HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2016
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HOLMES INSTITUTE
FACULTY OF
HIGHER EDUCATION
HOLMES INSTITUTE
FACULTY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
SUBJECT OUTLINE
HC2121 COMPARATIVE BUSINESS ETHICS
AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Trimester 1 / 2017
Holmes Institute is committed to providing the highest quality education
in a dynamic, student-centred learning environment. Holmes Institute fosters in its
Students rational thought, intellectual integrity and social responsibility.
www.holmes.edu.au
FACULTY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Holmes Institute Faculty of Higher Education offers business courses that combine discipline-based excellence
with practical application. The faculty operates on campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Hong Kong.
The faculty offers a Bachelor of Business, a Bachelor of Professional Accounting, Bachelor of Fashion and
Business, a Master of Professional Accounting, a Master of Business Administration and a Graduate Diploma in
Business.
Details about the members of the faculty can be found on the homepage of the Faculty of Higher Education at
www.holmes.edu.au/undergraduate.
HOLMES INSTITUTE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
At Holmes Institute, the Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Professional Accounting programs offer domestic
and international students the opportunity to study a set of contemporary subjects in the field of business. These
subjects prepare students for the challenges in business environments of the 21st century. These programs HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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emphasize the global and cross-cultural dimensions of business. Teaching utilizes a combination of delivery
methods and includes critical analysis and case study methods. A combination of exams, case studies and
company analysis are used in assessment.
The Bachelors’ programs of Holmes Institute focus on:
Developing career related capabilities
Emphasis on business numeracy and literacy
Managerial proficiency
The new economy
Leadership
Entrepreneurship
Social responsibility and ethics
SUBJECT OVERVIEW & RATIONALE
Welcome from the Subject Coordinator
HC2121, Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility is designed to immerse you in organisational
ethical decision making processes, issues, organisational control mechanisms, and benefits of developing
comprehensive and due diligence ethics programs. Most of the activities of business people, both inside and
outside the organisation, have ethical dimensions. Particularly many business functions represent boundary
spanning roles between the organisation and outside constituents and as such present challenges in the areas
of: honesty and fairness, deceptive advertising, price fixing and restrictive trade practices, product
misrepresentation and liability, billing issues. This subject provides students with an understanding of how
national and organisational culture shapes thinking about ethics, morals, and social responsibility. Comparative
business ethics and social responsibility are discussed and applied to the analysis of social, political, and economic
contexts, using a variety of case studies.
SUBJECT OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this subject, it is expected that student will be able to:
1. Distinguish the difference between personal and business ethics in organisations
2. Compare and contrast diverse approaches to ethical decision making
3. Evaluate the implications of the legal pressure for ethical behaviour in organisations
4. Recognise the key ethical issues related to workplace relations, decision making, product, pricing
promotion, and distribution
5. Apply and enhance problem solving skills in solving and managing ethical dilemmas within an
organisation.
HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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SUBJECT ADMINISTRATION
Awards Duration Core/Elective Subject weight
BBus, BPA 1 semester Core 3 credit points
Mode of delivery On campus
Prerequisites HC1021, HC1031
Workload Students are expected to attend all classes
Delivery 2 hrs of lectures and 1 hr tutorial or equivalent
Independent study 5 hrs
CONTACT DETAILS
Subject Coordinator Seyi Lagoke [email protected]
Lecturer Sydney Campus (S2)
Lecturer Sydney Campus (S1)
Seyi Lagoke
Dr Stephen Akpa
[email protected]
[email protected]
Lecturer Melbourne Campus
Sudhir Lad [email protected]
Lecturer Brisbane Campus Dushyant Singh [email protected]
Lecturer Gold Coast Campus Ms Cindy Machelek
Dr David Ponton
[email protected]
[email protected]
Students please note:
Holmes Institute provides each student with a Holmes webmail. Faculty and Administrative staff can only
communicate with you using your Holmes Institute mail address. Emails from private and/or business email
accounts cannot be used and may not be answered.
