Undergraduate Major Project Integrated - Case Study

Undergraduate Major Project – Integrated Case Study

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Analyses

Strategic issues are general problems or challenges that confront society or a particular sector and require a strategic approach to address them. These issues can have a significant impact on the future of an organization or industry, and they require careful consideration and planning to mitigate their effects. Examples of strategic issues include technological disruption, changing customer pReferences, regulatory changes, economic uncertainty, environmental concerns, talent management, and geopolitical risks. These issues require a long-term perspective and a proactive approach to identify and address potential threats and opportunities. Effective management of strategic issues can help organizations to stay competitive and achieve their business goals. the general problems that confront society or the sector, analyzing how these issues impact the organization's operations, and reviewing existing literature on how similar organizations have addressed similar issues (Kabeyi, 2019).

Strategic Issues - general problems that confront society or the sector

Strategic issues are universal problems or challenges that face society or a particular sector and require a strategic approach to address them. These issues can have a significant impact on the future of an organization or industry, and they require careful consideration and planning to mitigate their effects. Examples of strategic issues include technological disruption, changing customer preferences, regulatory changes, economic uncertainty, environmental concerns, talent management, and geopolitical risks (McEwan, et.al 2017). These issues require a long-term perspective and a proactive approach to identify and address potential threats and opportunities. Effective management of strategic issues can help organizations to stay competitive and achieve their business goals. the general problems that confront society or the sector, analyzing how these issues impact the organization's operations, and reviewing existing literature on how similar organizations have addressed similar issues.

To begin with, let's consider an example case organization: a technology start-up focused on developing sustainable and eco-friendly products. One of the strategic issues that this organization may face is the increasing demand for sustainable products and the need to reduce carbon footprint. This issue is a general problem that confronts society as a whole, and it impacts the operations of the case organization (Van Tulder and Keen, 2018). To analyze this issue further, we can conduct a literature review of similar organizations that have successfully addressed this problem. Carbon footprint can provide valuable insights into the key strategies and best practices used by those organizations. Here's how to approach this task:

• Identify relevant sources: Start by identifying relevant academic journals, books, and reports that focus on sustainable business practices, climate change mitigation, and environmental sustainability. Use online databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, or ProQuest to search for relevant literature.
• Narrow down the search: Use specific keywords such as "carbon footprint reduction," "sustainable business practices," "green supply chain management," "renewable energy," "eco-friendly materials," etc. to narrow down the search and identify relevant studies.
• Analyze the case studies: Once identified relevant case studies, analyze them to identify the key strategies and best practices used by those organizations. Look for common themes and patterns in their approach to reducing their carbon footprint.
• Synthesize the findings: Finally, synthesize findings and develop a framework of best practices that can be applied to case organization. Identify the specific strategies and practices that are most relevant and feasible for organization and develop a roadmap for implementation (Pessl, Sorko, and Mayer, 2017).

Based on findings, develop a framework of best practices that includes the following strategies:

• Implement green supply chain management practices, such as falling waste, optimizing transportation, and sourcing raw materials from sustainable suppliers.
• Invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to diminish dependence on fossil fuels.
• Implement energy-efficient technology, such as LED lighting, HVAC systems, and efficient machinery, to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Encourage employee engagement and awareness through training and education programs.
• Establish clear goals and metrics to track progress and measure success.

By applying these strategies to case organization, it will become easy to develop a comprehensive plan for reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.

Next, analyze how these strategies and best practices can be applied to the case organization. For instance, the organization can advance in renewable energy source such as solar or wind authority to decrease its carbon footprint, or adopt green supply chain management practice such as sourcing materials from eco-friendly suppliers (Punt,et.al 2016).

