The Samsung Group (SG) is a multi-national manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in South Korea whose portfolio includes retail, electronics, securities, textiles, and Everland Resort (The oldest theme park in South Korea). Samsung Electronics (SE), known for producing innovative and top quality products is the flagship company of the Samsung Group which specializes in system integration, digital appliances and media, memory, and semiconductors. For this assignment I’m going to focus on the manufacturing of semiconductors by the SG and their supply chain management strategy which includes economic, social, and environmental responsibilities. Samsung is one of the world’s leading electronics companies and manufacturers of semiconductors. Semiconductors are a major component in many of the products that we use throughout our daily life, they have been integrated into hundreds of popular industries and thousands of products in the last few decades. PC’s have a semiconductor to prevent it from vibrating, they are used in Rice Cookers to control the temperature precisely, and in air conditioners to control the temperature.

Samsung has adopted a philosophy based on fairness, openness, and co-prosperity, their “Supply Chain Management Strategy” focuses on ensuring the materials that are used by the company are sourced ethically and responsibly. Samsung provides support to its suppliers to fulfill its ethical and social responsibilities and to operate in adherence with global laws and standards. Samsung has established a transparent registration system for new suppliers who wish to do business with them which includes requiring the supplier to satisfy criteria in Environment and Safety and Labor Rights. For Environment and Safety, new suppliers are required to satisfy the criteria set in 22 articles which includes occupational safety, fire prevention, environmental facility, and hazards and waste. Labor Rights has a criteria set in 20 articles which includes prohibition of child labor, guarantee minimum wage, and prohibition on inhumane treatment. Samsung has collaborated with Kangbuk Samsung Hospital to offer physical examinations to executives and employees of their partner companies. Samsung promotes its 10 Environment, Safety, and Health Commandments which encourages its employees not to work if it’s not safe to do so.

Although Samsung has invested a lot of money and resources into their Supply Management Strategies, the company is constantly in the news and receiving bad press about known issues that the employees and outside organizations feel that the company is ignoring. Numerous South Korean courts found that factory conditions were responsible for brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and leukemia due to the hazardous chemicals that are being used. Miscarriages are also very normal among women ages 20 to 39 in their first trimester due to the lack of proper equipment and ventilation.

I think that Samsung is trying to satisfy too many issues at the same time and has lost focus on their core values. They should prioritize their employees and focus on actually implementing the changes that they promote rather than just state what’s not obvious.

I chose to research Meta using the sustainability report that they provided for 2023.  (https://sustainability.fb.com/2023-sustainability-report/)

Meta has significantly reduced its operational greenhouse gas emissions, achieving a 94% reduction from 2017 and reaching net zero emissions in 2020. This was accomplished mainly by transitioning to 100% renewable energy for its data centers and offices. Meta has also become one of the largest corporate renewable energy buyers globally, with a portfolio of over 10,000 MW of contracted projects.

Meta is also working to integrate principles of circular economy and resource efficiency across its operations and products. In its data centers, this includes efforts to extend the lifespan of hardware components through reuse and refurbishment. Meta has developed rigorous testing and validation processes to ensure the reliability of reused server components and has successfully deployed racks with reused parts that have performed well for two years. The company has also extended the average lifespan of its servers from four to five years, reducing the need for new hardware. On the consumer product side, Meta is increasing the use of post-consumer recycled plastics and metals in its VR devices and promoting device repair and refurbishment to extend product life.

The company is implementing various sustainability measures in its data centers, which account for most of Meta’s energy usage, water withdrawal, and GHG emissions. These include boosting energy and water efficiency through advanced cooling technologies, integrating circular economy principles like server component reuse, and achieving LEED Gold certification for all new data center construction. In 2022, Meta tested increasing data hall temperatures, reducing water usage by over 50% in pilot locations.

To address value chain emissions, Meta is engaging suppliers representing at least two-thirds of its spending to set science-aligned GHG reduction targets and adopt renewable energy by 2026. It also conducts lifecycle assessments of its hardware products and data center components to identify carbon hotspots and implement reduction strategies like material substitution.

Meta’s apps and services are also leveraged for environmental education and action. The Climate Science Center, launched in partnership with leading climate organizations, provides users factual resources and practical advice. Meta is working to combat climate misinformation through fact-checking partnerships, warning labels, and algorithmic demotion of false content. It has also launched initiatives like the Climate Misinformation Grant and the Climate Science Literacy Initiative.

Recognizing that water is a critical and scarce resource, Meta has set a goal to restore more water than it consumes by 2030. Since 2017, it has funded 25 water restoration projects in watersheds where it operates, with a projected 1.9 billion gallons restored annually once completed. In 2022, these projects returned 621 million gallons to high-water-stress regions.

