Managing Sustainable Global Value Chains

Learning outcome 1: Critically discuss the relevance of international value chains and the dilemmas implicit in implanting them in organisations (COI)
Learning outcome 2: Debate the importance of sustainability to an organisation and the managerial dilemmas to which it gives rise (SID)
Learning outcome 3: Appraise the upstream and downstream value chain related activities of a global firm. (COI)

Assessment guidelines
For this assessment, you are asked to write an essay by choosing one topic as found below and demonstrate the importance of sustainability through Global Value Chains:

1. Global and Sustainable Value Chain: What is the future for value chains: Globalisation or de-globalisation?
2. Value Chains Strategic Importance: Should value chains become more efficient or resilient or sustainable in the future?
3. Sourcing Strategies: What is the best sourcing strategy?
4. Supplier Selection and Development: What would the top criteria for supplier selection be in the future?
5. Risk Analysis of Value Chain: What would the key risks for value chains be in the future?

You need to elaborate on the chosen topic in order to emphasize the importance of sustainability through Global Value Chains. In your answer, you need to present at least one example of a global firm that follows sustainable practices.
Essential elements required for essays

Relevance: it directly answers the question
Understanding of the topic
Evidence of the use of appropriate material (e.g. books, journal articles, etc.)
The organisation of material into a coherent structure: introduction, argument and evidence, conclusion
A clear style, including accurate spelling and grammar, clear sentence construction and punctuation

The structure of your essay

Title Page

Abstract

Table of Contents

Introduction

Discussion

Appendices

Reference List

Abstract (200 words)
The abstract should briefly describe the content of the essay. It should cover the aims of the essay, what was found and a brief review of the conclusions. Aim for about 1/2 a page in length and avoid detail or discussion.
Remember that the summary is the first thing that is read. It should provide the reader with a clear,
helpful overview of the content of the essay.

Introduction (400 words)
The introduction sets the scene for the main body of the essay. In the introduction, it is important to provide information about the chosen topic and the example of the chosen global firm.
The aims and objectives of the essay should be explained in detail. Any problems or limitations in the scope of the essay should be identified as well.

Main Body - Discussion (2000 words)
The main body of the essay is where you discuss your material. The literature and evidence you have gathered should be summarised, analysed and discussed with specific reference to the chosen topic as found above. Here, you are asked to apply the literature review and reflections based on an example, a chosen global firm aiming to highlight a global firm's contribution to sustainability through Global Value Chains.

If your discussion section is lengthy you might divide it into section headings. Your thoughts should be grouped and arranged in an order that is logical and easy to follow. Use headings and subheadings to create a clear structure for your material.
As with the whole essay, all sources used should be acknowledged and correctly referenced (remember to use the most credible resources available).

Conclusion
In the conclusion, you should show the overall significance of what has been covered. You may want to remind the reader of the most important points that have been made in the essay or highlight what you consider to be the most central issues or findings.
Provide a few critical recommendations for international business managers as well.