Based on the literature review of similar organizations that have successfully addressed the issue of reducing their carbon footprint, there are several strategies and best practices that can be applied to the case organization, BD Network, to help reduce their environmental impact:

• Investing in renewable energy sources: One effective way to reduce a company's carbon footprint is to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. BD Network can explore the possibility of installing solar panels on their rooftops or purchasing renewable energy credits to offset their electricity usage.
• Using eco-friendly materials: Another method to decrease a company's environmental impact is to use eco-friendly materials, such as recycled paper or biodegradable packaging. BD Network can switch to using eco-friendly materials for their office supplies, promotional materials, and packaging materials.
• Implementing green supply chain management practices: Adopting green supply chain management practices can also help reduce a company's carbon footprint. BD Network can work with their suppliers to ensure that they are using eco-friendly materials and transportation methods. They can also consider sourcing their materials from local suppliers to decrease the environmental impact of transportation.
• Reducing energy consumption: BD Network can reduce their energy consumption by implement energy-saving method such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, turn-off off electronics when not in employ, and optimizing their heating and cooling systems.
• Promoting sustainability to clients: BD Network can also promote sustainability to their clients by offering eco-friendly advertising options, such as digital advertising instead of print advertising. They can also encourage their clients to adopt sustainable practices in their own businesses.

By applying these strategies and best practices, BD Network can significantly reduce their environmental impact and become a more sustainable business. Not only will this benefit the environment, but it can also improve their reputation and attract clients who prioritize sustainability. Furthermore, case company can also examine the challenges and potential barriers to implementing these strategies and how to overcome them (Hopkins, Read and Goss, 2017). For example, the cost of implementing renewable energy sources may be a major barrier for the organization, and it may need to explore financing options such as government grants or green bonds.

Linking strategic issues with case study literature review and a case organization involves analyzing the general problems that confront society or the sector, reviewing existing literature on similar organizations that have addressed similar issues, and identifying key strategies and best practices that can be applied to the case organization. It also involves analyzing potential challenges and barriers to implementation and exploring solutions to overcome them.

Challenges - the impact of the general problems on the organisation

The challenges that impact the general problems on the organization can vary depending on the specific problem and industry (Lewis, 2019). However, some common challenges that organizations may face include:

• Cost: Implementing sustainable practices can often come with a higher upfront cost, which may be a challenge for some organizations, especially small businesses.
• Resistance to change: Employees, suppliers, and customers may resist changes to traditional business practices, making it difficult for organizations to implement sustainable initiatives.
• Lack of knowledge and expertise: Implementing sustainable practices often requires specialized knowledge and expertise, which may not be available within the organization.
• Regulatory compliance: Some sustainable initiatives may be subject to government regulations and compliance requirements, which can create additional challenges for organizations (Jordan. and Troth, 2020).
• Supply chain complexities: Implementing sustainable practices within the supply chain can be challenging, as it often involves coordination and collaboration with multiple suppliers and partners.
• Lack of stakeholder support: Without buy-in from key stakeholders such as employees, customers, and investors, sustainable initiatives may not be successful in the long run.

One of the main challenges that BD Network may face in implementing sustainable practices is the cost of investing in renewable energy sources. Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems can be expensive upfront, and it may take several years to recoup the costs through energy savings. This can be a significant barrier for organizations that are not willing or able to make the initial investment. However, it is significant to note that investing in renewable energy sources can lead to long-term cost savings and benefits for the organization, as well as a reduction in their carbon footprint. Another challenge that BD Network may face is resistance to change among employees and clients. Implementing sustainable practices may require changes to existing processes and procedures, which can be met with confrontation from workers who are used to working in a convinced way. Similarly, clients may be resistant to changes in the way that services are provided or delivered (Amarantou, et.al 2018).

Overcoming this challenge may require clear communication and education about the benefits of sustainable practices, as well as engaging employees and clients in the process of implementing these practices. A lack of knowledge and expertise in sustainable business practices is another challenge that BD Network may face. Sustainable business practices can be complex and require specialized knowledge and expertise. Organizations that do not have the necessary knowledge or expertise may find it difficult to implement sustainable practices effectively. This challenge can be addressed by investing in training and development for employees, hiring external experts, or partnering with other organizations that have experience in sustainable business practices.

Finally, the complexities of implementing sustainable practices in their supply chain may also be a challenge for BD Network. The supply chain can be a complex and interconnected network of suppliers, vendors, and partners. Implementing sustainable practices throughout the supply chain may require significant coordination and collaboration with these stakeholders. Additionally, suppliers and vendors may not have the same level of commitment to sustainability as the organization, which can make it difficult to implement sustainable practices effectively (Grama and Todericiu, 2016). Overcoming this challenge may require clear communication and collaboration with suppliers and vendors, as well as setting clear expectations and standards for sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Overall, these challenges are not insurmountable, and there are ways for organizations like BD Network to overcome them and successfully implement sustainable practices. It may require a commitment to investing in renewable energy sources, clear communication and education about the benefits of sustainable practices, investing in training and development, and collaboration with suppliers and vendors to implement sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. By overcoming these challenges, BD Network can contribute to a more environmentally friendly future and set an example for other organizations to follow.

