Business blog

Word limit: 2000 words (+/- 10%, and excluding end-text references and appendices)

Unit Learning Outcomes:

ULO2: Determine how various disciplines, functions, processes and assets of a business interrelate to create value, considering principles of business sustainability
ULO3: Evaluate the contribution a business makes to society, in context, considering aspects of corporate social responsibility

Instructions

Step 1: Consider the background of this assignment below.

The global challenges associated with sustainable development are multifaceted, involving economic, social and environmental concerns. Viewed through the appropriate business lenses, such global challenges can help to identify strategies and practices that contribute to a more sustainable world, which aligns with a social responsibility to have a positive impact on society.

Your business blog provides a business case for sustainability. The purpose of this assignment is for you to demonstrate your conceptual and applied understanding of the Sustainable Value Framework (SVF) by means of blogging about an organisation that demonstrates sustainability in their organisation. In other words, demonstrate how they are being sustainable, using the SVF framework as your lens to make that judgment.

Step 2: Choose an Australian for-profit organisation (Sri Lankan students may choose a Sri Lankan for-profit organisation) and evaluate their overall impact on society using the four quadrants of Hart and Milstein’s Sustainable Values Framework (2003). Demonstrate your conceptual and applied understanding of SVF by means of blogging about your selected organisation in a way that demonstrates sustainability within, or by, that organisation. In doing so, you are making a business case for sustainability.

Step 3: Understand the SVF framework. View the short video below to assist you in understanding the SVF.

Step 4: Apply the SVF to the company you chose and answer/apply as much as possible in each of the 4 quadrants.

The on-campus students produced a list of organisational examples drawn from the pre-work reading, YouTube video and lecture content. You can use this as a resource for assessment 2 to give examples of what sustainable activities might be included within each of the 4 SVF quadrants. Mentimeter_ Organisational examples_PP.pdf

Your blog should include the following:

An introduction that will serve as an overview of your organisation, as well as your stance on the business case for sustainability (this is your viewpoint).
An explanation of the SVF, which includes a definition of each of the four quadrants (main body). There are four quadrants reflected in the SVF: (1) pollution prevention, (2) product stewardship, (3) clean technology, and (4) sustainability vision. When defining each quadrant, you are required to provide an organisational example that demonstrates what the chosen organisation is doing in that area. Additionally, you need to critically evaluate the value that such example creates for the organisation.
A minimum of four PEER-REVIEWED references. These are available through the ECU Library. In addition to the empirical literature, this may include, but is not limited to, information from the organisation’s website (e.g., sustainability report), additional statistics and news coverage. Formal referencing of the sustainability report is not required within the text unless using a direct quote; however, you are required to include the reports in the reference list at the end of your blog.
Blogging can be considered a business skill, which is often seen on global website such as Forbes, LinkedIn, Harvard Business Review and Huffington Post. While blogs tend to be less formal and academic style is not required, the quality of work should be at a level suitable for a professional online audience. The blog writing style can be in first, second or third person, as long as you use your own voice (this is distinct from an essay or report that uses third person and very little personal opinion). We choose the format of a blog because we want your opinion!
A captivating opening (headline) that is clear, concise and explanatory. Eight in ten people will glance at a headline but only two read the article, so this is the hook that will perk your reader’s attention. If you have a flair with words, be creative; otherwise, go simple but begin with the benefit in mind (i.e., how will the reader benefit from reading your blog).
Outside data or information is going to enhance your credibility and help you establish trust with your readers. This might include, but is not limited to, consumer testimonials, expert quotes, industry or company data, and influencer options. Any figures should be APA referenced (short version).
A conclusion that evaluates the overall (in)effectiveness of the SVF in your focal organisation.
Assignment Criteria/Marking Rubric

You will be marked against the detailed criteria outlined in Rubric. Generally speaking, you will be assessed on the introduction and conclusion, main body and writing style.

Resources

What is a good blog? Well, there are many ideas. Here are some for you to consider:
Tips on writing the blog
How to Write High-Quality Blog Posts for Search Engines and Readers
The 12 Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Blog
How to use the sustainable value framework as a business booster
How to Write a Blog for a Business
APA 7th Referencing Guide
Academic Integrity