CONSULTATION TIMES*
Please check with your lecturer
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Sydney Campus By Appointment
By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment
Melbourne Campus By Appointment
By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment
Brisbane Campus By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment
Hong Kong Campus By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment By Appointment
HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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STUDENT ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
TYPE
DUE DATE WEIGHT LEARNING
OUTCOMES
Class Test Week 7 (2nd Half Block mode
Week 9)
20% 1,2 & 3
Group Case
Study
WEEK 11 20%
1, 2, 3, 4 &
5
Online MCQ
FROM
From Week 2 (NORMAL
MODE) From 2nd Class
(BLOCK MODE)
10% 1, 2,3, 4 & 5
Final
Examination
EXAM WEEK 50%
1, 2, 3, 4 &
5
ASSESSMENT POLICY
To be eligible to pass this subject, students must complete all forms of assessment and demonstrate achievement
of the learning outcomes. All assignments must be submitted electronically using a word processor, uploaded to
Blackboard via SafeAssign. Hard copies are no longer accepted.
The assignment cover sheet must include the student/s name, number, subject code and subject name, subject
lecturer’s name, assignment due date and time of submission.
Submission deadlines are strictly enforced and late submission incurs penalties of 5 (five) % of the assessment
value per calendar day unless an extension and/or special consideration has been granted by the Subject
Coordinator prior to the assessment deadline. Unless an extension and/or special consideration has been
granted by the Subject Coordinator prior to the assessment deadline, no assessments are accepted after 14
calendar days of the due date or the end of the trimester for assessments due later in a trimester. Students are
requested to familiarize themselves with the Holmes Institute Assessment Policy located on the Blackboard
Student Subject: HE-General Study Information (HGEN_HE) > General Information > Policies and Procedures >
Holmes Institute Student Assessment Policy v1.pdf.
STANDARD GRADING SYSTEM AND DISTRIBUTION
GRADE LETTER RANGE
High Distinction HD 80% and above
Distinction D 70 – 79%
Credit CR 60 – 69%
Pass P 50 – 59%
Fail NN 0-45% (did not meet the standard required according
to the learning outcomes in the Subject Guide )
Faculty Pass* FP 46 – 49% (awarded by Board of Examiners) HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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Supplementary Exam Granted (a
temporary grade)
NS Supplementary examination granted
Deferred Exam (a temporary grade) ND Officially Deferred examination
Fail NA Student did not submit any work according to the
schedule in the Subject Guide
Result Withheld RW Additional assessment and/or work required
Result Withheld WH Outstanding fees or non-return of Holmes Institute
materials
* This grade is sometimes referred to as a conceded pass at other institutions
Explanation of Letter Grade
HD Outstanding work which exhibits sophisticated understanding and critical synthesis, analysis and evaluation
of the subject matter. While the work utilizes opinions of others, judgements about the value of the subject
matter are made and drawn together in an organized whole. Gaps in the subject matter might also be identified
and the implications discussed.
D Substantial work of high quality, which demonstrates a clear understanding of the subject matter, in which
the relationship between the constituent elements are identified clearly and discussed with some level of critical
analysis. The work also applies abstract ideas in concrete situations.
CR Sound and competent work, which demonstrates a reasonable but not complete grasp of the subject matter.
The work utilizes recall and paraphrases the work of others concerning the subject matter. Some basic level of
critical analysis is evident. Originality in the work is rarely evident.
P Work that demonstrates a satisfactory engagement with the subject matter such that the student is said to
have a general understanding of the field. Provides an adequate basis for further study.
NN Did not meet the learning objective of the subject
VIEWING STUDENT GRADES
Results including the final grade can be viewed via the Grade Centre on Blackboard. Results for all assessments
are published within two weeks of the due date of the assessment and the final examination. Students who wish
to appeal their mark for a specific assessment are advised to follow the procedures outlined at
www.holmes.edu.au /undergraduate/appeals.
PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Holmes Institute view any forms of academic misconduct as most serious offences. Academic misconduct in any
form during an examination is not tolerated and will be dealt with according to the policies and procedures set
out in the Holmes Institute Student Handbook (located on Blackboard in the Student General information
Subject: HE-General Study Information (HGEN_HE) > General Information > Student Handbook 2012 v.2.pdf).
Plagiarism occurs when one uses another person’s ideas or manner of expressing them and passes them off as
one’s own work by failing to give appropriate acknowledgement (that is, referencing the source). Any instances
of plagiarism will be dealt with promptly).