Other key partnerships and collaborations include:

• Meta’s membership in the UN CEO Water Mandate and the Water Resilience Coalition.
• A $925 million commitment alongside other tech companies to accelerate carbon removal technologies.
• Funding for reforestation projects with groups like the National Indian Carbon Coalition.
• Support for improving global climate change opinion surveys with Yale University.

When I want to buy a new outfit for an event or just buy some new clothes for a different  season I would usually go on fashion nova. Fashion nova has been one of my favorite online shopping stores for years now. It has also replaced in person shopping and has been a more convenient way to buy clothing, as you can do it on your phone and buy clothes. Fashion nova was founded in 2006 by its CEO Richard Saghian. Its headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California, which is also where they have their in person Fashion nova store. The CEO launched the e-commerce website in 2013.

Fashion nova has claimed that they have a zero tolerance policy for both forced labor and child labore and they are committed to ensuring that their supply chain reflects their respect fro human rights, and that their relationships with vendors are based on lawful, efficient and fair practices. Also in August 2020, they announced reforms to its contracting practices in support of californias proposed bill SB 1399, that states a mandate that their workers are paid the applicable minimum wage, which is 15 and hour. They also established a toll free hotline for workers to report abuses as well as a system of penalties for those who violate its reform efforts. However, people and ratings have said otherwise. There has been claims made that have stated Fashion nova doesn’t publish sufficient relevant information about its environmental policies. Also in terms of their labor conditions, none of its supply chain is certified by labor standards which ensure worker health and safety, living wages, or other labor rights. They publish limited information, and don’t really disclose any information about forced labor, gender equality, or freedom of association. There is also no evidence they ensure payment of a living wage in its supply chain. Fashion nova also doesn’t disclose which animal products they use either. They have faced criticism regarding its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

In conclusion, my recommendations for Fashion nova is that they need to give more information and show evidence that their workers are indeed receiving a living wage and are in safe, clean conditions as they claim to be. Also disclose any more information about their environmental factors, animal cruelty, health and safety risks, etc. They also should substitute for more eco-friendly materials, because there is no evidence it reduces its carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and its supply chain, or that they have taken action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals.

This week involves learning about ethics, social responsibility, and employee relations. I decided to base my paper on Nike and their corporation because of the influence it has on society, from being sponsored by school organizations and collaborating with well-known celebrities to building up their connection to making sales in the fashion brand.

Move to Zero campaign. 

As of 2024, Nike has consecutively been placed as the number 1 brand for sales in athletics wear for the United States; with this, Nike as a whole has been more than just basic advertisement for their sports. In the past few years, Nike has made many collaborations. Still, certain ones stand out, like the collaborations with Lil Nas X and Colin Kaepernick, HBCU scholarships, etc., and some that hold social responsibility and ethics towards the company. In my assignment, I’ll be addressing social responsibility in this aspect. For instance, Nike is currently focusing on corporate social responsibility and pursuing sustainable business practices through their “Move to Zero” initiative.

The “Move to Zero” campaign aims to prompt and reimagine the way Nike operates by addressing key areas such as carbon, waste, water, and chemistry. Nike is trying to reduce its carbon footprint by 63% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050; with a chance for change, Nike is required to rethink its operations by exploring sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. The company has stated its commitment to using sustainable materials and has been working on inventing more efficient materials to reuse existing plastics, yarns, and textiles in its fashion line. Also, in regards to waste, the company has created products that are designed to be recycled or repurposed at the end of their lifecycle, which can typically take from 1 to 5 years, depending on which material the merchandise is made from. A step toward fixing Nike’s controversial problems Nike is currently working towards eliminating hazardous chemicals from their supply chain and promoting safer chemistry and less water usage in their manufacture.

Moreover, the company has taken the time to address its concerns by working towards promoting transparency throughout its supply chain. In addition, it implements its own Code of Conduct, which outlines policies and standards for labor practices, including fair wages and benefits, safe and healthy working conditions, and ethical and legal standards.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, during my search for the company, Nike has had some concerns about its business ethics practices in the past, although some of the issues include supply chain issues, poor wages, and poor treatment of workers.  The sustainability of Nike’s efforts is ongoing, which causes the company to continue to innovate and evolve its strategies to achieve a more sustainable future for the greater good of society.

Sandwiches, chips, and freshly baked cookies, such things are what represent Subway. Known for its accessibility and affordability, Subway has grown to a machine that is spread across the globe. Though its size comes with a considerable number of concerns, concerns of labor, carbon emissions, health and hygiene, and product quality. Luckily, Subway is well aware of these concerns, and is taking proper steps to ensure it’s quality as a business remains at peak condition. 

