1. Review the new strategic direction for Unilever. What are the economic rationales for these seven key strategic imperatives? What are the risks? To what extent are these initiatives driven by concerns of environmental as compared to business sustainability?
2. Why does the concept of "cradle to grave" no longer make business and environmental sense?
3. What would the business model look like if we were to compete primarily on environmental sustainability?
4. In a recent study by MIT, it was found that the Toyota Prius, a hybrid, was less environ- mentally responsible than a Hummer SUV. How could this be? You might want to con- sider using the AT&T Environmental Assessment Matrix in addressing this question.
5. What are some operations/supply chain management strategies that can be used to deal with the challenges of diminishing natural resources?
6. Why is it that some managers are not willing to more aggressively pursue environmental sustainability even when presented with compelling reasons for its need? (Hint: Think about issues such as level of resources available, risk of failure, and how the managers are measured and rewarded.)
7. The triple bottom line can be viewed as a three-legged stool in that each element must be present or, if one or more elements are removed, then the entire structure collapses. To what extent do you agree with this approach? Why is it important that each element be present?
8. Do you think companies should invest in community-based programs such as support for the arts? Why or why not?
9. One common approach that companies use to protect human rights is a supplier code of conduct. How can you increase the effectiveness of a code of conduct?
10. The American South and the American Midwest experience natural disasters on a regular basis (hurricanes such Hurricane Katrina in the American South and tornados in the American Midwest). Whenever such a disaster takes place, organizations such as the American Red Cross must respond. Part of this response is to set up a supply chain structure. Identify and discuss several of the factors that can influence the design and deployment of such a supply chain. How can technology be used to improve and enhance the operation of this supply chain?