Solutions - an organisation level solution to the impacts of these challenges

Based on the challenges outlined, here are some potential solutions that BD Network could consider implementing at an organizational level:

• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis: One of the biggest challenges in implementing sustainable practices is the initial cost, which can be a barrier for small or medium-sized companies. To address this, BD Network can conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the long-term financial benefits of implementing sustainable practices, such as reduced energy and resource usage, cost savings on waste disposal, and improved brand reputation. This analysis can help the organization make informed decisions on where to allocate resources (Ranabahu, 2020).
• Invest in employee education and training: Another challenge is the resistance to change among employees and clients, and the lack of knowledge and expertise in sustainable business practices. BD Network can address this by investing in employee education and training programs that teach sustainable business practices and their benefits. This can include workshops, training sessions, and educational resources.
• Collaborate with suppliers: BD Network can work with their suppliers to implement sustainable practices all through the supply chain. This can include sourcing sustainable materials, dropping waste, and implementing energy-efficient transportation methods. Collaborating with suppliers can help ensure that sustainability practices are integrated throughout the entire production process.
• Set sustainability targets and measure progress: To ensure that sustainable practices are being implemented effectively, BD Network can set sustainability targets and measure progress over time. This can include reducing energy usage, waste generation, and carbon emissions. By setting targets and regularly monitoring progress, the organization can ensure that sustainability is an ongoing priority.
• Communicate sustainability efforts to stakeholders: Finally, BD Network can communicate their sustainability efforts to stakeholders, including clients, employees, investors, and the wider community (Thatcher and Yeow, 2016). This can include creating a sustainability report that outlines the organization's sustainable practices and goals, as well as communicating sustainability efforts through marketing and public relations efforts. By communicating their sustainability efforts, BD Network can build brand reputation and encourage others to adopt sustainable practices.

Implementing these solutions can help BD Network overcome the challenges of implementing sustainable practices and contribute to a more environmentally friendly future. It is important for the organization to prioritize sustainability and commit to ongoing efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

Implementation – a plan to put a solution into practice

Plan for implementing the solution of employee education and engagement to overcome the challenge of resistance to change:

• Conduct a needs assessment: Conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific areas of sustainability where employees need to be educated and engaged. This can include areas such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement.
• Develop a training program: Develop a training program that is tailored to the needs of the organization and its employees. The training program should cover the key concepts and practices of sustainability and provide practical tips on how employees can implement sustainable practices in their work (Schuur, Rezazade Mehrizi and Ranschaert, 2021).
• Use a variety of training methods: Use a variety of training methods such as workshops, webinars, videos, and presentations to engage employees and make the training program more effective.
• Engage employees in sustainability initiatives: Involve employees in sustainability initiatives such as setting sustainability goals, monitoring progress, and implementing new sustainability practices. This can help employees feel more invested in the process and more likely to adopt sustainable practices.
• Provide feedback and recognition: Provide feedback and recognition to employees who are actively engaged in sustainability initiatives. This can help to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage more employees to get involved.
• Monitor and evaluate progress: Monitor and evaluate progress regularly to make certain that the training program is effective and that employees are adopting sustainable practices. Use this feedback to make improvements and adjust the program as needed.

By implementing the plan, BD Network can overcome the challenge of resistance to change and create a culture of sustainability within the organization:

• Addressing Sustainability Challenges in BD Network

As businesses across the globe face pressure to incorporate sustainable practices, advertising services company BD Network also needs to implement such practices to mitigate its environmental impact. However, this process comes with several challenges. This article outlines the challenges that may impact the implementation of sustainable practices and provides potential solutions to overcome these obstacles (McGinty, 2020).

• Challenges
• One of the significant challenges that organizations like BD Network may face when implementing sustainable practices is the cost associated with investing in renewable energy sources. While renewable energy source can assist decrease a company's carbon footprint, the installation costs and ongoing maintenance can be expensive. This can make it challenging for businesses that operate on tight margins to commit to sustainable investments.

