Question 1
Identify the key ethical issues in the case study. Describe at least two of the perspectives on ethics (deontological, consequential, justice or virtue ethics) discussed in this module. Apply your ethical theories to the case study in relation to the actions of the Indian suppliers to major UK supermarket chains and the fashion brand Ralph Lauren.
Student guidance for Question 1
Briefly outline the ethical issues that you think are most relevant in the case study. You are not expected to carry out any extra research. It is not necessary to go into too much detail on the nature of ethical challenges. Next provide a brief explanation of two or more ethical perspectives (from Readings 49, 50, 51 and 52) and discuss how they may help shed more light on the actions of Indian suppliers or sub-contractors in this context.
(Use approximately 450 words for this question)
Question 2
Drawing on the module material, explain the differences between outsourcing and offshoring. Discuss whether either outsourcing or offshoring, or both of them, can be used to discuss business practices in the case study.
Student guidance for Question 2
Start your answer by explaining outsourcing and offshoring as well as the key differences between these two concepts which are discussed in Reading 58. Then discuss which of the two concepts (or their combination in the form of offshore outsourcing) is more appropriate to discuss business practices in this case study and explain why.
(Use approximately 350 words for this question)
Question 3
Using the case study and module material, discuss the key downsides or risks that the three UK supermarket chains and Ralph Lauren have been exposed to by outsourcing and/or offshoring their production to suppliers in India.
Student guidance for Question 3
Outline key downsides or risks of outsourcing or offshoring that you found most appropriate. Discuss which of these downsides or risks the three supermarket chains and Ralph Lauren have been subject to. Use Reading 58 to help you identify downsides or risks or outsourcing and/or offshoring.
(Use approximately 150 words for this question)
