account the application of business operations as it relates to the three pillars of sustainability, which is a dynamic yet integrative place to begin this journey. DesJardins, (2006) calls for a re-imagination of the future to create a vibrant sustainable model; which forms similar beliefs to Piccard. In addition, organizations are more inclined to create sustainable practices based on consumer demand and the willingness of leadership to participate in sustainability programs.

The chief concern is the major change and transformation that needs to take place, a new model that has the potential for new ground, trailblazing ahead. Currently, due to economic, social, and cultural shifts, Seagram recognizes a need for a shift as well in order to meet new demands, attitudes, and perferences. In attempting to increase profits, retain reputability, and influence, Seagram

Upon review of the information provided, it is clear that a vision set forth by Upper management, President and CEO Edgar Bronfman, Jr. had not been implemented and there is much work that needs to be completed to fulfill his legacy. Bronfman’s statement was clear and concise with a vision to be sought after no matter the cost. His vision, according to Jick & Peiperl, 2011 is for Seagram’s to be the “best managed beverage company” (p. 255). Bronfman had an idea/image of how he wanted Seagram’s to be viewed by the world and its employees. His vision offered a baseline for all employees to follow which in turn offers a one company initiative. Offering this baseline for the corporation leaves no chance for deviation from the cause. This company with deep roots in diversity and was losing ground due to changes in the new ideas of sobriety, increases in taxes on liquor, the 1990s recession, increased government regulation and social criticism (Jick & Peiperl, 2011). To define this project is to give direction and purpose to Bronfman’s word by backing them with actual progress towards his vision. This vision for Seagram’s is to not be confused with the need of the newly acquired MCA Corporation. This company should have its own visions and values.

Even so, while both of those organizations presented excellent strategies and opportunities for networking and advancement as an Information Technology professional, I chose to become a member of two different groups. The first of these was the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA). BDPA drew my interest for membership because of the organizations focus on diversity for IT professionals. As a minority person, who lives and works in a community with a large Latin and Caribbean populations, diversity is an important part of my everyday experience, as such, I was interested in join an organization

LO1: Understand the principles supporting environmental sustainability in a business environment 1.1 Describe current legislation in relation to environmental sustainability in a business environment The UK’s economy relies on global trade and resources. Issues such as climate change and a growing world population mean there is more pressure on energy, natural resources and the wider environment. A more efficient use of resources such as water, energy and natural resources directly benefits businesses in the UK. Savings of up to £23 billion a year, reducing carbon emissions and more resilience to climate change and inflated prices of supplies are a few benefits that have been anticipated.

An organization's strengths are assets the organization provides that differentiates the organization from their competitors (Quast, 2013). New Belgium’s assets include community respect for the organization responsibility environmentally, socially, ethically (Ferrell & Hartline, 2014). Continuing, NBB strives to improve communities by giving back with their philanthropic involvement (Ferrell & Hartline, 2014). Further, employees are committed to NBB because of the treatment and rewards received (Ferrell & Hartline, 2014). Furthermore, NNB strives to be a leader in brewery industry while maintaining their core values (Ferrell

Seagram has enjoyed a long history of success from its inception in 1924 with a single distillery in Canada to a world-wise company. During this timeframe, global recognition has afforded Seagram the opportunity to grow to 14,000 employees as well as creatively diversify in a manner than many companies could not imagine. Unique purchases of oil companies as well as what some might argue to be more logical partnerships like fruit juices such as Dole Food Company, Inc. created continued accomplishments that would shore up the company and create a secure future. In addition calculated investments with DuPont, MCA Inc., which includes Universal Studios and them parks as well as electric companies build an impressive portfolio for Seagram as well. We know that highly diversified organizations are more successful, “firms whose business units are highly related to each other, such as in a focused company, are outperformed by those whose business units are moderately unrelated to each other” (Graham, 2012, p.14). Although this argument makes little sense, Seagram has, for years, experienced the benefits of being highly diversified.

Sustainable development is defined as “Development that meets the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (IISD, par. 1 ).

Pearson is the organization I am most familiar. I have been a Pearson employee since 2007 with the acquisition of my previous company. It is a fascinating company from a political perspective given its history, and global nature. Pearson started in 1844 as a building contracting company in the United Kingdom (Pearson, 2015). The company has long history of growth via acquisition, and has changed direction and organizational mission focus many times in its history. However, it has never operated as one company until reorganizing in 2013. Pearson has always been a series of holding companies loosely tied together. Given the history, the company has rewarded individual business units, and their leaders, over rewarding the collective

The greatest challenge faced by many organizations today and especially the labour intensive industries is ensuring there is a sustainable

The Australian government is active in its move to promote and push for sustainable business practices, one of their more recent resolutions is the Clean Energy Legislation, which is made of individual bills covering levys on green house gases and fuel tax, this enforces corporations to oblige and making a move towards being green (Griffiths, 2012). However this means that certain organisations will do the bare minimum of what is required of them by law and nothing more. There are other initiatives in place to encourage sustainable business practices which are not legally binding, such as Sustainable Business Australia, who provide policy recommendations and resources for sustainability challenges (SBA, n.d). Companies who become members with SBA are held in high regards by their stakeholders as they abide by the recommendations regarding carbon action and resource solutions. There is also an emphasis on the people, and their crucial role in creating business value. Previously people were satisfied with just their basic needs being fulfilled, but no longer, we now see Maslow’s hierarchy of needs triangle unravelling as people require more to feel satisfied with themselves and what they do in their work space (Kiel, 1999). With encouragement from government and local communities, Australia is making an effort with great determination towards having the best sustainable business

The company has created SVN networks to get feedback from internal and external stakeholders. They come together to develop solutions and deliver tangible results that made a difference for the business. According to “Walmart, 2013”, “Those suppliers who partner with us in building a responsible supply chain will be the suppliers who will grow with us” (Sustainability Index).

3. Thomas L. Wheelen & J. David Hunger. 2012. Strategic Management and Business Policy Toward Global Sustainability. Thirteenth edition. Pearson Education