However, the focus of this assignment is more of the community itself. For the community is essentially the foundation that businesses can utilize to grow and expand. Which is why Subway offers a restaurant franchise model, which allows individuals to open up a Subway. Not only does the individual in question learn about business in general, but jobs and other opportunities are created, which lead to economic stimulation. To add on, it doesn’t matter who are where you’re from, Subway welcomes any and all into its business. That sense of diversity pushes for a more flexible and evolving work environment. The “Subway Cares Foundation”, a non-profit separate from Subway, is the organization that comes to the aid of those who suffer from hardships. Whether it’s food for the unfortunate, lending support during natural disasters or charity work. The foundation is ready to assist where it can. 

It’s clear Subway cares about its communities, from what I’ve seen Subway has created a solid method of reaching out and supporting the communities around them. However that doesn’t mean it’s easy, these issues are very sensitive, approaching them incorrectly or carelessly could backfire. Yet Subway seems to have a very good grasp of the situation, and the solutions that will resolve these concerns. I can’t recommend much on the community effort that Subway is a part of. Expansion will be key, while Subway has much influence and worldly reach, it isn’t the biggest entity in it’s respected field. It’s also important to note that too much expansion is to be avoided. Maintaining these programs, and expanding on them should be the approach. Education is also vital, educating people about business, job opportunities, opportunities for growth, nutrition related education, among other aspects that will grow Subway’s social influence. 

It’s clear Subway is more than just a Sandwich chain. They are aid lenders, job creators, breakers of old outdated ideologies, health and food experts, among other roles. Subway seems to be looking to expand beyond the normal functions of what a business represents, to go beyond offering a product or service. From what I’ve learned, Subway seems to be doing quite well at improving the communities around them. 

For the past few months, I have been consistently going to the gym because I wanted to get more active. I chose Planet Fitness as the gym that I would be going to, so I got a membership there. Planet Fitness, which was founded in 1992 in Dover, New Hampshire, has become one of the largest and fastest growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States. The main goal of theirs to enhance people’s lives by providing an affordable, high quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. This organization is taking action with regard to corporate social responsibility, as they pursue sustainable business practices.

Providing access to fitness in underserved communities continues to be their biggest opportunity to drive health equity.  Research shows that lower-income communities experience a disproportionate rate of adverse health impacts such as heart conditions, obesity, and behavioral risk factors. With approximately 20% of their clubs located in areas of the U.S. with low income, they are committed to providing a more affordable and high-quality way to improve the physical and mental health, and overall wellbeing, of those who need it most. For more than 20 years, Planet Fitness has kept the price of the basic membership at $10 per month, consistently offering a low point of entry for the 80% of the U.S. population that doesn’t belong to a gym.

The Judgement Free Generation is Planet Fitness’ signature initiative to promote kindness and acceptance among today’s youth in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It provides youth with access to the opportunities and tools needed to reach their potential and advance their social, emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Planet Fitness launched the Judgement Free Generation scholarship program in 2017 to recognize and reward youth who are actively promoting kindness and inclusion in their communities. Since then, they have reached 180 youth with scholarships worth $5,000 each, helping to ease the financial burden of secondary education. Planet Fitness has constructed customized versions of the Judgement Free Zones for Boys & Girls Clubs across the country that meet youth where they are and provide access to safe, welcoming spaces where they can start to build healthy habits through fitness. Planet Fitness has focused their funding on supporting trauma-informed care training for staff, a 6-month, evidence-based training that equips staff to better understand the impacts trauma can have on teens’ own wellbeing as well as their relationships and interactions with others. To help extend judgement free culture, they empower local Boys & Girls Clubs to spread kindness within their own communities through Community Kindness Grants, which fund local service projects, created and executed by local youth. Planet Fitness employs strict safety protocols to safeguard team members and members while in the clubs. They uphold their standards through mandatory team member trainings on Planet Fitness University, their online training program. Health and safety requirements have been included in their Code of Ethics.

Reducing environmental footprint is vital to the business. Their strategy is led by cross-functional environmental working groups consisting of team members from their operations, construction, facilities, vendor management and corporate responsibility teams, with oversight from senior leadership. Within the operations, their biggest opportunities for reducing impact are through resource efficiency, including water and energy, as well as responsible waste management and recycling measures. Each year, they work with outside consultants to measure and report energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and waste across corporate headquarters and corporate clubs.

Practices that I would recommend for Planet Fitness to pursue are using their social media accounts and local advertising, so customers can see all the initiatives that the gym has taken to better the environment. This can help attract more members because you are being transparent about your efforts, which can build trust. It is important to build a strong relationship with customers.

All submissions for our Week E Ethics Assignment will populate below.