It is important that student reference their work appropriately. The Faculty of Higher Education at Holmes
Institute uses the Harvard style of referencing. A detailed guide to referencing can be found in the Student
Handbook and Resource Centres. It is expected that you will be familiar with the Harvard style of referencing. HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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USE OF BLACKBOARD
Holmes Institute uses Blackboard as its online teaching platform and all students enrolled have access to
Blackboard to view and download their lecture material, grades, important announcements on their subjects and
discussion rooms for selected subjects.
Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to check Blackboard on a regular basis. It is expected that
students will have viewed lecture materials and additional readings before class. All students are advised to
familiarize themselves with the use of Blackboard. Guides to Blackboard are available in the Resource Centre on
each campus. Should you have difficulties accessing and/or using Blackboard, please contact your lecturer or the
Holmes Institute Blackboard Helpdesk on: [email protected].
USE OF RESOURCE CENTER AND PROQUEST
For most subjects, students are expected to engage in additional research. Textbooks and teaching materials
available in the Resource Centre will be of use here. In addition, current students have access to a range of
electronic academic journals via Proquest, which is accessible once you log into Blackboard.
Should you require any assistance with the use of Proquest and/or online research, please contact your lecturer
and/or the Resource Centre staff on your campus.
STUDY SKILLS & ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Students who have difficulties with their studies and/or specific forms of assessment should contact their
lecturer/tutor or Higher Education Coordinator on campus. Holmes Institute also offers regular Academic
Support, which is free for any student enrolled. Students with insufficient academic progress are required to
attend regular Academic Support sessions. Academic Support sessions are timetabled each trimester. For more
details see http://www.holmes.edu.au/undergraduate/Information.
DETAILED INFORMATION ON SUBJECT ASSESSMENTS
Item Due date Weighting Length
Task 1 – Mid-Term Test
WK 7
20 %
Task 2 - Group Case Study
Case 4: Sustainability Challenges in Gas and Oil Industry
(Pp 425 – 436)
Format: Report format, times new roman, 12 point, 1.5 line
spacing. The report needs to consist at least the following:
a. Executive Summary: ideally one page but no more than two.
b. Sections 1: Introduction
c. Section 2: Main body of the report consisting the questions
at the end of case study
d. Sections 3: Conclusions,
e. Reference List (15-20 references).
WK 11
20 %
3,000 words
HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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Students will form into groups of 3-4 You are not allowed to
submit on your own as an individual. Each group will complete a
detailed analysis and present the case assessment, analysis, and
outside research in a form of report. You must engage in
additional research to gather more background information as
well as current information on the company and situation.
IMPORTANT: You must submit a soft copy to the Blackboard
‘Final submission link’, wait an hour, then print the blackboard
safe assign report and attach it to your hard copy. Sign and
attach an assignment cover sheet to your hard copy, then
submit the hard copy to the lecturer in class.
Final Examination (Closed Book Exam)
Information on the final exam will be provided by the lecturer
and on blackboard.
Exam week
50%
SUBJECT RESOURCES
Prescribed Textbook (compulsory)
Ferrell, O., Fraedrich, J. and Ferrell, L (2016), Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases, 11th ed,
SouthWestern, Cengage Learning.
