Final Assignment MBA FT 2016-2017 Integration Project Outline Guidelines for group work: Recent environmental and social problems caused by the fashion industry, such as water and air pollution, high level of carbon emission, unfair labor conditions or child labor are calling a need for fostering sustainability within the fashion industry. The current proposed solutions of producing and buying sustainable fashion products have not solely been able to overcome the problems within this sector. Furthermore, by releasing low priced products every season, fast fashion has encouraged a throw away culture and has consequently allowed fashion industry’s problems to persist. Thus, more than ever, would be the proper time to slow down the fashion consumption and to discover the possibilities consumers have to minimize the environmental and social damages of the current unsustainable fashion production and consumption. Taking into account the above considerations, one way to address consumers’ choice is by providing products which already incorporate the sustainable elements. This implies to look back at the way the product is locally produced and brought to the market. With these premises, the research question is formulated as follows: “What are the requirements for a sustainable business model which would promote responsible consumption?” Sub-questions: • What does a business model of sustainable fashion look like? What factors must be present in order for a business model to qualify as sustainable fashion? • In particular, what consumer behavior concepts can be utilized at the retail level to support sustainable fashion? What would a closed end loop supply chain look like in relation to sustainable fashion? The research aims at exploring the supply chain of the textile industry, taking as reference Bangladesh’s Garment Sector, and understanding consumers’ behaviours both in Europe and Asia. Outcome Learning: Research methodology: a. analyse a real business case by applying the principles of sustainability and social responsibility based on sustainability and SR principles and theories, CSR theory, stakeholders’ theory, supply chain management theory; institutional theory and risk-change theory; b. conduct business research individually and collectively by providing sound recommendations to address a multi-dimensional international business problem in question; c. analyse available data from multiple perspectives in order to provide sustainable and managerial recommendations to address the research question. In depth and critical analysis of the textile supply chain taking Bangladesh garment sector as the primary sourcing spot, according to the Social Responsibility framework of analysis; Design the research in order to collect and analyze data to address the research question; Emphasis the managerial and practical relevance of your results and solutions; Deadline for group work’s presentation: 15rd April 2017 Guidelines for individual Research assignment: The Individual assignment can focus on one of the following topics (but not limited to them): 1. Consumer behaviour: Why cheap clothes are better? 2. Neoliberalism and the implications of fast fashion on economic, environmental and social performance in developing and developed countries? 3. The consumers attitude-behavior gap: “even if I know that cheap clothes might have been produced at the expenses of low labour conditions, I still buy cheap” 4. The relevance of Rana Plaza: Why and How did this accident trigger the attention and action of the international community? 5. The environmental cost of the fashion consumption: A life cycle analysis 6. Innovating new approaches for sustainable/ alternative fashion 7. What are the drivers and constraints for consumers’ behavioural change? 8. Analyzing economic, social, and environmental enablers and barriers to innovative business models for garment 9. Recycling, reuse, and other extensions of the garment lifecycle: issues and challenges 10. How to promote alternative lifestyles to promote fashion consciousness and sustainability? Guidelines for the assignment: The basis for this assignment is the knowledge acquired during the entire course through lectures, PPP, videos, discussions and relevant bibliography as well as group exercise and case study analysis. It is highly recommended that each paper includes a reference to a specific theoretical framework, uses a logical sequence and formulates clearly an answer with recommendations to the chosen research question. The major findings of the group work should be used as an introduction to the individual assignment. Form An analytical paper, sized ca. 10/15 A4 (times new roman 12) of max 1,500 words. Criteria The final mark of 100% is divided between the group work (50% of your final mark) and the individual final assignment (50%) and will be depending on the following criteria: Deadline of individual assignment: Please upload your assignment to Blackboard by 13th April 2017