RESIT COURSEWORK
Individual Report Assignment Instructions
Task Overview:
You are required to submit a report titled “A critical evaluation of the contribution of transnational corporations to the achievement of global sustainable development: the case of XXX” where XXX is a transnational corporation (TNC) of your choice.
Objectives:
Demonstrate understanding of contemporary global challenges represented by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Critically evaluate the contribution of a chosen TNC to the achievement of the SDGs.
Evaluate how changes in the global operating environment shape the strategies and ethical behavior of the TNC.
Make recommendations on how the TNC might adjust its strategies to reduce risks from global challenges and contribute more to sustainable development.
Research Question:
Based on your analysis of a single case study company, what is the role and contribution of transnational corporations to the achievement of global sustainable development?
Structure and Content Guidelines:
Introduction (200-300 words):
Aims and objectives of the report.
Descriiption of your approach to the task.
Overview of the report’s structure.
Optional: Abstract or Executive Summary (no more than 200 words).
Literature Review (500-700 words):
Review the academic literature on business and sustainable development.
Discuss corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting, performance, and practices in the industry of the chosen TNC.
Examine studies on TNC engagement with the UN’s Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs.
Company Overview (300-500 words):
Descriiption of the chosen TNC (nationality, main areas of business, size, international scope, recent performance indicators, main competitors).
Provide sufficient context without including irrelevant details.
Critical Analysis (1000-1500 words):
Analyze how the TNC contributes to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs through products, services, business operations, and social contributions.
Discuss positive steps taken by the TNC (refer to Annual Reports, CSR Reports, ESG Reports, Sustainability Reports).
Identify shortcomings in current practices and actions, suggesting improvements and recommendations.
Strategic Approach Evaluation (500-700 words):
Evaluate the TNC’s strategic approach to CSR and sustainable development using frameworks like van Tulder and van der Zwart (2006).
Benefits Analysis (500-700 words):
Evaluate how the TNC benefits or could benefit more from adhering to the UN’s SDGs.
Reflect on reasons why the TNC has or hasn’t fully embraced the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Recommendations (500-700 words):
Propose adjustments to the TNC’s corporate strategies to improve its contribution to global sustainable development and the UN’s SDGs in the ‘Decade of Action’.
Conclusion (200-300 words):
Summarize the key findings.
Answer the research question, linking back to the literature reviewed.
Explain the extent to which your analysis agrees or disagrees with existing knowledge on the relationship between TNCs and sustainable development.
Referencing:
Use APA or Chicago method of referencing (do not mix both).
For Chinese sources, provide citations in pinyin with English translations in the reference list.
Word Count:
Maximum of 4,000 words (excluding table of contents, abstract/executive summary, tables, figures, appendices, and bibliography).
Marks will be deducted for exceeding the word count limit.
Submission:
Ensure your report is well-structured, critical, and supported by recent scholarly literature.
Follow the guidelines and include all necessary sections.