Explain: Ethical Sourcing and the Supply Chain

Companies doing business internationally deal with complex sourcing and supply chain issues. Unfortunately, many multinational corporations have failed to include Corporate Social Responsibility practices in their global operations. Due to a number of international human rights disasters resulting from lack of supply chain auditing, corporations are rapidly becoming more transparent and are adopting globally accepted codes of conduct.

Instructions

Read the case study on Foxconn in the textbook. In a well-written paper, respond to the following issues:

1. Explain why a firm is responsible for its supply chain. If the answer is that a firm is not responsible, discuss an organization that exemplifies this. If the answer is that the firm is responsible, then how far down the supply chain does this extend (i.e., to immediate suppliers, the suppliers' suppliers, or beyond)? Support all claims or assertions with scholarly research.

2. Why does Apple continue to source its production to overseas firms such as Foxconn? What advantages, if any, does this generate for Apple? What are the disadvantages, if any, that result from this relationship? How could Apple have avoided the threats identified? Overall, do the benefits of Apple's decision outweigh the costs? Support your opinions with scholarly research.

Your paper should be 5-6 pages in length, not counting the required title and references pages. Your entire paper should conform to the APA writing guidelines.