• Another significant challenge is the resistance to change among employees and clients. In some cases, staff members and clients may not fully understand the importance of sustainable practices or the benefits they can bring. Thus, it can be challenging to convince them to participate in the process.

• The lack of knowledge and expertise in sustainable business practices is another challenge that businesses face. Companies that have been operating for a long time may not have sustainable practices ingrained in their culture or may lack the expertise needed to implement such practices.

• Finally, there may be complexities in implementing sustainable practices in a company's supply chain. Businesses may struggle to find suppliers who also prioritize sustainability, or it may be difficult to enforce sustainable practices among suppliers who do not prioritize sustainability.
• Solutions
• One solution to the cost challenge of investing in renewable energy sources is to explore alternative financing options. For example, BD Network could explore government subsidies or low-interest loans for companies committed to sustainable practices. The company could also consider implementing energy-saving measures like LED lighting, which can be relatively inexpensive and offer a good return on investment (Taghizadeh-Hesary and Yoshino, 2020)..

• To overcome resistance to change, BD Network could implement employee education and training programs to help staff members understand the importance of sustainable practices. The company could also establish a sustainability team made up of employees from different departments to encourage employee participation and engagement. Additionally, the company could make sustainability a part of the company culture and values, which could help shift attitudes towards sustainable practices.

• To address the knowledge and expertise gap, BD Network could hire a sustainability consultant or expert to help implement sustainable practices. The company could also consider partnering with other companies that have already implemented sustainable practices to share knowledge and resources. The company could also invest in employee training programs that provide education on sustainable business practices.

• Finally, to address complexities in implementing sustainable practices in the supply chain, BD Network could establish sustainable procurement policies that require suppliers to meet specific sustainability criteria. The company could also establish partnerships with suppliers committed to sustainable practices.
• Implementation

To implement sustainable practices successfully, BD Network could follow a structured process that includes the following steps:

BD Network and other businesses must incorporate sustainable practices into their operations to mitigate their environmental impact. However, this process comes with several challenges, including costs, resistance to change, knowledge gaps, and supply chain complexities (Gabriel, 2016). To overcome these obstacles, businesses can explore alternative financing options, implement employee education and training programs, hire sustainability experts, establish sustainable procurement policies, and partner with suppliers committed to sustainable practices. Following a structured process that includes an environmental audit

Conclusion

In conclusion, the case study of BD Network, an advertising services company, highlights the importance of sustainability in today's business world. As society becomes increasingly aware of the impact of human activities on the situation, companies are under strain to adopt sustainable practices in order to reduce their carbon footprint and supply to a more sustainable future. The case study identified a number of strategic issues and challenges that organizations face in implementing sustainable practices, including the cost of investing in renewable energy sources, resistance to change, lack of knowledge and expertise, and complexities in the supply chain. Despite these challenges, companies such as BD Network can still successfully implement sustainable practices through the adoption of effective strategies and best practices used by other organizations. Overall, the case study highlights the significance of sustainability in the modern business world, and the need for companies to adopt sustainable practices in order to remain competitive and contribute to a more sustainable future. By following the suggested solutions and implementation plan, BD Network can successfully implement sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact, while also demonstrating their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Recommedation

Some of the solutions suggested for BD Network include developing a clear sustainability strategy, investing in renewable energy sources, educating employees and clients on sustainable business practices, implementing green supply chain management practices, and regularly monitoring and reporting on the company's environmental impact. The implementation plan provided a step-by-step guide for putting these solutions into practice, including the creation of a sustainability team, conducting a sustainability audit, setting measurable sustainability goals, implementing sustainable practices in the supply chain, and monitoring and reporting on progress. BD Network has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the environment by adopting sustainable business practices. By taking a comprehensive approach to sustainability, investing in renewable energy, adopting eco-friendly materials, implementing green supply chain management practices, and educating employees and clients, BD Network can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and position themselves as a leader in the advertising industry. After conducting the sustainability assessment, BD Network should develop a sustainability strategy that aligns with their business goals and objectives (Sinsel, et.al 2020). The strategy should include specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. BD Network should consider adopting eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable plastics, recycled paper, and sustainable fabrics. This can help reduce their environmental impact and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to their clients and stakeholders.

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