All students will need access to a copy of the text to discuss the weekly cases
Recommended Reading
Caroll, Archie B. and Ann K. Bucholtz (2012) Business and Society. Ethics and Stakeholder Management, 8 edn.,
Cengage Learning
Recommended Website Link
1. ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Business for Social Responsibility
http://www.bsr.org
Resources to help companies implement ethics and social responsibility initiatives
Corporate Watch
http://www.corpwatch.org
An online magazine and resource center that monitors corporate activity and works to expose
corporate wrongdoing
CSR Europe
http://www.csreurope.org/pages/en/history.html
Supports member companies in integrating corporate social responsibility into the way they do
business, every day
EthicScan
http://www.ethicscan.ca
A Canadian consulting, corporate responsibility research house, and educational resource center
Ethics and Compliance Officer Association
http://www.theecoa.org/iMIS15/ECOAPublic
Professional association for ethics officers and managers of ethics and compliance programs
European Business Ethics Network
http://www.eben-net.org
Promotes values-based and ethical aware management to stimulate and facilitate discussion and
debate on common ethical problems and dilemmas HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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Institute for Business Ethics
http://www.ibe.org.uk/index.html
European organization created to encourage high standards of business behavior based on ethical
values
Green America
http://www.greenamericatoday.org
Provides resources for green consumers and businesses, including Green Pages, an online directory of
thousands of socially and environmentally responsible businesses, products, and services
International Association for Business and Society
http://iabs.net
An organization comprised of scholars and practitioners who are interested in the field of business and
societal relationships
International Business Ethics Institute
http://www.business-ethics.org
Helps organizations and industries implement international ethics programs
Net Impact
http://www.netimpact.org/
Association of students and professions who are interested in using the power of business to create a
better world
Redefining the Corporation
http://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/~stake
Provides direction for implementing balanced perspectives of stakeholder management based on the
work of hundreds of researchers
Social Venture Network
http://www.svn.org
An organization dedicated to supporting socially conscious entrepreneurs and changing global
business practices
Society for Business Ethics
http://www.societyforbusinessethics.org
An international organization of scholars and others interested in business ethics
Transparency International
http://www.transparency.org/
An organization dedicated to increasing government accountability and curbing bribery and corruption
worldwide
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
http://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=MQ&doOpen=1&C
lickMenu=LeftMenu
A CEO-led, global association of over 200 companies dealing with business and sustainable
development.
2. Codes of Conduct
Creating a Code of Ethics for Your Organization by Chris MacDonald, Ph.D.
http://www.ethicsweb.ca/codes
Bell South Code of Conduct
http://www.ethics.bellsouth.com./OVIA_K00801W.02.pdf
Boeing Code of Conduct
http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/ethics/code_of_conduct.pdf
Buckman Laboratories Code of Ethics
http://www.buckman.com/about-us/46-fundamentals/255-the-buckman-code-of-ethics
Nortel Supplier Code of Ethics
http://www.nortel.com/prd/suppliers/collateral/nn118656.pdf
Texas Instruments Code of Conduct
http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/investor/gov/conduct.shtml HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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Texas Instruments Code of Ethics for CEO and Financial Officers
http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/investor/gov/CodeOfEthics.shtml
Tom's of Maine Statement of Beliefs
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/business-practices/values-beliefs/our-reason-for-being
3. CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
AT&T/BellSouth
http://www.att.com/gen/landing-pages?pid=7735
Cisco
http://www.cisco.com/web/about/citizenship/index.html
ConocoPhillips
http://www.conocophillips.com/en/susdev/pages/index.aspx
Sony
http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/csr/index.html
Texas Instruments
http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/csr/index.shtml
4. ETHICS CENTERS, FOUNDATIONS, AND SOCIETIES
Business for Social Responsibility
http://www.bsr.org/index.cfm
Center for Ethical Business Cultures
http://www.cebcglobal.org/
Ethics Resource Center
http://www.ethics.org/
Institute for Global Ethics
http://www.globalethics.org/
International Business Ethics Institute
http://www.business-ethics.org/index.asp
International Society of Business, Economics and Ethics
http://www.isbee.org/
The Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Research
http://www.onlineethics.org/
5. PUBLICATIONS (Journal & Magazines)
Business Ethics (Online Magazine)
http://business-ethics.com/
Business Ethics Quarterly
http://secure.pdcnet.org/pdc/bvdb.nsf/journal?openform&journal=pdc_beq
Ethikos
http://ethikospublication.com/
Journal of Business Ethics
http://www.springer.com/social+sciences/applied+ethics/journal/10551
Journal of Macromarketing
http://jmk.sagepub.com/
Teaching Business Ethics
http://www.springer.com/social+sciences/applied+ethics/journal/11234
HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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LECTURE SCHEDULE/SYLLABUS
Wk Topics scheduled Assessment Tutorial Activities Chapters
1
Syllabus review
Class Introductions,
Assignment
No Tutorial
2
The Importance of Business
Ethics
Academic Skills: Essay/Report
Writing/Referencing
1
3
Stakeholder Relationships,
Social Responsibility, and
Corporate Governance
Chapter 1: Acme Corporations
Q1-Q4 (p.26-27)
2
4
Emerging Business Ethics
Issues
Chapter 2: An Ethical Dilemma
Q1-Q4 (p.29-300).
3
5
The Institutionalization of
Business Ethics
Chapter 3: Alcon Q1-Q4 (p.87-
88)
4
6
Ethical Decision Making and
Ethical Leadership
Chapter 4: An Ethical Dilemma
Q1-Q3 (p.91-92)
5
7
Individual Factors: Moral
Philosophies and Values
Mid-Term Test
Chapter 5: Zyedego
Corporations Q1-Q3 (p.145-
147)
6
8 Organizational Factors: The
Role of Ethical Culture and
Relationships
Chapter 6: An Ethical Dilemma
Q1-Q4 (p.149-150)
7
9 Developing an Effective
Ethics Program
Chapter 7: Trawlers
Accounting Q1-Q4 (p.210)
8
10 Implementing and Auditing
Ethics Programs
Chapter 8: An Ethical Dilemma
Q1-Q3 (p.215-216)
9
11
Business Ethics in a Global
Economy
Group Assignment
Report
Chapter 9: An ethical Dilemma
Q1-Q3 (p.239-240)
10
12 Exam Revision Session Online MCQ Exam Revision Session n/a
Exam week*
* Note: Students must consult the Academic Calendar and Blackboard for the dates of the Study and Examination
Week.
HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Studying in higher education presents many experiences and challenges. These might involve academic, personal
and/or professional issues. At Holmes Institute, we have a range of people who can help you with various
challenges. The following table identifies contact points should you require any support.
SUPPORT REQUIRED WHO TO CONTACT
Information for Current Students Holmes Institute Student Handbook:
Academic Probation / Mentoring Academic Mentors, Associate Dean
Accommodation Holmes Institute Home Stay
Computers, Blackboard, Email IT and Blackboard Help Desk emails: [email protected];
[email protected]
Disability Needs Holmes Institute Campus Directors
Employment and Careers Career Development Team
Enrolment Higher Education Coordinator
Exams Higher Education Coordinator
Financial Issues Holmes Institute Campus Directors
Personal Issues National Higher Education Program Manager, Mentoring Team
Proquest Database Librarian on each Campus
Study Skills Holmes Institute Academic Support & Study Skills Team
Visa Issues, COEs etc. Higher Education Coordinator
GLOSSARY OF DIRECTION WORDS FOR ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
Analyse Show the nature of something identifying the essential elements and g how they
are related.
Argue Present the case for and/or against a particular proposition.
Compare Identify the characteristics/qualities that resemble each other. Look for similarities
but also differences.
Contrast Emphasize differences between things, events, problems, or qualities.
Criticise Express your judgement about the truth of factors or views mentioned. Come to
conclusions and discuss the positive points as well as possible limitations.
Define Give clear and concise meanings of an item. Do not provide a detailed
explanation but include limits of the definition and how the item defined differs
from other items.
Describe Recount, characterise, outline, and relate in sequence.
Discuss Examine, analyse and give reasons for and against. Be comprehensive in your
answer and give details, usually to assess how satisfactory something is.
Evaluate Carefully appraise in relation to some standard including advantages, limitations,
the costs and benefits as appropriate; attempt to make a judgement.
Examine Investigate critically, appraise a subject or matter in detail. HC2121 Comparative Business Ethics and Social Responsibility T1 2017
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Explain Clarify, interpret, and elaborate on the material presented. Give reasons for
differences of opinion or results, and try to analyse reasons behind it.
Illustrate Use a concrete example, diagram, or figure to explain or clarify a problem or
issue.
Indicate Identify and then focus attention so as to clarify.
Justify Prove or give reasons for particular conclusions or decisions.
Outline Present the main features or aspects showing main points and subordinate
points. Do not include minor details and emphasize the classification of things.
Review Examine a subject critically, analysing and commenting on important or
controversial statements.
State Present the main points in a brief and clear sequence. Do not give specific
details or examples.
Summarise Give the main points or facts in a condensed, concise form.
(Source: Adapted from Monash University, http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/quickrefs/29-direction-words.xml, accessed 14
February 2013)
This subject outline was prepared by the Course Development Team for the Undergraduate Programs, Faculty of
Higher Education, Holmes Institute. It was correct at the time of publication. Change to the Subject Outline may
occur at any time. However, the Faculty of Higher Education endeavours to inform the students accordingly. This
publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism, or review
as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process or placed in computer memory
without written permission. Enquires should be made to Holmes Institute Faculty of Higher Education. ©
Copyright 2013.